In deciding whether or not to hire a consultant,
the small business owner should consider the nature
of the problem, the reasons why internal resources
cannot be used to solve it, and the possible advantages
a consultant could offer. In his book How to Select
and Manage Consultants, Howard Shenson describes
several situations in which a consultant's services
are likely to be required. When a small business
needs specialized expertise, talents, or skills
that do not exist internally, or needs technical
assistance on a temporary basis, then it may want
to consider hiring a consultant. Likewise, hiring
a consultant might be appropriate when the small
business needs an objective, frank opinion on
a problem. A consultant might also be able to
help a small business that is having problems
with cash flow, the availability of funds, or
in acquiring resources. Political or organizational
problems, regulatory problems, and training needs
are some other areas in which a small business
might benefit from the use of a consultant. A
small business should not hire a consultant simply
in order to have someone else implement unpopular
decisions.
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