Small businesses aren’t usually known for having much Money floating around. But that doesn’t mean they can’t make the most of what resources they do have. In fact, many small businesses are so resourceful that they often have assets most larger companies would kill to have. After all, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of things like personalized customer service and direct communication with customers? That being said, there are some things small businesses can’t do on their own – no matter how resourceful they are. They require help from expert consultants who specialize in specific fields and know how to leverage them for maximum return on investment (ROI). Here are four different types of consultants every small business should leverage to grow:

IT Consultants

When small businesses are looking to grow, they’re often constrained by their information Technology (IT) infrastructure. Meeting demand can be difficult when inadequate systems slow down productivity or break down entirely. A good IT consultant can help small businesses by recommending solutions that consider the actual needs of the business and its employees. In addition to making recommendations, IT consultants can often provide the services necessary to implement these solutions and ongoing it support. This can be especially helpful for small businesses that don’t have the in-house expertise or budget to hire dedicated IT personnel. One of the most significant benefits of partnering with an IT consultant is their ability to take a birds-eye view of the business. An IT consultant can help identify areas where more investment is needed by gaining a better understanding of how employees are using technology. This can include more advanced training, hardware or software, or hiring additional IT personnel.

Cyber Security Consultants

Cybersecurity is a tricky subject. As data breaches and cyber-attacks increase, it’s become increasingly crucial for businesses of all sizes to take the necessary precautions to protect their data. However, many small businesses don’t have the time and money to invest in cybersecurity solutions. That’s where a cyber security consultant can be of great help. A good cyber security consultant will take a birds-eye view of the business to help figure out the best actions to keep the data secure. This may include the hiring of additional IT personnel, the implementation of more advanced systems, or even the restructuring of existing business practices. Once the systems have been implemented, the consultant can offer ongoing maintenance. 

Strategy Consultant

A strategy consultant can help small businesses make the most of their core competencies by offering advice on leveraging them. The consultant may recommend creating a detailed plan of how the company will achieve its goals. Or they may recommend partnering with other businesses to offer a wider range of products or services. Once the plan is in place, the strategy consultant can also help ensure it’s being followed. They can act as an internal auditor, ensuring everyone is on board and working towards meeting their goals.

Marketing Consultant

One of the most important aspects of any business is marketing. The only way to get new customers is by actively marketing the product or service and letting prospective customers know about it. However, marketing isn’t easy. Finding a strategy that works takes careful planning and a lot of trial and error. A good marketing consultant can help small businesses find the best marketing strategies by leveraging the company’s and its employees’ strengths. For example, a marketing consultant can help small businesses by researching the best ways to market their products and/or services. This may include creating a marketing plan outlining how the company will reach customers and prospects. Or it may consist of identifying the best places to advertise.

Bonus 5th Consultant – Burnout Prevention Consultant

Consultants often wear too many hats and take on too many projects at once, which can lead to burnout. Utilizing a burnout prevention consultant that has hands-on experience with burnout recovery and prevention will help your small business maintain a healthy pace while growing your business.

Summing up

In conclusion, all small businesses should use consultants to help them make the most of their growth. It can help you see things differently and avoid making costly mistakes that can affect your growth and success.

Originally Published on https://www.breakfastleadership.com/

Michael Levitt Chief Burnout Officer

Michael D. Levitt is the founder & Chief Burnout Officer of The Breakfast Leadership Network, a San Diego and Toronto-based burnout consulting firm. He is a Keynote speaker on The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting and Burnout. He is the host of the Breakfast Leadership show, a Certified NLP and CBT Therapist, a Fortune 500 consultant, and author of his latest book BURNOUT PROOF.