The Web ChamberBiz News My Calendar Register for free email. Since the early 1960s, professional business consultants have been providing needed services to businesses of all sizes throughout the United States.
Many consultants are independent contractors who once worked in their field of expertise.
Some retired early or were victims of corporate downsizing. Many are also young, energetic experts, especially when it comes to computers and the Internet. Either way, using external expertise can make sense for a small business if you approach things in the right way. The steps for hiring a consultant involve asking for referrals, interviewing more than one, negotiating all terms, checking references and having clear goals. To avoid problems , business owners should contain expectations, pay on time, keep open communications, provide necessary information and have an escape clause.