What kind of consultant should i be

Sounds like a fairly simple definition. However, taking this definition to look at job searches can make the simple definition a much more complicated task. In addition to the numerous types of consulting, there is also the need to consider the size of the consulting firm to join. They range significantly from small niche firms of less than 50 people up to the Big 4 that employ thousands. Again, the choice here stems from what the applicant deems as the best fit for them.

However, no matter what type of consulting area a person would like to enter or what firm they would want to work for, there are several key characteristics that every successful consultant should possess: Having self-confidence, be a good listener, be a team player, easily cultivate and gain client trust, exhibit humility, have good communication skills, and be able to showcase expert knowledge. Have Self-Confidence When meeting with clients, be sure to not show or sound uncertain in the responses to their questions.

Speak with authority. Specifically, when discussing client sensitive matters, present yourself as confidently as possible and avoid sounding unclear or unsure in your response.

Exhibit Humility Humility is not thinking you are better than other people. Do not be boastful or arrogant when working with stakeholders. Remember, the individuals you are working with may have been doing the job you are now tasked to remedy or improve.

To help you get a sense of which types of consulting you are most interested in, we outline these five categories below. Strategy consultants focus on and assist with the long-term vision of a company. Their goal is to see the bigger picture, and to identify ways in which to increase the company's overall profitability and competitiveness. They form strategies to reach long-term goals and oversee the implementation of these, ensuring they are cost effective and bring in results profit.

Example: The client is a top clothing retailer who specialises in adult sleep and fitness wear. As they notice their competitive edge slipping, they seek the expertise of a strategy consultant.

The consultant identifies a major point of difference between the client and its competition: the client provides sleep and fitness wear to the highly profitable youth segment that is under served by competitors. Operations consultants look at the systems that clients use to reach their goals and work to enhance their efficiency.

They assess all levels of operations including production, sales, distribution and customer service. They are interested in how processes can be refined in terms of costs, time, staff involved and steps required, to best meet targets. Strategy consulting and operations consulting are closely linked. Strategy consultants focus on long term goals whereas operations consultants evaluate the behind-the-scenes structures that enable fulfilment of these goals.

Many leading firms offer both of these services. Example: Using the same client as above, an operations consultant might work with the retail client to improve their production costs, which ultimately allows the client to sell products at a cheaper rate, making them more competitive.

This may involve providing information and advice on investment strategies, tax issues and how to manage the everyday expenses of the business. A wealth of knowledge of local and federal laws is a must for any compliance consultant. A lawsuit is no laughing matter. If it is, the consultant will recommend and implement changes to improve things. IT consultants could be hired for anything from software management to data analytics.

Individuals in these roles may also be responsible for ensuring devices and programs are secure so that private information cannot be hacked or breached. Since IT and technology consulting is a technical field, those in this line of work have educational backgrounds in computer technology.

Overall, these consultants need to have vast experience and knowledge of computers and software. It requires a lot of research, focus, and experience to provide the best information to their clients. A part of the larger marketing category, social media consultants are a relatively new area of consultancy. A social media consultant ensures a business is doing all it can to drive potential customers to its website via its social media channels. Unlike some of the other roles mentioned above, social media consultants are often self-made, or have gained their experience from work.

Since the social media landscape—and the algorithms that define it— are constantly changing, someone looking to get into this line of consulting should always have their finger on the pulse of each platform. In other words, they need to keep informed of the newest updates and strategies. These days, businesses must ensure they meet all manner of environmental regulations. A sustainability consultant might be someone with a Bachelor in Environmental Science who can help a business identify ways to reduce its carbon footprint and take on more sustainable practices.

A sales consultant is a relationship and negotiation expert. Similar to marketing, securing a sales consultant role requires proven experience and records of surpassing sales targets, and maintaining large books of business. In this role, experience outweighs a formal sales education. A fitness consultant is so much more than a personal trainer. They often hold degrees in nutrition or sports science and can help their clients implement fitness programs on a company-wide or personal level. Generally speaking, wellness consultants need to hold a certificate in their specialty — be it nutrition, personal training, or health coaching.

A newer type of consulting that falls within the marketing umbrella is the growth marketing consultant. Examples would be, finding and scaling new channels for acquisition, or finding ways to improve the overall marketing funnel to increase conversions. Personal development consultants work closely with their clients and help them develop strategies and techniques to improve aspects of their personal life.

PR consultants are usually tasked with writing and pitching press releases, building campaigns, working with media and influencer partners, conducting or setting up interviews, etc.

A degree or diploma in public relations is helpful, but public relations is largely about who you know. Below are some next steps for launching your consulting business, with a few helpful links to get you started. Design your consulting logo here! Get started Get started today! Use Looka's AI-powered platform to create a logo, design a website, and build a brand you love.

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