WHY HIRE A CONSULTANT?

Hiring me as a Business Consultant is an investment in your business. Just as you have attorneys, accountants and other professionals, a professional business/management consultant should be part of your team as well. Sometimes a business owner needs an additional outside resource available to him/her to bounce ideas off, or solve specific business problems. Dan Castilleja's services are available on a project, per diem, hourly or custom fee basis.

 

You are in business to make money. Period. And I will add "HAVE SOME FUN!". Many people don't want to say that out loud, or admit it. Even non-profits have to make money, and you should have some fun along the way as well.  A consultant has the ability to look at a business from an objective point of view, with specific focus so you keep, start, or make more money. A good consultant will tell you areas of weakness and ways to improve the efficiency of the business without sacrifice to the quality. He/She will not necessarily tell you what you want to hear, but will work with you to get the results required.

 

Will a business consultant really make a difference?

If the recommendations are sound and properly implemented, it can be the difference between a mediocre business and a quality growth business. Can you do without improvement and enhancement? Yes. Is it in the best interest of your customers and those who work for the business? No. The business community is small and word circulates between professionals, suppliers, your employees, and your customers on what kind of business you have. It can affect referrals and therefore, business growth, which directly affects the heatlh of your business.

 

What will it cost, isn't it expensive to hire a consultant?

A good consultant, Yes.  But it is more expensive to run an inefficient and poorly managed business.

A good consultant is an investment in you (as the owner, you are the business) and therefore your business is a reflection of you.

 

What qualifications should your consultant have?

Diversified in experience above all.

Able to clearly and concisely communicate.

Problem solve.

Objective.

Personable to you and to your employees.

Ethical.

 

Questions to consider before considering a consultant.

• Is there a general consensus from the Owners(s) that outside help is needed?

• Can you define what you want a consultant to do? For example, where does the business run well and where does it run inefficiently?

• Have you interviewed a few business consultants? Each consultant has a different style. Find a consultant where the chemistry works.

• Does the consultant have a wide diversity of experience and background?

 

Establish your boundaries for engaging a consultant. Some consultants can become financial parasites to a business. Be sure you have a plan of action for the consultant and constant review of when a consultant has finished the assigned task.