As a small business owner, you already know that you can’t run things entirely by yourself. Just as you have an expertise, so too do consultants. If you’re racking your brain trying to decide where you can use a helping hand, today’s Business Innovation Management blog offers insight all along your innovation and brand protection pathway.

Business Strategy

A strategy consultant helps business owners and leaders narrow down the best strategic initiatives for their specific business. They might perform cost-benefit analyses, help you create an organizational chart, or identify things that make you different from the competitors.

Technology R & D

Closely related to new business development and strategy is technology R & D. Your technology research and development project may benefit from an expert in the industry that can help you identify new problem-solving methods and technologies that can put you ahead of the competition. They might put you on the right track for utilizing external technologies, and your consultant will ensure that your senior management understands how to navigate competitive intelligence projects.

Organization

Not everybody is born with the gene that allows them to keep things nice, tidy, and organized. Look for a business consultant that specializes in organizing your books and work flow processes. Your consultant should have a strong understanding of timesheets and know how to use your payroll platform. You will provide them with the tools they need, such as real-time reports, mobile access, and integrated software, to track where your employees spend the most time. The end result will be a plan to improve efficiency by organizing the way you operate each day.

Marketing

Marketing looks very different today than it did just 20 years ago. In the digital age, marketing no longer means simply commercials, word-of-mouth, and print advertisements. According to Lyfe Marketing, social media, SEO, PPC, email, and content marketing are the kings of today. Your marketing consultant can help you with all of this and more so that you can remain relevant in a highly competitive marketplace.

Human Resources

Your human resources consultant can help you with all aspects of your human assets. This might include helping your employees understand sexual harassment in the workplace, hiring and firing, and acting as a liaison between you and your staff.

Compliance

A compliance consultant can help you get through formal reviews of your company’s operations and procedures. Compli explains that compliance auditing is important, especially for larger businesses, and it helps to protect customers. Depending on your industry, you may be required to comply with certain industry standards, such as IT security or privacy laws.

Legal

Legal counsel is not just something you want in your back pocket if you can have problems and need representation in a court of law. Instead, your legal consultant can help you create and manage aspects of your business that you might not have expertise in. Debt collection, contract creation, and business transformation, such as switching from a sole proprietorship to a corporation, are all services that a legal consultant can provide.

Wellness

As your employees work harder and harder for you, you’ll want to find ways to support them. A wellness consultant can help. Your wellness consultant might be a nutritionist, personal trainer, or other professional. They can help you come up with everything from healthy meal plans (if you provide dining on site to employees) to exercise and fitness programs that keep your staff their healthiest.

Summary

Ultimately, running your business means that you will have to learn to rely on others at some point. If you do not have the need or budget to hire full-time employees in any of the above areas, outsourcing to a consultant is a smart move. You’ll have access to their expertise, and, since they are most likely an independent contractor, will only pay for the time you use. Remember, consultants offer big help for your small business and can help you grow on your terms.

Post authored by Amber Ramsey of Learn It for Life