Trusting Your External Consultant: A Small Business Survival Guide

Introduction: The Outsider You Need to Trust

Picture this: You’ve built your small business from the ground up. You’ve poured your sweat, tears, and an unholy amount of caffeine into making it work. Now, someone tells you that you need to bring in an outsider—an external consultant—to help you improve things.

Cue dramatic music…

For many small business owners, the idea of trusting an external consultant can feel like handing over the keys to your beloved vintage car to someone who just got their driver’s licence. But consultants can be an incredible resource, offering fresh insights, specialist knowledge, and—believe it or not—actual solutions to your problems.

So, how do you trust this new mysterious figure? Let’s break it down.

Why You Need a Consultant (Even If You Think You Don’t)

You might think, I know my business better than anyone. Why would I pay someone else to tell me how to run it? Good question! Here are a few reasons why external consultants can be worth their weight in gold (or at least their hourly rate):

1. Fresh Perspective

You know that moment when you stare at a word for too long and it starts looking completely wrong? That happens with businesses too. A consultant brings a fresh pair of eyes and can spot issues you’ve become blind to.

2. Specialist Knowledge

Consultants aren’t just random people who enjoy Excel spreadsheets (well, some of them are). They have specific expertise in areas like finance, marketing, operations, SEO, or tech that you may not have in-house.

3. Temporary but Effective

Unlike an employee, a consultant won’t be hanging around the break room for the next five years. They come in, fix the problem, and then ride off into the sunset (or to their next client).

4. Cost-Effective

Hiring a full-time expert is expensive. A consultant gives you top-level expertise without the long-term commitment. Think of it like renting a high-performance car instead of buying one outright.

Picking the Right Consultant: The Goldilocks Principle

Not all consultants are created equal. Some will be absolute lifesavers; others will make you regret ever Googling “business consultant near me.” Here’s how to find one that’s just right for your small business:

1. Look for Relevant Experience

A consultant who helped a multinational corporation expand into six continents may not be the best fit for your independent bakery in Conwy. Find someone who has worked with businesses of your size and industry.

2. Check Their References

Good consultants should have happy former clients. Ask for case studies, testimonials, or even a chat with past clients to see if they delivered on their promises.

3. Ensure They Understand Small Businesses

Some consultants are used to throwing around jargon like “synergy” and “vertical integration” but have no clue about the real struggles of a small business. Find someone who speaks your language (preferably in non-pretentious terms that you understand).

4. Trust Your Gut

Sometimes, you just know. If a consultant makes grand promises without listening to your concerns, or if something feels off, trust your instincts. The right consultant will feel like a partner, not a salesperson.

Working With a Consultant: Avoiding a Trust Crisis

Alright, you’ve found your consultant. Now comes the tricky bit—actually working with them. Trusting an outsider with your business is no small feat, but here’s how to make the relationship smooth and effective:

1. Be Honest About Your Problems

Consultants aren’t mind-readers (although that would be an excellent side hustle). If you sugarcoat your business challenges, they can’t help you fix them. Be upfront, even if it’s uncomfortable.

2. Give Them the Information They Need

Imagine hiring a detective but refusing to give them clues. A consultant needs access to data, insights, and sometimes even staff to fully understand your business and provide meaningful solutions.

3. Set Clear Expectations

Avoid vague goals like “make my business better.” What does success look like? More customers? Higher profits? Fewer complaints about that dodgy website? Define clear objectives so you can measure their impact.

4. Keep Communication Open

Nothing kills trust faster than radio silence. Have regular check-ins to discuss progress, raise concerns, and make sure everyone’s on the same page.

5. Listen to their advice

After all, you are paying for an expert so doesn’t it make sense to at least listen to what they are saying?

6. Be Open to Change (Yes, Even You)

A consultant’s job is to improve things, which often means change. If you resist every suggestion, you’re just throwing money down the drain. Embrace new ideas, even if they make you slightly uncomfortable at first.

Common Consultant Nightmares (And How to Avoid Them)

Not all consultant experiences are smooth sailing. Here are some red flags and how to handle them:

1. The Overpromiser

“I’ll double your profits in three months!” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Look for realistic, achievable goals instead.

2. The Disappearing Act

Some consultants vanish mid-project, leaving you with half-baked strategies and unanswered emails. To avoid this, set clear deliverables and timelines upfront and maybe think about payment schedules.

3. The Generic Template User

If your consultant pulls out a generic PowerPoint and tries to apply it to your unique business, call them out on it. Good consultants tailor their advice to your specific situation.

4. The Jargon Spouter

If a consultant spends more time using fancy buzzwords than offering real solutions, ask them to explain things in plain English. If they can’t, they probably don’t understand it themselves.

Making the Most of Your Consultant’s Expertise

Getting a consultant isn’t just about them doing all the work while you sip coffee and nod sagely. Here’s how to get the most out of their expertise:

1. Take Notes and Ask Questions

Consultants bring valuable knowledge, so make sure you’re learning from them rather than just nodding along.

2. Implement Their Recommendations

It sounds obvious, but many businesses hire consultants, get great advice, and then promptly ignore it. Follow through on the strategies they provide.

3. Treat It Like a Collaboration

A consultant isn’t a magic fix—they work best when you actively engage with them, provide feedback, and refine solutions together.

4. Evaluate Their Impact

Once their work is done, assess the results. Did they meet expectations? What improvements did they bring? This will help you decide if you’d work with them again—or run in the opposite direction next time.

Conclusion: Trusting the Right Consultant (Without Losing Your Mind)

Bringing in an external consultant can feel like a gamble, but if you choose wisely and work collaboratively, they can become a game-changer for your small business. The key is to find someone with the right expertise, communicate openly, and—most importantly—trust the process.

So go forth, small business owner. Find that consultant, embrace the insights, and make your business better than ever. And if all else fails—at least you’ll have a great cautionary tale for the next networking event.