What is a BUSINESS CONSULTANT?

I bet there are as many definitions of “business consultant” as there are consultants. But when I ask my clients and colleagues, they mention things like:

• “knowing the top level of every aspect of the business” 
• “knowing the answers and directions of 90% of the business” 
• “an advisor to setting up and maintaining efficient workflows and processes, and how the business will engage across all departments”
• “defining and measuring the journey to success” 
• “the focus is on business strategy”
• “they help people be more efficient in their business, connect all the pieces, foster integration among software, and just make a business run a lot smoother.”

As a business consultant, here’s how I think of my role: I’m an objective strategic advisor, bringing new ideas and perspectives to help my clients grow their businesses to the next level. My job is to identify what is holding the business back from growing profitably. Then I create solutions that fit with the culture of the business, are practical to implement, and will deliver more productivity (and thus, higher profit margins).

My job is also to convey my findings and my proposed solutions in a way that makes sense to the owner, and to plan and guide the implementation of these operational changes in a way that enlists the buy-in of the staff. In the end, the business should run more smoothly, have the capacity to serve more customers, and see higher profit margins.

So who needs a business consultant? 

Business owners need a business consultant for many reasons, among them:

Facing Growth Challenges: Some businesses are growing intentionally, but running into frustrating roadblocks. The owner and the staff are getting stretched thin, and customers are experiencing some glitches. Everyone in the company feels like they’re juggling a lot of balls. This is a great time to bring in a business consultant to identify the issues and propose some changes to get things running smoothly again.

Planning for Growth: And some businesses are growing gradually; they’re not hitting roadblocks, but the owner is planning ahead for major changes down the road, or wants to prepare for future growth. That’s a great situation for a business consultant to provide regular strategy sessions so that the owner can talk through their plans and get some objective feedback and perspective.

Doing Just Fine: Some businesses are ticking along just fine; they’re either at a stable size, or they are growing manageably and have the capacity to handle that growth. They’re not facing major changes and the owner is focused on keeping things running as usual. The owner isn’t necessarily looking for strategic advice. Although consulting services may not be needed, we’re always happy to help business owners find other services they might need, from lawyers to accountants to financial planners and more.

What’s it like to work with a business consultant?

You’ll have an expert on call for regularly scheduled strategy discussions, as well as for things that pop up unexpectedly. And if you’re growing fast and want to make some bigger changes, you’ll get a thorough assessment and a practical plan for changes that will have a real impact on how things run in your business.

Do I need a business consultant, a coach, or a fractional COO/CFO? What’s the difference?

Dunathan Consulting offers business consulting and business coaching services. If you’re looking for advice and guidance as you make changes to your business, a business consultant or business coach is an appropriate choice.

• A business consultant is an objective outside advisor who assesses the situation and makes recommendations. A consultant will tell you what they think you should do, based on their expertise and experience and the specifics of your situation. They develop solutions with you and for you. See our Business Transformation Services for more information.
• A business coach is an objective outside advisor who guides you along the path of business ownership. Typically a business coach is very similar to a consultant, but may serve as a long-term strategic advisor or mentor rather than working on a project-by-project basis. See our Strategic Advisor Services for more information.

You may also be acquainted with other roles such as executive coaching or fractional COO/CFO services. Though Dunathan Consulting doesn’t offer these services, we can recommend experts from our network of business professionals.

• An executive coach or leadership coach (also life coach or mindset coach) works with you to help you identify the questions you want to ask yourself, and to help you answer them yourself. They guide you along a path of self-discovery. See this ICF page for more information. If you’re looking for personal and professional growth to help you run your business and your life in greater alignment with your goals, then an executive or leadership coach may be the right resource.
• A fractional COO or CFO is a long-term member of your executive team who takes ownership of some of the responsibilities of running your business, in their specialty area. They typically work part-time, from a few hours to a few days per month, hence the “fractional” title. They may be on contract or hired as an employee. If you’re not ready to hire a full-time COO or CFO, but you’d like someone to fill that role part-time, then a fractional COO/CFO might be the right choice.

These roles may be very helpful as you grow your business, either in addition to or instead of our business consultant or business coach services. Many business leaders have both a business consultant and an executive coach, for example.

How do I learn more?

Schedule a free, no-commitment consultation with Dunathan Consulting to discuss your situation.

Not ready for that yet? Check out the Case Studies page and the questions in the Are We the Right Fit for Your Business? page to see if we’re the right fit for you.