This pivotal role can dramatically influence the trajectory of your business, steering you towards success or potentially into unseen pitfalls. In this blog, we delve into the essential factors you need to consider to ensure you partner with a consultant who not only understands your vision but also has the expertise to bring it to life.
Why Hire a Strategic Planning Consultant?
Strategic planning consultants are more than just advisors. They are an invaluable asset when it comes to formulating and implementing actionable strategies. They have access to additional resources that are often tailored to the specific needs of an organization to ensure every aspect of your company is aligned with the strategic vision. They are able to offer a fresh perspective that often challenges your company’s existing operations, introducing innovative and transformative ideas. They are able to draw upon their experience with a variety of businesses to bring you external insights, best practices, and lessons learned from other companies they have worked with.
Keys to Choosing the Right Strategic Planning Consultant
Choosing a strategic planning consultant is a critical decision that can have a considerable impact on the success of your business. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right strategic planning consultant:
- Understand Your Needs
Before choosing a strategic planning consultant, it’s essential to invest time in clearly defining your business goals and objectives. Think of it as charting a roadmap for your company’s future. Ask yourself, what are your long term goals for your company? Make sure you identify specific challenges, roadblocks, or opportunities your business is facing. Are there any hurdles in your path or potential changes you are eager to capitalize on? This process is not just about broad visions but setting specific, measurable targets that align with your overall mission and vision.
- Experience & Expertise
When choosing a strategic planning consultant, it’s crucial to consider their experience and expertise. Look for a consultant who has a proven track record in strategic planning, particularly in your specific industry.
For a more in-depth assessment, consider obtaining references from at least four former clients. While written references are beneficial, try to have direct conversations with these clients. You can also speak to people who have previously worked with the consultant as their insights and experience can provide a valuable perspective. Furthermore, review the consultant’s online presence, including reviews and testimonials. A strong reputation within the industry acts as a stamp of approval.
- Communication Skills
Selecting a consultant with strong communication skills is crucial. They should be able to convey complex ideas in a manner that is easy for everyone to understand, regardless of their expertise or background.
Effective communication however, is not just talking; it’s also about listening. A good consultant should be able to actively listen to and comprehend the unique challenges and nuances of your company. This allows them to tailor their strategies to your business as opposed to using a one size fits all approach.
It’s also crucial to work with a consultant who is a team player and able to work with people at all levels of your organization. They should encourage open communication among all team members to ensure everyone feels heard and valued. This inclusive approach will allow you to draw upon the diverse insights and expertise within your team.
- Cost and Value
Before selecting your consultant, it’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for. Clearly define the scope of work – understand what they will do for you, what you’ll get in the end, and how much it’ll cost.
However, it’s not just about the money. Consider the bigger picture – what value does the consultant bring to your business? Weigh the benefits against the price tag; you want to make sure it’s worth the investment.
Ask questions about what you’ll gain in the long run. Are you getting helpful insights, new strategies, or a boost in efficiency? Choosing a consultant is not just about the cost; it’s about the value they bring to your business.
- Timeline and Deliverables and Follow-up:
Having a clear understanding of the timeline for the entire strategic planning process is essential for alignment. This involves discussing and agreeing on key phases, milestones, and deliverables. Knowing when each part of the plan will be developed, reviewed, and implemented helps ensure that the process stays on track and that expectations are aligned between your team and the consultant.
It’s also important to establish clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure you are moving in the right direction. A good consultant will help you set these KPIs, ensuring they align with your business goals. Having a procedure to adjust the plan as necessary will give you a detour option in case you encounter unexpected obstacles. This flexibility ensures that the strategic plan remains effective and adaptable to changing circumstances.
Additionally, choose a consultant who commits to ongoing support and follow-up for the entire journey. Once the plan is launched, this support ensures that you don’t feel stranded on your business road trip. This post-launch assistance is essential for maintaining the momentum and success of your strategic plan over the long haul.
Conclusion
A strategic planning consultant can bring a fresh perspective to your business. A new point of view can provide new ideas and opinions that you may not have thought of that can greatly improve the value of your business. They will be able to evaluate your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats without any preconceived notions or prejudices. They are on the outside looking in and can see everything much more clearly than you. Hiring a consultant to assist you with preparing and implementing a strategic business plan is an important step to improve the value of your business.
By carefully considering these points, you can increase the probability of choosing a strategic planning consultant who not only has the necessary skills and expertise but also understands the specific needs and values of your business.
Partner with Robbinex
Robbinex has over 4 decades of experience working with businesses across various industries. Our proven track record includes the successful operation of Robbinex through multiple recessions and challenging economic climates, showcasing the importance of strategic planning.
Our unbiased perspective is what sets us apart. We do not have any vested interest in how your company performs and we remain uninfluenced by non-shareholders who may have conflicting priorities. This allows us to analyze your business objectively and do what is in your company’s best interests.
Our dedicated team of seasoned professionals is committed to aligning with your goals to ensure your business not only survives but thrives.
Learn more about our strategic planning services: https://www.robbinex.com/strategic-business-plan/
Author: Robbinex
