If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an entrepreneur to describe the benefits of a consultant for your small business.
In this edition of “Ask the Board,” we feature Brian Zielinski, President and Co-founder of ShapeConnect, a company that matches small business owners to vetted business software and service providers.
Brian encourages all entrepreneurs and small business owners to invest in a small business consultant, as they can offer the following benefits:
Identify where to improve
A good consultant will look at all aspects of your business. Often, small business owners are stuck in the day-to-day of running their business and don’t take a step back to look at the business as a whole.
Consultants bring to light issues that a small business owner has not even considered and often identify areas of improvement. For example, they may help determine when AI could be beneficial, which staff members can take on more, and areas of marketing that are falling short.
Uncover the best ideas
Consultants can reign in runaway ideas and help owners focus on execution while building a roadmap for future expansion and idea implementation. While most entrepreneurs come up with great ideas all the time, those great ideas aren’t usually fleshed out, researched, or put up against a business’s mission and goals.
This makes sense as doing this can take away some valuable time and resources. A consultant may come in and discern which ideas are worth pursuing and which ones should be shelved away for a later date.
Consultants bring to light issues that a small business owner has not even considered and often identify areas of improvement.Brian Zielinski, President and Co-founder of ShapeConnect
Stay up-to-date on the business landscape
Consultants keep up to date with the changing business landscape and can help owners navigate through the noise. They often advise on what dangers or advances and changes you should be focused on and which do not necessarily impact your specific business. Without a consultant by your side, you might miss an important advancement that can be a real game change for your business.
Overcome hurdles
Let’s be honest: Running a startup or small business isn’t always a walk in the park. Regardless of your industry or experience level, you’re bound to face challenges and setbacks. That’s where a consultant comes in. Many consultants also function as great psychologists. They provide a safe place for you to voice your concerns and help you get through obstacles.
Save time and money
While they do require an upfront investment, small business consultants can help you save money. Here’s how: They usually identify waste and connect you to the best service providers to help with various projects and areas of your business where you need a bit of expertise but not necessarily in the form of a full-time employee.
Also, an experienced consultant has likely seen most scenarios that your business faces and can quickly step in and assist with execution and correction. It could take months or even years if you try to do this on your own.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
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