Every company, regardless of size (VSE, SME, Large Enterprise), has problems to solve and will eventually need outside help. Companies can give themselves the opportunity to move towards growth and development

rather than maintaining the status quo by deciding to hire an external expert consultant.

Consultants can help companies to :

• find new ways of growth and development,
• develop their product lines, services…
• better interact with their customers.

Why don’t companies solve their problems in-house instead of using a third-party provider?

The main factor for some is :

• lack of time
• insufficient internal resources
• lack of expertise,
• a combination of these three factors.

The independent consultant provides the company with expertise and an objective eye to help evaluate.

Different consultants specialize in various sectors and areas, including strategy and management, operations, human resources management, finance, financing options, IT, sales and marketing, etc.

If you are looking for experienced consultants in the field of oil & gas, energy, transportation, it & telecom…. you can contact us. We will accompany you in the best way.

Why hire an Independent  consultant? The main reasons

If choosing an independent consultant is a good deal, it is mainly because of the great qualities that this provider has.

1. A neutral and objective outside view

It can be difficult for a company to identify specific problems with its business because it may lack the objectivity to critically examine itself. It can be difficult for a manager to step back and recognize, assess and resolve problems.

Independent consultants, who have a different perspective, can identify the real problems that are preventing companies from making faster progress. They can openly discuss issues without fear of repercussions because of their objectivity and neutral perspective.

2. Money saving

The expense of hiring and training a new employee is very expensive for the company. With an independent consultant, you simply pay for the services you actually require and don’t have ongoing expenses for things like a laptop, expensive software, or any work space related expenses.

There are even financial rewards for hiring an independent consultant on a temporary basis.

As of March 8, 2016, some businesses can apply for state co-funded HR coaching.

The chosen service provider must be referenced by the DIRECCTE (Direction Régionale des Entreprises de la Concurrence, de la Consommation, du Travail et de l’Emploi).

For example, human resources consulting is aimed at any organization with less than 300 employees that is not part of a group, with a preference for SMEs with less than 50 employees and VSEs with less than 10 employees that do not have an HR department.

The duration of the service can be short (1 to 10 days of intervention) or long (10 to 20 days). The DIRECCTE and the consultant work together to coordinate the number of days.

The cost of the service is covered at 50% by the State subsidy, up to a total amount of €15,000 excluding tax per company.

3. Negotiable rates

The recourse to an independent consultant can prove to be very expensive for many people. The customer and the consultant can, indeed, easily agree on the tariff of the service. Consequently, there is not established and non-negotiable tariff.

Moreover, it is about a contract whose duration is determined. Therefore, there must be something more lucrative than an agreement with a firm for an infinite period of time.

4. Cost reduction!

To contact an independent consultant, no intermediary is needed. Therefore, there are no costs related to the fees of a possible intermediary, which saves the client money. In addition, the client avoids tedious administrative procedures that are not only stressful but also costly.

5. In-depth knowledge of market dynamics

One of the advantages of an independent consultant is their significant experience and knowledge of the industry in which your company operates. They have typically worked with many companies in the same industry and know the ins and outs of current market trends.

They are aware of what competing companies are doing and by following their advice, your company will easily outperform them.

6. An effective diagnosis

An independent consultant’s skill as an auditor is an important part of its value. He or she examines your problem by understanding what is going on, clarifying the situation and asking the right questions.

The process of developing an accurate diagnosis can sometimes strain the consultant-client relationship.

Sometimes business owners are reluctant to find difficult situations for which they could be held accountable.

7. Benefit from specialized expertise

Using an outside expert consultant with in-depth knowledge and experience in a particular area gives you access to new ideas to solve critical problems.

Large consulting firms often have access to a variety of resources and in-depth knowledge. These are very helpful, especially when you or your team are given a task that neither of you have much experience with.

In addition, consultants learn how to identify potential solutions in the most effective way and how to think creatively about problems.

In addition to offering a fresh perspective, an independent consultant can help you apply proven techniques that meet your needs. When you are faced with a completely new problem, this expertise is very helpful.

8. Dealing with the most sensitive internal issues

Using consultants allows you to support decisions and manage the most sensitive issues your company is facing.

For example, some decisions must be taken even if they are dangerous and unpopular (such as salary freezes, employee departure plans…).

Unlike some managers who have a biased relationship with their employees and do not keep enough distance, the independent consultant has an impartial judgment on your staff because he is not involved in the daily operations of the company.

Using consultants is a great way to bring impartiality to sensitive issues. The lack of office politics allows consultants to draw logical, unbiased and critical conclusions.

In addition to offering a fresh perspective, the independent consultant can help you apply proven techniques that meet your needs. This expertise is extremely helpful when you are faced with a novel problem.

9. Optimize and manage your time well

Don’t be afraid to bring in an independent consultant for tasks that take too much time, whether it’s because you don’t have time to do them all or because they require a skill you’re not expert at.

It’s likely that some of your team members have the skills to participate in a project, but it will take time because they have to combine this task with their daily work.

While you may need an answer in the next few weeks, or even immediately, the project will take months to complete. So, bringing in a consultant and defining their role will allow your partners to focus on their role and avoid overloading them with work.

You free up time for missions that you too often sacrifice and that turn out to be of high added value.

10. Train your employees

Ongoing employee training gives employees the skills they need to perform well in today’s competitive world and gives the company an edge over its rivals. Employing an independent field consultant for employee training is optimal for a company.

Employees are trained based on problems, challenges and examples from their daily work lives, making in-house training particularly effective. This allows them to acquire the specific skills they need to perform their role.

Consultants are in an ideal position to teach companies what they need to do to stay competitive, as they are constantly aware of new developments in their field.

Finally…

Whether you work with a “Big Four” firm, a local consultant or an independent consultant, you need to define your strategy based on short, medium and long term objectives in order to guide your work and reap the benefits of their partnership.

The independent consultant is a true partner, and treating them as such will benefit you. They are just as invested as you are in the outcome of the mission and your satisfaction.

Then create a trusting relationship with them to create a mutually beneficial alliance that will truly benefit both of you.

Are you ready to hire a consultant?

At Pentabell, we believe that hiring an independent consultant is a real strategic asset. Get assistance with payroll & save time and money. Take advantage of the expertise of our professionals to focus on your core business and develop your company with peace of mind.

Established in several countries, Pentabell provides you with freelance services in France, Switzerland, Dubai, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya and more. Contact us for more information.