Consulting can seem like a hard concept to grasp, but I can assure you it is not as hard as it seems. Before we start going into the types of consulting and what each does, let’s break down what consulting is.

The definition of Consulting is when said thing is engaged in a type of business of giving expert advice on people working in a specific industry / field. So, in retrospect, consulting is when someone is giving advice to a group of people, or a lawyer for business plans.

Now that we’re aware of what consultants do, what types of advice and services do they do? They typically offer a wide range of services ranging from; reviving an organisation to providing expertise in a specific market. Whilst the definition seems basic, their expertise range tremendously. They can also help create a new business whilst also initiating change or provide objectives for them.

However, there are many types of consultants. Each consultant’s work has their own sector and each consultant needs to build skills in their own direction. A few consultants to name are:

• Business Consulting
• Strategy Consulting
• Marketing Consulting
• International Consulting
• Financial Consulting
• Team Consulting
• Independent Consulting
• Legal Consulting
• Social Media Consulting
• Management Consulting

These are just a few to name, but these above are the standard upmost popular versions of consulting. From looking at this list, you can see that they have to build skills in their own direction with how drastic the subject areas of consulting changes. The most popular type of consulting is business consulting.

As a business consultant, it’s important that you can give constructive criticism to the business owner and that they can take it. The founder should not take this personally as the consultant provides a different standpoint and a fresh viewpoint to help solve underlying and consistent problems within the business. The owner should also give feedback and provide alternative opinions and thoughts to the consultant, thus bouncing off each other to be able to build up the business.

It’s also important that the consultant and business owner use Data Analysis and Case Study references to come to an agreement on their decision.

Once the business consultant and owner agree on a plan they have created, the consultant should then move onto the next stage, the ‘Restructuring Phase’. The consultant should build assets and remove liabilities to help monitor the said plans progression and make and diversions if necessary.

Consulting firms host a variety of consultants to help you on your journey with your business, social media, or whatever you need consulting on. However, consulting services may grow in variety the larger the firm, so make sure you pick a business that you know you can stay with long term.

Christian Ellul, the chief executive of E&S Group stated:

“I’ve personally and businessly found consulting as an extremely good external source of help. Their professional services help solve problems in the toughest of conditions, and they are more helpful in smaller businesses. If you are a small business and you are looking for help, turn to a consultant, you will not regret it.”

• Christian Ellul – Chief Executive / E&S Group