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5 points to consider when choosing the right small business consultant in Calgary

Ken |

Being a solopreneur or running a small business with 40 employees is a formidable task. You are surrounded by competitors, your prospective customers are increasingly demanding, and the solutions to your toughest challenges are rarely evident.

There may come a time where you decide to seek external advice. A small business consultant creates value by providing specialized expertise, objective insights, and actionable strategies that help small businesses achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities.

This article is a quick guide on helping you find the right small business consultant for your business in Calgary.

  1. Make sure your values are aligned

    The right fit for your small business will be with a consultant that partners with you for the long term. Consider hiring a consultant as a marriage with your small business. Before you make a commitment, identify the consultant's core values and determine if they match your personal and professional values. You want a consultant that you can trust, that will be committed throughout the entire relationship, and that delivers an exceptional standard of results.

  2. Look for customization

    Many small business consultants begin the relationship with a one hour introductory meeting to learn about you and your small business. Be wary of a consultant that presents a proposal to resolve your business challenges after one hour of discussion. If this is the case, you are most likely going to receive a boiler plate set of solutions and a generic roadmap for success.

    Look for a consultant that wants to deeply engage with your business and offer a novel approach to solving your challenges. There is no one size fits all solution to your unique business and a consultant should be able to demonstrate how their approach to your business is designed specifically for you.

  3. Test compatibility with a low risk investment

    Before investing thousands of dollars and diving into a full engagement, see if you can take on a low risk approach with a sample of the consultant's expertise. Many consultants will begin the relationship with a significant ask and you are committed to a process without fully understanding what to expect.

    Ideally, you want to take small steps with your consultant and gradually work your way towards a full engagement. By doing this, you can make a more informed decision and minimize your loss should you decide to not proceed with a full engagement.

  4. Understand their value proposition

    Every reputable small business consultant should be able to clearly explain their value proposition in language that resonates with you. A value proposition is a clear, concise statement that explains the unique benefits a business offers to its customers. It describes how the business solves a problem, meets a need, or delivers value better than its competitors.

    Avoid consultants that put an emphasis on generic statements about growth and reduced costs. Your small business is unique and it faces a specific set of circumstances. A consultant must offer a compelling way that they will create value for your business and overcome your challenges.

  5. Avoid complication

    Be wary of a consultant that uses complicated business language and presents ideas that you do not understand. The right solution for your small business should be easy to understand.

    Think of your consultant as a business partner that will work along side you on your journey to overcoming your challenges. Your partner should speak the same language as you and not overwhelm you with complex methodologies.


    Hopefully this article provided you with a few points to consider as you decided on the right small business consultant for you.

    I would be happy to hear your story and learn more about your business.

    Email me directly ken@inegmaconsulting.com or call me personally at 587.574.9521

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