What to Expect When Working with a Consultant

A guide for business owners on how to get the most out of a consulting engagement, and what a consultant's day-to-day role really looks like.

If you're a business leader considering bringing in a consultant, you've probably wondered: What do they really do all day?

The truth is, there’s no single answer. The value of a consultant isn’t found in a rigid schedule but in their ability to dive headfirst into the unknown and solve problems your business can’t tackle on its own.

Think of it this way: your team is focused on running the business. A consultant's job is to step in, provide an outside perspective, and help you fix a problem or seize an opportunity without disrupting your day-to-day operations.

Here is a guide for business owners on what to expect when working with a consultant. See also our guide on hiring a consultant.

What to Expect a Consultant to Do

A consultant’s role is fluid, but it can be broken down into a few key functions:

1. The Problem-Solver: You're hiring a consultant to solve a specific problem—but they may find a few others along the way. A great consultant's job is to see beyond your initial request. For example, you may hire a firm to implement a new customer management system. As they begin their work, a good consultant will notice that your sales team doesn't have a standardized process for using the current system. They'll recognize this as a risk that could derail the entire project and will bring it to your attention with a plan to fix it. Their job is not just to build a solution but to make sure it will actually work within your organization.

2. The Mediator: Consultants are neutral third parties. They don't have personal baggage or long-standing conflicts with your team members. This allows them to build bridges between different departments, leaders, and teams. If you have two department heads who don't see eye-to-eye, a consultant can serve as a trusted advisor to both sides, helping them find common ground and collaborate for the project's success.

3. The Organizer: Small businesses often have a lot of moving parts and not enough time. You'll likely be working with a consultant while managing your day job, so they will take on the heavy lifting of organizing the project. They will be responsible for managing deadlines, capturing information, and keeping the project on track. In return, the consultant will expect you and your team to be responsive and engaged—your insight is crucial to their work.

A Day in the Life: Working With a Consultant

While every project is different, a typical day working with a consultant might look something like this:

The Morning: Consultants will likely start their day early, reviewing the plan and preparing for meetings. You might spend a portion of your morning in a "stand-up" or check-in call. The consultant will give you a clear, concise update on what they accomplished the day before and what they plan to tackle today.

The Afternoon: This is often when a consultant is doing most of their "deep work". They're analyzing data, building presentations, and creating solutions. They may reach out to you or your team for interviews or data requests. They are taking years of your company’s knowledge and synthesizing it into a logical, cohesive plan.

The End of the Day: As the day winds down, the consultant may share progress updates or send follow-up questions from the day's work. They will also be preparing for the next day, setting clear objectives and tasks for themselves and anyone on your team who is supporting the project.

Remember, consultants don't have the luxury of time that internal employees have to build relationships. You can help the partnership succeed by being open to informal connections, whether it’s a quick lunch or a brief chat that isn't focused on work. This human connection is key to building a foundation of trust.

Ultimately, working with a consultant is about bringing in a partner who can accelerate your business's growth by providing a fresh perspective and a clear plan to execute.

Learn more about how we work and how we can help your business.

Return to Nexus North home.