Why Hire a Consultant?
Julianne Shenk
JBS Nonprofit Consulting
August 3, 2015
August 3, 2015
Even as a consultant, I have a tough time answering that
question. I will start off with a little story…
My business has a Facebook page, Twitter feed, Pinterest
page, and a website. A potential client can ask me questions via any one of
these sources. I was recently asked via the website to research a question and provide
a quote as to how much the cost for my time would be. In this case, a simple
Google search could render the answer to their question in under 10 minutes.
Under 10 minutes of my time.
In turn, under 10 minutes of their time.
But, about $30 of my time. Thirty dollars to basically “do a little
Googling”.
My theory, it was busy work that would take up too much of
their time. And…I am okay with that. I can help with that.
People often wonder why bringing in a consultant (aka
outsider) is good business. Here are a few reasons why I believe hiring a
consultant is a good business practice:
1.
Experience/Expertise. A consultant can add a
scope of experience and expertise to a project that your team/company/manager
does not have.
2.
Education. A consultant will be up-to-date on
practices/implementations/guidelines/restrictions that your company may be
unaware of.
3.
Past experience.
A consultant does not to get to (or should not) use the title of
“Consultant” without prior knowledge and mastery of skills and application with
out the proper education.
4.
Specialization. A consultant is “specialized” in
a particular matter. This specialized knowledge lends itself to the success of
the project.
5.
Methodologies from the industry. While a
consultant should obviously be specialized in the area, knowing how to employ
the proper methodologies is essential.
6.
Objectivity. An objective viewpoint on the
project is essential to the success of both the business relationship and the
success of the project.
7.
Resources. A consultant can bring resources to
the project not afforded to the company.
8.
Perspective. A consultant can bring a different
perspective to the project allowing for other facets of troubleshooting and
problem solving to be completed.
9.
Negotiation. A consultant can act neutrally in
resolving differences in opinion or methodology among personnel designated to
work on the project.
10. Contractual
guarantees and accountability. A consultant is bound by contract regarding any
limits, guidelines, privacy issues, etc. put in place by the hiring company as
well as a contracted timeline to deliver the finish product/completed project.
Consultants are often viewed with a degree of skepticism.[1] “Why are we hiring someone from outside to
come in and tell us what we already know?” “We can surely find the answers, complete the
project, initiate the contract, etc. without outside help.” “ We have a cohesive
group, why are we messing with the team?” The answer…any or all of the ten
reasons above.
Sometimes consultants are seen as usurpers. A good
consultant comes in and does the job he or she is contracted to do. No
usurping; working with not against.
The Denver Foundation provides a clear and concise explanation
for the role that a consultant should play:
“The
Consultant’s primary role is to assist your organization with certain areas of
your project. While the consultant may act
as an educator, a catalyst for deeper change, a resource, or a facilitator, the
leadership of the process remains within your organization. The project committee, staff, board members, and
executive director have the power, and the greater responsibility to lead the
process of becoming more inclusive. There are four general categories of work
for which you may want to hire the services of a consultant or consulting team:
1.
Overall
Guidance
2.
Information
Gathering
3.
Cultural
Competency/Diversity Training
*These
are specifically in relation to nonprofit organizations, but can be
applied/altered to reflect your company’s needs.
Hiring a consultant is ultimately up to the manager of the
project. As a consultant, I endorse the benefits and merits of consultants. I
believe in sharing knowledge, experience and expertise with a business in need of
it. A proper and successful consultant will abide by all contract requests and
deliver a finished product that pleases both the client and the consultant. A
success for the company is a success for the consultant.
[1]
Why Hire a Consultant? The Consultant: Necessary Evil or Valued Partner? 2004.
Exceed Consulting. www.exceedconsulting.com
[2] The Denver Foundation Inclusiveness Project.
www.nonprofitinclusiveness.org The word “inclusiveness” was replaced with
the word “project” to make the passage more
readable. The role explanation was written to be included in an article
specifically for The Inclusiveness Project.
