Want to Look Like an Idiot? Hire a Consultant

Most business leaders and owners recognise the importance of outside help, to fill gaps in their business skill set. That’s why most use external accountants and lawyers. Some also have an advisory board, external trainers and safety specialists. So why is getting help for growth or profit less common? There are four main reasons. 

1. Fear of Losing Control

According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, 78% of business leaders expressed concerns about external consultants gaining too much influence over their business decisions. Trust is the primary factor here. Trust that the consultant knows what you’re talking about, that they have your interests at heart and that they will do what they promise. Fear of losing control comes with a consultant who hasn’t established your trust.

2. Justifying the Cost

A survey by Consultancy.uk revealed that 65% of businesses cited cost as a significant barrier to hiring consultants. The opportunity cost might be way higher but harder to see. When I help a client enter a new market, redesign a sales strategy or align a leadership team, that’s where the real transformation (and ROI) kicks in. The value of these is enormous. It’s an investment, not a cost.

3. Bad Experience

Negative experiences can create a sense of scepticism and reluctance towards hiring consultants. I’ve had clients who were burned before. They told me stories of vague scopes, over-promising and consultants who delivered nothing but decks. I get it. Once bitten and you’re entitled to be twice shy. Use a consultant who wants a clear scope of work and one that helps you to achieve your objectives, not one that seeks to impress you. Stoke Consulting Consultants are not “career consultants”. Our value is in our wisdom, experience and the battle scars of being in the same situation as our clients to provide us with the skills and knowledge to improve performance.

4. Preference for Internal Solutions

A study by the Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing found that 62% of companies prefer to use internal resources rather than hire consultants. The reality is that even the best internal resources won’t be best at everything. Businesses that bring in outside help tend to be more efficient. They recognise when a fresh set of eyes can accelerate results. A good consultant will not only ‘do’, but they will ‘teach and coach’ and develop internal capabilities. The true value of a consultant you trust is the ability to give you a perspective you may never have considered (often brutal honesty wrapped up in a kind delivery). A good consultant will have very wide and varied experience which is priceless when it comes to improving performance.

Conclusion

If you want someone to come and help you improve your business performance there are literally thousands of consultants in Australia who can do that for you, but they’re not all the same. In fact, the skill, experience and wisdom gap are huge. The following is a checklist to consider when you have the thought of engaging a consultant to help your business.

1. Depth of Real-World Leadership Experience

Has the consultant sat in your chair? Look for someone who has led teams, owned results, faced pressure, and made real decisions, not just advised others from the sidelines.

2. Track Record of Outcomes (Not Just Outputs)

Have they delivered measurable business results? You’re not hiring a report writer. You’re looking for someone who can help shift performance, culture, revenue or margin.

3. Wisdom and Battle Scars

Can they give you insights you didn’t know you needed? Great consultants draw from a wide range of industries and experiences. They’ve made mistakes, fixed them and can spot the early signs of trouble before it’s too late. That kind of wisdom can’t be taught, it comes with time (and a fair bit of it)

4. Trusted Partner, Not Temporary Visitor

Will they challenge your thinking and still have your back? Consultants worth their salt are relationship builders. They should be able to tell you the hard truths in a way that builds respect, not defensiveness. It’s about trust, not control, just like with your accountant or lawyer.

5. Coach and Capability Builder

Will your team be better because they were involved? A great consultant doesn’t just “do” work for you, they improve the people around them. They teach, coach, guide and transfer skills. When they leave, your business should be stronger than when they arrived. (great investment, isn’t it?)

As a Stoke Consulting consultant, I know that when I walk into a client’s office, factory, showroom or work site, that I’m part of my client’s team. It’s no different than when I was in senior roles for various companies. Our goal is to turn your ambitions into outcomes.

Osman Bahemia

Stoke Consulting

Osman works with businesses to develop and implement strategies for growth and effectiveness. Osman has worked in a variety of industrial sectors including aviation, mining, asset management, transport and marketing. His skills in operational effectiveness, strategy development, leadership development and change management propel significant growth and efficiency improvements in medium to large organisations.