Are Consultants Worth It?

In today’s world, filled with near-endless firms touting themselves as experts in the consulting field, it’s challenging trying to wade through the real ones from the wannabes. And by “real,” I mean qualified. 

Let’s face it; even random social media influencers can effortlessly claim to know enough on the subject to offer their two-cents as self-professed “consultants.” This trend is a bit disturbing, and it has even led many to give up on the idea of hiring a consultant entirely in lieu of going it on their own. 

While not wanting to spend money on what you see as a risky endeavor is understandable, attempting to handle your business processes entirely on your own also ushers in countless possible pitfalls, not to mention the hassles and overwhelm that are sure to ensue.

But, what if I told you you didn’t have to be so extreme in the decision? That you could hire a consultant without also taking on the risk of investing in a loose cannon or ignorant amateur who can only offer you empty promises? Sounds good, right? Ideal, even. 

To do this, you have to be educated on what exactly to look for to decipher the cream of the crop among the counterfeits, and when you find those hidden gems, it can be the best decision you ever make as a CEO. One main criterion for finding a great fit is to select someone who isn’t directly tied to your company—who can step into your company’s inner world and offer a priceless and unique, outside (and objective) perspective and insight. This is truly a game-changer. 

Still on the fence about hiring a consultant, even after finding one who is qualified? I get it. But let’s unpack that.

Risky Business

As mentioned above, many people worry about the risk of hiring a consultant who isn’t truly qualified or knowledgeable enough to counsel them wisely. The sticky thing about this is that since there are no formal certifications or qualifications needed to reach consultant status, there is no golden measuring stick to determine the con artists from the corporate magic makers.

This is where deep diving into research becomes your best friend and main ally. Look specifically into your consultant candidates’ background and experience, ensuring that their history is rock solid and they’ve proven themselves as more than capable of tackling the task at hand. This research will not only mitigate your risk, but it will also provide you with peace of mind in moving forward in the hiring process with confidence that you are bringing on an asset that will be worth every penny.

When to Say No

While the above scenario (finding that golden, magic maker consultant) is ideal, I realize that such a fortunate find is not always the case. For this reason, it is essential to know when choosing to opt-out of hiring a consultant really will be in your best interest, saving you from spending money that really wouldn’t be worth your while.

One example of such a scenario would be if you already feel highly confident in your perspective. You’ve most likely heard the familiar adage about having “too many cooks in the kitchen” and how that creates just a bunch of chaos and noise. This is a real possibility if you hire a consultant when you already have a clear and pre-determined idea and mindset about the course you already want to take.

Another example would be when, after researching your new consultant candidate, you discover they don’t have any formal training and perhaps have even spent the majority of their adult working life traveling and being a skydiving instructor on the fly. It is a very safe bet that this candidate—who is most likely more interested in the paycheck that will get them to their next adventure than your current consulting need—is not going to be the superstar hire that will get your company where you want it to be.

This brings me to my most key point: When hiring a consultant, your most winning strategy will be seeking out someone who is a qualified leader and has skin in the game. Your hire—to be truly worth your while—must become a partner, not a simple hire. You need an ally, not an employee—an ally that will come alongside you and help bring clarity and focus and offer unmatched insight and advice that will bring you to a whole new level.