The advantage of having an experienced marketing professional handy is that they help guide you through the confusing maze of marketing choices so you can maximize your marketing and stay on course to accomplishe your business goals.
| To supplement staff time | |
| To supplement staff expertise | |
| To ensure objectivity | |
| To ensure credibility | |
| To obtain a variety of skills |
When your organization is faced with problems that won't go away, a consultant may be your answer. In the long run you can save time and money by funding the right assistance to help you overcome a current obstacle or avoid costly mistakes in the future.
A good consultant, looking at your situation objectively, should be able to identify and implement the solutions to the problem more quickly and efficiently than you or your staff. The trick is in knowing what types of problems warrant a consultant's services. Here are some basic guidelines:
When you need an objective point of view. When you are very close to a situation, there is often a tendency to favor a predetermined - rather than creative - solution.
When the problem or situation is short-term, such as public relations around a special event.
When the problem requires special expertise such as how to buy a computer system, introduce a new product, or create a marketing campaign.
When your organization's financial situation is not favorable toward hiring permanent staff with all the consequential financial obligations.
When your firm is facing a major crisis, or when it seems to be operating in a crisis-management mode.
If your situation fits into any or all of these categories, a consultant's services are probably a worthwhile investment.
[My sincere thanks to the Connecticut Nonprofit Consultant Directory for the above excellent explanation of Why Hire a Consultant.]