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What is a Consulting Firm?

Jessica Hobby
Jessica Hobby

A consulting firm is a business that offers specialized expertise to its clients, which may be businesses or individuals. Different firms offer different types of advice, and although there are many types of firms, some of the most popular focus on information technology (IT) and management. Other types consult about include environmental issues and human resources.

Each business consulting firm operates in a different manner. Firms may offer consultants who concentrate on a specific project or those who help train and implement changes to a staff to accomplish specific goals. Project-oriented firms typically specialize in a single business function, such as supply chain or customer relationship management (CRM). These firms analyze their clients’ needs and manage development, implementation and training until it is completed.

Consulting may involve generating alternative plans of action for a business or institution.
Consulting may involve generating alternative plans of action for a business or institution.

A firm that concentrates on staff augmentation begins its service after a client’s business has been analyzed and projects have been outlined and budgeted. Staff augmentation firms offer very specific resources, methodologies and training, and their job is also complete upon implementation.

In some cases, a business may need to hire multiple consultants for different areas which need improvement. For example, a large company may contact a management consultant to help it increase production. After a company analysis, the individual might recommend implementing new computer hardware and software. If the business does not have the knowledge or capability to implement the new technology, it hires an IT consultant to complete the project.

A wedding consultant might plan both a wedding ceremony and a honeymoon for a couple.
A wedding consultant might plan both a wedding ceremony and a honeymoon for a couple.

Individual consulting firms offer assistance on things such as political campaigns, weddings and fashion. These types of firms offer the same kind of specialized service, but it is more tailored to the individual. A political consultant, for example, might help formulate a game plan to get his client elected to office. The consultant may perform market research, evaluate voting trends and help with speech writing. Wedding consultants plan a wedding for a couple, which can include everything from helping a bride pick out her dress to making honeymoon travel arrangements.

In some cases, a business may need to hire multiple consultants for different areas which need improvement.
In some cases, a business may need to hire multiple consultants for different areas which need improvement.

Both business and individual consultants typically have been formally trained in their area of expertise. Some areas may only require a few classes or only a couple years of schooling, while others require advanced college degrees that may take many years to complete. Additionally, the best consultants will typically have many years of work experience in their field with a proven track record of success.

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Discussion Comments

anon995343

Does anyone need a consultant with expertise in time wasting?

behaviourism

New businesses often do well to at least hire a consulting firm for a one-time consultation, though sometimes it can be good to keep a consultant on hand for a longer amount of time to give spending or marketing advice.

suntan12

A top consulting firm is usually hired in order to offer a certain level of expertise regarding specific business matters.

A marketing consulting firms offer strategic advice and assistance in order for the client to gain market share. This may involve a change in promotional strategies as well as focus on product assortment with emphasizes on improving a specific target market.

Organizational consulting firms or management consulting firms usually analyze the current business operations and determine ways that the company can run smoother.

They will usually interview existing employees to determine how impactful their position is to the bottom line. Their aim is to save the company money by making the company run more efficiently. Usually when a strategic consulting firm is hired many layoffs follow.

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    • Consulting may involve generating alternative plans of action for a business or institution.
      By: takasu
      Consulting may involve generating alternative plans of action for a business or institution.
    • A wedding consultant might plan both a wedding ceremony and a honeymoon for a couple.
      By: Patryk Kosmider
      A wedding consultant might plan both a wedding ceremony and a honeymoon for a couple.
    • In some cases, a business may need to hire multiple consultants for different areas which need improvement.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      In some cases, a business may need to hire multiple consultants for different areas which need improvement.
    • Consulting firms might help new couples combine financial assets.
      By: Ferrante Pietro
      Consulting firms might help new couples combine financial assets.
    • A political consultant may advise candidates on the best way to run a campaign.
      By: Photo_Ma
      A political consultant may advise candidates on the best way to run a campaign.