Transform Your Business with External Consulting: Unleashing Growth and Efficiency

Updated 14/12/23

Get the big decisions right!

In the dynamic world of business, the path to success is often paved with challenging decisions and the constant pursuit of efficiency and innovation. Yet, one of the most pivotal choices a company can face is whether to seek external expertise. While some may hesitate, wondering if an external perspective is truly beneficial, the reality is that bringing in an outside business consultant can be a transformative decision.

In this era of ever-evolving markets and technological advancements, staying ahead often requires a fresh pair of eyes – ones that aren't clouded by internal biases or constrained by habitual thinking. This is where the role of an external business consultant becomes not just advantageous, but essential.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top five benefits of hiring an external business consultant, backed by compelling data and real-world success stories. From cost-effective solutions to innovative strategies that propel your business forward, discover how an external consultant can be the catalyst your business needs to navigate complexities and seize new opportunities in today's competitive landscape.

1. Cost-effective Strategies:

The financial aspect of hiring an external business consultant is often misunderstood. While the national average salary for an internal consultant is around £43,056 per year according to Indeed.com, the true cost-effectiveness of an external consultant lies in their focused expertise and flexible engagement. Unlike a full-time employee, an external consultant doesn't require long-term financial commitments such as benefits, training, or office space.

Consider the case of a manufacturing startup we recently worked with. Facing a crucial pivot point, they needed expert guidance but couldn’t afford a seasoned full-time strategist. By engaging with our tailored consultancy packages, they received targeted advice that helped them navigate their transition successfully, without the ongoing expense of a high-salary executive role. This is a perfect illustration of how external consultants provide high-level expertise on demand, ensuring that businesses pay only for the specific services they need, when they need them.

Moreover, the return on investment (ROI) with external consultants can be substantial. Their interventions often lead to increased efficiency, higher revenue, and cost savings that far outweigh their fees. For instance, a strategic review by an external consultant might identify redundancies in processes, leading to cost reductions that continue to benefit the company long after the consultant's contract has ended.

In essence, external consultants offer a scalable solution – they can be engaged for short-term projects, intermittent needs, or specific strategic initiatives, providing flexibility that is both cost-effective and impactful for businesses of all sizes.

2. Objective Insights for Growth:

The value of an external consultant's objective viewpoint cannot be overstated. Free from the internal dynamics, biases, and politics that often cloud judgment in any organisation, they offer a fresh perspective that is both honest and critical. This objective lens is pivotal for accurately assessing the company’s current state and laying a solid foundation for strategic growth.

Take, for example, a financial services company we worked with. Internal discussions about process inefficiencies were often mired in departmental biases, making it challenging to pinpoint the root causes. Our external consultants, with no vested interest in internal hierarchies or histories, were able to conduct a thorough, unbiased evaluation. This led to identifying key areas for improvement that internal teams had previously overlooked or undervalued.

Moreover, an external consultant can act as a catalyst for difficult conversations within a company. Their independence allows them to raise and address sensitive issues without fear of reprisal or office politics. This can lead to significant breakthroughs in how a business operates, driving meaningful changes that resonate throughout the organisation.

Additionally, their external status often places them in an ideal position to mediate between conflicting internal viewpoints, helping to build consensus and drive forward strategic initiatives. In essence, they provide a bird's eye view, seeing the forest for the trees – a perspective that is often challenging for internal stakeholders to achieve due to their immersion in the day-to-day operations.

Ultimately, an external consultant’s objective, non-biased viewpoint is more than just an assessment tool – it's a powerful instrument for transformative change, fostering a culture of honesty, openness, and strategic clarity.

3. Driving Change with Expertise:

Change, especially in an established business environment, is often met with a mix of scepticism and resistance. This is where an external consultant’s expertise in change management becomes invaluable. Their external status not only symbolises a serious commitment to change but also helps to overcome the inertia that characterises many organisational transformations.

A notable example of this was seen in a service industry client facing stagnant growth. The internal efforts to initiate change were consistently hampered by resistance to new ideas and processes. Our intervention as external consultants provided the necessary impetus for change. We brought not only a fresh perspective but also a wealth of experience in managing similar transitions in other organisations. This external validation and guidance were pivotal in breaking down barriers to change, encouraging buy-in from staff at all levels, and introducing new, more efficient processes and methodologies.

Furthermore, an external agent can navigate the delicate balance of respecting a company’s culture while challenging the status quo. They are adept at identifying and addressing the fears and uncertainties that often accompany change, providing reassurance and support throughout the process. This approach can transform the typical resistance to change into enthusiasm for new opportunities and innovations.

The presence of an external consultant also sends a clear message to the entire organisation: that the leadership is committed to making substantial, positive changes. This can boost morale and build confidence in the company’s direction, especially when employees see that their leadership is investing in expert advice and support for the betterment of the company.

In essence, the role of an external consultant in initiating change extends beyond mere planning and implementation. It's about instilling a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement, setting the stage for sustainable growth and success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

4. Infusing Innovation and Opportunities:

One of the standout advantages of engaging an external business consultant is the infusion of fresh ideas and perspectives that can lead to discovering new opportunities. Consultants, with their experience across various industries and sectors, bring a wealth of innovative thinking and best practices that can be transformative.

For instance, we worked with a client in the TICC sector who had been following the same business model for years. Drawing on our diverse experience, we were able to introduce novel sample throughput strategies and daily management techniques from different industries, which were previously unexplored by the client. This cross-pollination of ideas not only revitalised their operations efforts but also opened new revenue streams and customer segments.

Moreover, external consultants often have a broader network and understanding of different market dynamics. This can be incredibly beneficial for businesses looking to expand or diversify. They can facilitate connections and introductions to new partners, suppliers, or even potential clients, broadening the company’s reach and capabilities.

Another key aspect is breaking the echo chamber effect that sometimes occurs within industries. Internal teams, while experts in their domain, might become insular over time. An external consultant challenges this by bringing in fresh viewpoints, questioning established norms, and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. This can lead to creative problem-solving and tapping into opportunities that were previously overlooked or deemed unfeasible.

In essence, an external business consultant acts as a catalyst for innovation and expansion. They help businesses not just in improving what is already there but also in envisioning and capturing what could be, thereby driving growth and ensuring that the company remains competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing business environment.

5. Maximising Time and Resources:

In the fast-paced business world, time is a currency just as valuable as capital. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and rapidly expanding companies, in particular, often find themselves stretched thin, juggling numerous projects and priorities. This is where the strategic engagement of an external consultant can be a game-changer in time management and resource allocation.

Consider the example of a fast-growing startup we assisted, which was rapidly scaling due to market demand. Their internal team was overwhelmed, struggling to manage the increased workload and the complexities of scaling operations. By bringing in an external consultant, they were able to delegate critical project management and strategic planning tasks. This not only alleviated the burden on their team but also ensured that key projects were executed efficiently, without sacrificing the quality of their core services.

An external consultant specialises in diving deep into complex challenges quickly and effectively. They bring methodologies and tools that streamline project management and decision-making processes. This efficiency translates into faster project completion, quicker response to market changes, and more agile business practices.

Moreover, the consultant's expertise in handling similar challenges in various contexts means they can anticipate and mitigate potential roadblocks, further saving time. Their role often extends beyond just providing solutions; they actively manage the implementation of these solutions, ensuring that the business stays on track and on schedule.

By outsourcing specific tasks or projects to an external consultant, businesses can focus their internal resources on what they do best – running the day-to-day operations. This not only leads to better use of time and internal resources but also contributes to a more focused and productive workforce, ultimately propelling the business forward more effectively and efficiently.

Smart business

In today’s complex and ever-evolving business landscape, the decision to bring in an external consultant is not just a step towards solving immediate challenges; it's a strategic move towards long-term, sustainable success. As we've explored, the benefits of this approach are multifaceted – from cost-effective expertise to the infusion of innovative ideas and the efficient management of resources.

An external consultant is more than just an advisor; they are partners in your business's journey towards growth and excellence. They bring a fresh perspective unclouded by internal biases, a wealth of diverse experience, and a toolkit of strategies and solutions that can be the difference between stagnation and breakthrough.

Whether you are an SME grappling with growth pains or a well-established enterprise looking to stay ahead of the curve, the insights and expertise of an external consultant can be invaluable. They help navigate the complexities of today's business world, identify and seize new opportunities, and foster a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement.

So, as you ponder the next steps for your business, consider the transformative potential of external consultancy. It's not just about making smart decisions; it's about making decisions that make your business smarter, more agile, and ready for the future.

Let's embrace the journey of transformation with open minds and the right partners by our side. Contact us here for more information.