| Have you ever considered hiring a business consultant | | | | sure it is nice, but are they faking it or do they really |
| to assist you in your business expansion? It often | | | | know their stuff. |
| makes sense to do this if you own a small | | | | 4.) Ask them their fees up front and what you will |
| independent business, which is not associated with | | | | get for this in advance. Come to an understanding |
| any dealer networks or franchise systems. | | | | and ask for this in writing to be sure you are on the |
| Yet you have to be careful when hiring a business | | | | same page. |
| consultant. Are you sure they know what they are | | | | 5.) Try to find a consultant who knows everyone in |
| talking about, understand the dynamics of your | | | | the industry and is well connected. |
| market or industry? If not how can you be certain | | | | 6.) Verify that the information on the consultants |
| you will not be wasting you money? Here are the | | | | resume is correct and not over embellished, are they |
| top 7 tips to hiring a business consultant for your | | | | capable, experienced and have done this before. |
| company. | | | | 7.) Give them a test run on something you are |
| 1.) Make sure that your ego and their ego match, if | | | | familiar with, do they talk the same language have |
| they are too much of a bully it will cause endless | | | | real strategy skills or are they blowing smoke and |
| non-productive friction. | | | | acting more like a politician? |
| 2.) Read up on any and all previous articles and advice | | | | Indeed, I hope you will consider all this in 2006, when |
| this consultant has put out; does it appear to be | | | | hiring or scouting out the right business consultant for |
| worthy advice? | | | | your growing business. |
| 3.) Do not be fooled by pure professionalism or titles, | | | | |