Inspiring Change, Driving Growth: Do You Need a Business Consultant?

Business owners and managers are faced with challenges every day.  It might be completely natural to worry about cash flow, legal issues, pending projects, and other activities of the organization, but there is help.

Business consultants understand the struggles of owners and managers and it is their responsibility to guide you through those challenges while providing valuable insight and resources.  This article is designed to help you identify the role of a consultant, when one may be useful, and what to look for during your search.

Consultants should not simply provide thoughts for money.  In fact, they should be much more involved.  An experienced consultant may be able to assist with challenges such as streamlining operations, minimizing costs, assisting in vendor negotiations, improving morale, analyzing legal issues, and serving as a mediator in debates, among other services.  Each business concern is unique and it is important to realize that there are individuals able to help.

But, when will you know?  Here are a few quick signs that you may need the assistance of a business consultant.

• Immediate, short-term concerns including large buying decisions or the release of a new product may be a strain on the financial and operational operations of the company.
• Longer-term projects such as managing cash flow or project management arising from new contracts may be too much for the organization to manage at this point.
• Your business has undefined future growth and direction.  In these instances, a consultant should identify the strengths of the company and individuals and help develop the roadmap.
• You’re stuck saying, “Here’s what I don’t know.”  You have already accomplished the most difficult part by admittedly identifying the issues you do not understand.  The experience of the consultant and their connections ought to help alleviate those concerns.

If you think you may require consulting services, there are some important factors to consider when choosing a provider.  For example, a helpful consultant will have years of experience and demonstrate success in certain areas of expertise.  They will produce exceptional references and display commitment to your company.  An achieving consultant will confidently inspire change within your organization when required.  He or she should be flexible, both in time and financially.  Most importantly, an effective business consultant should exude leadership and drive growth, personally and professionally.

Global Perspective Consulting, an affiliate of The Wirt-Rivette Group, provides executive and business consulting services and programs.  These are provided to clients and organizations committed to engaging perspectives and programs which will grow their business and develop their strengths in the areas of leadership, strategy, and innovation.  For more information, contact Jason Case at jcase@wirtrivettegroup.com.

What Makes a “Good” Realtor®?

Real estate has been on my mind a lot lately.  I just recently purchased a new home and am currently trying to sell my existing home.  And yes, it is listed with a Realtor^®.

I have also been actively working at providing clients with information on our residential and commercial real estate programs, which do include brokerage services.

In doing all of this I have realized that there are certain characteristics that make a “good” Realtor^®.  As a client and co-worker of residential and commercial Realtors^®, I have seen first hand through my experiences what does and does not make a “good” Realtor^®.

1.  Accessibility- A “good” Realtor^® is easy to reach.  They have mobile email, a cell phone, office phone and even an assistant.  They may not always be able to respond immediately, but still know that you are seeking information from them.

2.  Reliability- A “good” Realtor^® is not only accessible, but reliable in getting back to you with a response.  You should not have to make several phone calls for several days in order to get a response from your Realtor^®.

3.  Communication- A “good” Realtor^® will clearly explain how the process works and keep you informed along the way.

4.  Experience- A “good” Realtor^® has the experience to help predict and hopefully avoid any roadblocks that may occur through the sales process. 

5.  Professionalism- A “good” Realtor^® exhibits a courteous, conscientious and business-like manner.  Their appearance and office setting should be professional.

6.  Honesty- A “good” Realtor^® will not withhold information from you or keep potential clients or houses from you.

7.  Sociable- A “good” Realtor^® should be polite and friendly and never make you feel rushed.

8.  Maximizer- A “good” Realtor^® will market your home using the MLS, internet, newspaper and other forms of advertising in order to help you get the highest price possible for your home.

A home is one of the necessities in life, so each of us will probably encounter an opportunity to work with a Realtor^® at some point in our lives.  Hopefully this blog post provided some insight into what to look for in choosing a “good” Realtor^®.

We wish you much success in choosing a “good” Realtor^®!  Remember to consider using Eric Finnigan our licensed commercial Realtor^® for all of your commercial real estate needs.  We deliver commercial results for our clients from beginning to end!