Many startups tend to be confused in the beginning stages of their business, as they normally have not yet formed a clear picture of where their business is heading, here’s 5 crucial guidelines for any consultant.
Many startups tend to be confused in the beginning stages of their business, as they normally have not yet formed a clear picture of where their business is heading or how to tackle problems during the first three to five years. It can be hard for small businesses and startups to hire for any kind of consultancy work, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to be professionally advised. The benefits can be enormous.
“THE CONSULTANCY WORLD IS A HIGHLY CRITICAL BUSINESS, AND BY NATURE, HUMAN BEINGS DON’T TAKE IT VERY WELL—FOR VARIOUS REASONS.”
The consultancy world is a highly critical business, and by nature, human beings don’t take it very well—for various reasons. These can include arrogance, the business owner thinking they’re already doing the right thing, or the other side disliking criticism for any reason.
Business development consultants need to be very careful. It takes a high level of diplomacy skills to convince business owners that a consultation will work to their benefit.
Here are 5 things a consultant shouldn’t (and should) say to business owners so they won’t feel criticized:
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- Never say, “You have a problem.” Always say, “There’s a big space for improvement.”
- Never say, “You are going down the wrong path.” Always say, “There is a need for new strategies and goals.”
- Never say, “You are operating at a loss.” Always say, “Here are some business opportunities that should be captured.”
“HERE ARE 5 THINGS A CONSULTANT SHOULDN’T (AND SHOULD) SAY TO BUSINESS OWNERS SO THEY WON’T FEEL CRITICIZED.”
- Never say, “You are weak.” Always say, “There are strengths you should be building upon.”
- Lastly, and most importantly, never be discouraging to the business owner. Always be positive, because for every problem, there is a solution.
Of course, all of the above cannot be said without a proper study backed up with facts and figures. A study can prove that any suggestions or recommendations are actually genuine, and that the proposed changes will lead to a certain percentage of improvement. It can also help avoid potential challenges to statements given by the consultant.
It is very much recommended that monetary figures be shown to business owners. Most entrepreneurs would like to see them, and at the end of the day, they will provide a clear, visual example of exactly how much has been saved, how much sales could increase, and the extent of their potential profit.
