Hiring an expert to consult on a specific area of your business can bring valuable insights that transform your company. But how do you know when it’s time to hire an expert? And what experts might you need?
You probably started your business because you saw an opportunity to make a living doing something you love, and you didn’t want to do it for anyone else. Perhaps you’re an expert in photography, construction, or personal training.
You’re not, however, an expert in finance, marketing, or sales. That’s where skilled and experienced experts come in.
Investing in an expert doesn’t require you to add anyone to the payroll. Many experts offer services ranging from a one-hour consultation to an ongoing retainer. Working with an expert can provide new ideas and solutions that can quickly transform your business.
In addition, working with an outside expert brings a fresh perspective to your business that can identify areas you don’t even realize could be improved.
If you feel stuck or have lost objectivity in your business, here are five key experts to consider hiring.
1) Financial Advisor
This could be your bookkeeper or your tax accountant, depending on the level of guidance you need. Without revenue, you don’t have a business—you have a hobby. A good advisor will help you evaluate your pricing in relation to the cost of running your business and work with you on financial forecasting to manage cash flow and determine when you can afford to hire your next employee or upgrade your tech. They’ll also help you understand the financial metrics of your business.
Unless you’re a whiz at managing finances, you’ll want to find a bookkeeper as soon as you hit six figures. There is a wide range of services bookkeepers offer, based on their own experience and training. Ask questions to be sure you’re getting the services you need. When you need to make bigger decisions, look for a business or tax accountant if your bookkeeping firm does not provide one.
2) Marketing Coordinator
Marketing is different from copy and content writing, often referred to as messaging. Messaging is about the words you put in front of the customer; marketing is how you deliver those messages to potential customers.
Let’s say you hire a conversion copywriter to write your website content. The words on your website comprise your message. But how you get your ideal prospects to see your website is marketing. Often, but not always, these are separate skills. You should start by ensuring you have good messaging and a proven offer. Then, as soon as you can afford marketing, look for the best person or agency you can afford. If no one knows about you, no one is buying from you.
3) Sales Support
Without sales, you don’t have a business. Fortunately, most companies start with a handful of customers because the owner talks to family and friends about their new business. When people like you, and you’re new, referrals often follow. But this is a tank you have to keep full, and the best way to do that is by providing great customer service and asking your clients for referrals.
Sometimes you need help. Your options include finding a sales consultant who’s familiar with your industry, taking a course from someone who knows your industry, or continuing to bootstrap your business. Just know that the first wave of customers won’t continue unless your marketing and sales are functioning properly.
4) Operations Manager
An operations expert can help you take the way you run your business out of your head and turn it into documented processes others can follow. This will make onboarding employees much easier.
Later in your business, an operations consultant can identify opportunities to improve day-to-day workflows, so employees can save time and cut down on costs.
Eventually, most small businesses will need to hire an operations manager. This person can take a lot off the owner’s plate by managing the day-to-day operations of the office. This may include paying bills, processing payroll, scheduling staff, ordering supplies, and more.
Operations is the engine that keeps your business running smoothly.
5) HR Consultant
Before you hire your first employee, you need an employee handbook, and the best person to create one for you is an HR consultant. They can also help you navigate the hiring process by teaching you which interview questions to ask prospective employees. They can also help set up employee evaluations.
Many people wait until they have an issue with an employee to consult an HR expert. This is a mistake that can cost your business thousands of dollars and an unnecessary amount of time.
As a bonus, here are three additional experts you may find invaluable to your business.
The first is a tech consultant. Sometimes things break, or you need a new setup.
The next is a designer. As a marketing strategist and storyteller, I rely on good design. It’s an important part of any brand.
Finally, I’ve had a business coach since I started my business. Each has been the right person at the right time, and that’s what I wish for you.
Own your expertise and be equally aware of where you might need the help of an expert. Ask good questions, and be sure you get the best expert you can afford at each stage of your business.
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