Evaluation:

Once the business consultant has developed an in-depth understanding of your company, they enter the evaluation phase, with the goal of identifying where change is needed. This phase includes assessing your company’s strengths and weaknesses as well as current and foreseeable problems.

• Examining established problems and identifying new problems: The consultant should study problems that owners and management have already identified. Because of their objectivity, consultants can also pinpoint new or unforeseen issues.

• Finding solutions: A business consultant should strategize solutions to the problems they identify and outline ways to capitalize on opportunities to grow the business, increase profits, and boost efficiency. For example, if your company has a particularly strong sales department but a weak marketing department than this is an opportunity to increase your marketing resources and capitalize on your sales staff.

There are two crucial elements to focus on during this process: communication and feedback.

• Communication: During the evaluation phase, your entire team must maintain clear, open communication with the consultant.

• Feedback: You and your team members should take the business consultant’s advice as constructive criticism. The consultant’s feedback isn’t meant to be personal. While you and your employees are personally close to the business, a wider perspective can initiate positive change and growth; the consultant brings objectivity and a fresh viewpoint. Of course, you should offer your own feedback and opinions to the business consultant but keep your mind open to new ideas.