What does a Business Consultant do?
Consultant is perhaps one of the most used and misunderstood job titles that currently exists. When someone states “I’m a Business Consultant”, the Business prefix does little to explain what that individual actually does.
This article will help you to gain a better understanding of what a Business Consultant is, and what their role can entail.
A Traditional Consultant
Let’s start by looking at the definition and role of a consultant.
The definition of Consulting
Consultancy UK defines a consulting as:
“professional or expert advice in a particular field of science or business to either an organisation or individual”
The role of a Consultant
As for the role of a consultant, this can change massively depending on the industry the individual works within and actual scope of work, but generally focusses on providing specific expert information.
Wikipedia states:
The consultant is in a role of sharing her or his knowledge and advice
In recent years, we’ve seen sales-people take on the title of consultant, as they provide advice on the product they’re selling.
What they actually do
In the world of professional consulting, we generally see most consultants working on a project. This is typically broken down into 3 or 4 phases:
The consultant acquires the client, defines the scope of the consulting project, and looks to understand the objectives and problems.
The consultant investigates the situation and researches possible solutions.
A deliverable is compiled, generally including one or more recommended solutions and planning for implementation.
Some consultants will assist in implementation, or complete the implementation for the client.
A Business Consultant
So now we know what an everyday consultant does, let’s look at a Business specific Consultant.
The definition of a Business Consultant
Unsurprisingly, we would define a Business Consultant as a professional giving expert advice on Business to an organisation or individual.
The role of a Business Consultant
As for the role of a consultant, this can change massively depending on the industry the individual works within and actual scope of work, but generally focusses on providing specific expert information.
Accelo states:
”A business consultant is an individual who works closely with business owners and managers to improve operations and efficiency. Business consulting includes helping to identify, address, and overcome obstacles to meeting a company's goals.”
The Harvard Business Hierarchy
In the HBR article Consulting Is More Than Giving Advice, Arthur N. Turner succinctly outlines and organizes the range of activities of a Business Consultant.
The ConsultX™ Method
Since 2005, we have been developing our own structure of Business Consulting that differs in small, but critical ways from regular Consulting and Business Consulting.
How the ConsultX™ Method works
Our long-term approach is designed to improve the profit, growth and value of a business.
The process is broken down into 3 phases:
1. Understand the Business
Discover the challenges and goals of the Business
Diagnose the profit leakage
Quantify the value potential available from a successful and improved operation
2. Create a Business Plan
Investigate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
Draw on the expertise of the owner and employees
Build a robust business plan that will fix problems and improve the business for the benefit of the owner and stakeholders
3. Manage Implementation & Performance over the Long Term
Break down the Business Plan into actionable improvement steps
Manage the implementation of these steps
Review data and facilitate management meetings to monitor business performance
As needed, coach owners and leaders within the Business