A common question I get is, “why should I hire a consultant?” Usually, the person asking the question is an owner/operator who is experiencing some specific challenge in the restaurant.
I usually answer the question by pointing out that a consultant will bring an objective perspective to the table. In addition, a qualified consultant will quickly “frame” the issue by identifying the cause of the issue, not just one of the many symptoms. Another value added service a consultant brings is the ability to differentiate “what the client wants” from “what the client needs”. Additionally, most successful consultants have consulted on various projects and have a wealth of experience to draw from. Typical projects include start-ups and profit improvement.
My philosophy regarding consulting is that every consultant should develop a strong relationship with the client, which enables the client to trust the consultant to do whatever is in the best interest of the client. I also believe that all consultants should charge a fixed (project based) fee. Hourly or per diem fees are not in the best interest of the client and puts the focus on “how long will this take”, rather than “lets invest the resources necessary to meet the client’s objective”.
If you are experiencing issues that are “keeping you up at night”, a qualified consultant may be just the thing you need to get a good nights sleep.
