Picture this, you’re having a conversation with a professional acquaintance of yours and confess to them that it's been hard for your company to stay ahead lately in the marketing game.
With so much to manage, from social media, content creation, brand development, email campaigns and more, you fear your team is taking on too much with too little expertise.
Your colleague advises you to hire a marketing consultant, but you doubt whether or not your company can afford it, and whether it will make an actual difference.
We’re here to reveal to you the truth: hiring a marketing consultant is a gamble worth taking, and will most likely increase your return on investment (ROI).
You might be asking: “What exactly is a marketing consultant?”
Usually, a consultant is an individual professional that works independently or with a consulting firm, helping companies develop actionable marketing plans and grow. This differs from a full blown marketing agency, which consists of a team of experts that can handle small to large-scale projects; both in strategy and execution.
Many companies, big and small, have reaped the benefits of working with marketing consultants. From outside expertise, to navigating the complexities of the digital age, to flexible schedules and contracts, consultants can significantly help companies and organisations grow.
In this post, we'll further explore the role of a marketing consultant, their benefits, and why having one on your team might be the key to unlocking your unprecedented success.
The Consultant as an extension of your Team
Marketing consultants aren't just external entities; they can seamlessly integrate into your team, offering specialised expertise that complements your in-house capabilities, if that is what you so desire.
Whether they become an integral part of your daily operations or maintain a more independent role, the consultant-client relationship is inherently collaborative.
In fact, a consultant’s job, first and foremost, is understanding and enhancing your team dynamics and ensuring that their strategies align with your company's vision and goals.
They’ll always provide a personalised approach while bringing in a fresh perspective, which usually makes for a great match when a company or organisation feels stuck or frustrated in their marketing efforts.
Flexible Solutions without full-time commitment
One of the key advantages of hiring a marketing consultant over a full-time employee is the flexibility it affords.
A consultant brings a specialised skill set to the table, offering an outside view that may not be readily available within your in-house team.
This flexibility extends beyond skills to the very structure of the engagement, adapting to your business needs. Consultants can be brought in for specific projects, providing a cost-effective solution without the long-term commitment associated with hiring a full-time employee.
This flexibility allows businesses to get the most bang for their buck, tailoring their marketing approach to suit their current requirements.
When comparing hiring a consultant or agency versus an in-house team, the benefits become even more apparent. While in-house teams may have a deep understanding of the brand, they might lack the diversity of experience that a consultant brings.
The adaptability of a consultant allows them to draw from a wealth of industry knowledge and apply it to your specific challenges.
Accelerating progress and overcoming roadblocks
Navigating challenges in a timely manner is paramount in the fast-paced business world.
A marketing consultant excels in this area, bringing in new ideas that help identify and eliminate hurdles that may impede progress.
Their specialised expertise allows them to expedite projects, ensuring that your marketing strategies are not only punctual, but also effective. This ability to navigate challenges efficiently can be a game-changer, especially in industries where staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success.
Take this hypothetical example: you and your team have hit a road-blcok in trying to decide the best branding strategy for your company. This has really set the company back on certain deadlines it needs to hit.
Half of the team argue for a ‘new audience targeting’ approach, while the other half are adamant about focusing on enhanced service branding. None can actually agree, until a consultant steps in and sees the bigger picture.
By communicating to the team, focusing on priorities and trying to find middle ground, consultants can move through complex roadblocks and untangle stubborn knots that impede a business’ progress.
Useful tips on finding the right Marketing Consultant
Choosing the right marketing consultant or agency is crucial to your success. Here are a few tips that will help you find your perfect match.
Shared Values: Look for a consultant or agency whose values align with yours. A shared vision ensures a smoother collaboration and a more cohesive approach to your marketing goals.
Evaluate their Portfolio: Assess the consultant's or agency's previous projects. This will give you insight into their capabilities, creativity, and the results they have achieved for clients in similar industries.
Good Communication: Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. Ensure that the consultant or agency communicates in a way that suits your needs and organisational culture.
Final Thoughts
The ROI of having a marketing consultant on your side goes beyond mere numbers, although there is definitely merit to the financial gains you’ll make.
It encompasses the seamless integration into your team, the flexibility of solutions, and the ability to accelerate progress.
By overcoming roadblocks and providing a fresh perspective, a marketing consultant becomes an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape.
If you are considering hiring a marketing consultant or agency, take the first step by booking a free 30 minute marketing consult with us today!