One of the questions I hear these days from managers and business owners is this: What is the use of hiring a consultant? They cost money, they are just criticizing everything, and they don't know anything about my industry!

Consultants come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more direct; others are just giving you hints. It is absolutely your decision which style you prefer.

The benefit of having a consultant at hand is that you have someone you can discuss your ideas and concerns with. Generally, small business owners are often restricted to either having to decide everything alone, or they discuss their business issues with their spouses or friends. No offense, but are you sure your spouse is totally qualified to give you business advice? In some more complicated cases, it may be useful to talk to someone who has the collective business experience of many people, many industries and many business issues.

The consultant may not be experienced in your industry. If your questions are very specific, you need to choose a consultant who is an industry expert. But believe me, about 80% of the issues a consultant has to solve, are general, people-related or business finance-related problems that can occur in any industry.

I cannot tell you that you need to hire a consultant, but I can tell you why my clients believe it is good to have one on leash. They say they don't feel so lonely when they have a problem. They say that the consultant is impartial - no personal interests or hidden agendas, like some insiders may have. The only interest a good consultant has is that your business should grow - so that you can afford to pay your consultant! They also say that it is very useful to be challenged before they make a decision - a good consultant might ask some questions that they would have never thought about. My clients say that a consultant helps them keep focused and see clearly, and can often simplify the complex situations they encounter.

And all of them say that they sleep better at night, because they have one more brain to think about their issues.

So, if you can relate to any of these reasons, you may want to do some research on consultants. Find the one you are comfortable talking with! Honesty is the most important thing when you are working with a consultant.

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