Guest Article: So, You Want To Be A Consultant

The key to becoming a successful consultant is to work in a field with which you have experience and holds your interest. Your experience and educational background can be a springboard into consulting. The options are limitless. Professional consulting services cover a variety of business services including marketing and advertising, financial management, strategic management, computer software and hardware trouble-shooting, and human resources management. Personal consulting services include wedding planning, interior design, education and career planning. Businesses and individuals who need specific expertise keep these consulting services fueled.

The term "consultant" often takes on hazy and ambiguous meanings. Much of the work performed by professional consultants is often a mystery. You may hear statements like "I'm a financial consultant" or "I'm a computer consultant." But, rarely do you hear the more complete description "I make my living by giving advice on taxation procedures, credit policies, investment opportunities and short and long-term budgeting plans for small and medium sized businesses" or "I develop information systems consisting of computer hardware and software components which enable businesses to be more productive."

Professional consultants rarely elaborate on such details in casual conversation. The work of consultants in all industries, however, share the common tasks of analyzing, interpreting, imagining, developing, and, above all, communicating.

The Successful Consultant

Consultants share similar personality traits and strengths. A consultant is, first and foremost, a problem identifier. To be an effective problem identifier, one must be perceptive, possess strong analytical skills, and be adept at grasping business relationships. This requires analyzing numerous constants and variables in a client's business organization and determining which ones need the consultant's attention.

After identifying and analyzing problems, consultants recommend solutions that meet the client's needs and fit within their budget. This requires imagination and strong reasoning skills. Devising only one solution to a problem might not be acceptable if many different facets exist, each needing to be addressed individually.

A consultant must also be an excellent communicator. When dealing with clients, the consultant should be both a good listener and a speaker. He or she must un derstand the problems discussed by the client. This requires active listening skills and the ability to understand implied messages. After a consultant develops solutions to problems, he or she must convey them to the client in a coherent manner, both verbally and in writing. Final written proposals should be thorough and understandable, clearly outlining how feasible action steps are measurable and will solve the client's problems.