Is a Consultant for Me
Over the last few weeks, I have been watching the debate within the industry of do you need a consultant or do you not need one. I also have watched as some old school consultants are going after the “young guns” in the home service consulting world. Let’s just take a step back and determine if your business needs one, whether old or young. Word of advice though if they call themselves a wizard, bada$$ or legend I would strongly recommend you run away as fast as you can. You are looking for an ethical professional with a proven record of accomplishment.
In the home services arena, we are taught if you are growing your living and if you are stagnant you are dying. Home service business owners tend to prefer to be involved in every aspect of their operations, from choosing the type of coffee machine for the breakroom to doing the company tax returns. Many business owners find it difficult to delegate tasks to employees or outside consultants. However, if you are a business owner and are spending too much time on non-core business activities this is when you become stagnant and stop growing. This is when you need to find assistance from consulting services.
Financial restraints often require owners to be jacks of all trades during the first years of operation. As businesses mature and profits increase, there are many needs that are better served by experts in the discipline. The ever-increasing complexities of information technology, the tax code, and the regulations and other legal aspects surrounding a business can be exceedingly difficult to keep track of. Home services business consultants can help business owners manage these complexities.
Here are some key points for you to consider:
Consultants can help manage areas that business owners don't have time or expertise for. You can find a good consultant by word-of-mouth, or by searching online for specialists in areas where you need help.
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Accounting and bookkeeping consultants can be hired for a few hours a year (or year-round) to help keep your books in order and prepare you for the tax season.
Accounting and bookkeeping are two of the most common consulting activities needed by small businesses. When deciding whether to contract out some or all your bookkeeping or accounting duties, ask yourself:
What is my time worth?
Can I do as good a job as a professional in this field?
For a solo enterprise or small business, you may have time to handle bookkeeping and some accounting chores if you have the desire and aptitude.
However, as your business grows, it may make more sense to hire out some of these duties to a consultant. In as little as a few hours a month, a good bookkeeper can do most of your record-keeping, including submitting invoices, paying bills, doing payroll, and prepping the company accounts for tax season.
A good accountant can do much more than explain tax changes and do your taxes.
They can:
Navigate the maze of tax laws and provide the financial advice you need to manage and grow your business
Make recommendations on how to lower your taxes, such as whether to incorporate or if you should lease or purchase commercial space
Information Technology (IT) Services Consultants
Information technology (IT) is one of the most rapidly changing fields in business as modern technology regularly impacts devices or software systems including:
Desktop computers
Mobile devices (laptops, cell phones, tablets, etc.)
Cloud computing services
Point-of-sale (POS) systems
Business websites and social media platforms
Word processing, spreadsheets, etc.
Accounting software
Tax software
Computer-aided design (CAD) systems
Unless your business is in the information technology field or you are otherwise proficient with maintaining hardware devices and solving software issues, an IT consultant is recommended.
In addition to repairing hardware and operating systems, an IT consultant can perform other duties, including:
Ensuring valuable business data is backed up in case of emergencies;
Setting up cloud computing services;
Installing software systems;
Providing training on hardware and software systems;
Advising on technology upgrades and methods of using technology to streamline your business and improve productivity.
Human Resources Consultants
Dealing with personnel-related issues is often difficult and time-consuming. Some small businesses cannot afford the expense of a dedicated human resources (HR) individual or department.
However, businesses with effective HR strategies typically have better working environments and higher morale, which increases employee retention and lowers turnover costs. As a result, you may want to outsource your HR functions.
Professional HR consultants are trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of employee relations and can:
Handle the recruitment of new employees or contract workers, including advertising, interviewing, and reference checks
Deal with disciplinary issues and terminations
Run employee orientation and organize proper training
Limit your legal liability by ensuring that employee complaints or disputes are properly handled;
Keep you up to date on state and federal regulations regarding employees, such as wage laws, hours of work, holiday time, leave of absence, workers' compensation, mandatory benefits, and reporting;
Arrange and provide optional benefits such as health, dental, vision, and disability insurance for employees and their families.
Marketing Consultants
Successful marketing is essential to attracting and retaining customers—the number one need for most businesses, especially startups.
Unfortunately, marketing is highly specialized and while many small business owners excel in providing products or services to their customers, they may be less proficient with marketing and cannot afford full-time salespeople.
The right marketing consultant for your business should have an elevated level of expertise in your industry and be able to bring in fresh ideas as well as tried and true advice on how to develop strategies and campaigns. Marketing consultants can work with your business to establish and implement strategies based on: your
Overall business goals
Products or services
Target users or clients
Company's role in relation to the competition
Consultants also can design and implement individual marketing campaigns and provide general advice on promoting your business through activities such as:
Social media campaigns
Email marketing
Website and blog promotions
Press releases
Charity event sponsorships
How To Find and Hire a Consultant
Word-of-mouth referrals are a common way to find good consulting help once you've determined you need it. If you are new to a particular area, local business groups or chambers of commerce might provide referral assistance.
Once you've interviewed and selected a consultant, draw up a contract that addresses things like rates, terms, and any required confidentiality or non-disclosure clauses.
If you are just starting out in business and the cash flow is tight but you need a consultant, consider bartering your services. If you run a restaurant, for example, you might agree to cater a consultant's event for free or for a reduced rate in exchange for their services.
Since none of us are experts in all fields of our business we need to go outside and find help. Talk to your peers, get recommendations, and decide to help grow your business and give you the quality of life you deserve. Remember also there are many associations out here that offer all the advice you need you just need to follow it.
