According to Statista, the consulting market in the United States was worth $64.4 billion in 2020. This market isn’t just for big firms working with large corporations; small business consulting is also very profitable and offers engaging, rewarding work. If you are an expert in a field like sales, marketing, IT, or finance, you can earn good money as a small business consultant.

In this guide, we’ll cover what small business consulting is, what services are offered, how to start a small business consulting firm, how to become an independent small business consultant, and how pricing and payment work in this field.

Small Business Consulting

Small business consulting involves providing expert advice and strategies to help small businesses improve their operations, increase sales, and achieve their goals. Consultants offer services in areas such as marketing, finance, IT, human resources, and management. They work closely with business owners to identify challenges, develop tailored solutions, and implement changes that drive growth and efficiency. Starting a small business consulting firm requires expertise in a specific field, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to build client relationships. Independent consultants can enjoy flexible schedules, diverse projects, and the satisfaction of helping businesses succeed while earning a lucrative income.

Small business consultants provide business owners with advice on strategy, problem-solving, and skill development. They identify problems, create solutions, and develop plans to enhance a company’s performance. Acting as contract workers, these consultants help spot issues, implement solutions, and achieve business goals. They are particularly valuable for small businesses that can’t afford full-time staff year-round, need an external perspective to resolve a problem, or seek expert advice and strategic guidance.

What services does a small business consultant provide?

Small business consultants undertake a myriad of responsibilities, ranging from crafting comprehensive business plans, devising sales strategies, and orchestrating marketing initiatives to managing public relations campaigns. They often specialize in distinct domains such as accounting, operations, human resources, management, marketing, or public relations. Enumerating every conceivable type of small business consultant within the confines of a single article would prove an arduous task, as they address nearly every facet a small enterprise might need to manage.

Fundamentally, small business consultants share the commonality of being autonomous professionals engaged by small businesses to provide their expertise and assist with specific functions that the companies themselves are ill-equipped to handle.

Below, we shall examine some of the services that a small business consultant might offer.

Small Business Consulting Services

Small business consultants provide a range of services to help companies improve their operations, solve problems, and achieve their goals. Here are some key services they offer, detailed point-by-point:

1. Business Planning and Strategy

• Business Plan Development: Crafting detailed business plans that outline the company’s vision, mission, market analysis, operational plan, and financial projections.
• Strategic Planning: Developing long-term strategies to guide the business towards achieving its goals and sustaining growth.

2. Marketing and Sales

• Marketing Strategy: Creating marketing plans that identify target markets, set marketing objectives, and outline tactics for reaching potential customers.
• Sales Strategy: Designing sales strategies to boost revenue, including sales processes, training for sales teams, and customer relationship management.
• Branding and Positioning: Helping businesses establish their brand identity and positioning in the market to differentiate from competitors.

3. Financial Management

• Financial Analysis: Reviewing financial statements to assess the company’s financial health and identify areas for improvement.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Assisting with budget preparation and financial forecasting to ensure proper financial planning.
• Cost Reduction: Identifying opportunities to reduce costs and improve profitability through efficiency improvements and expense management.

4. Operations and Efficiency

• Process Improvement: Analyzing and optimizing business processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall performance.
• Supply Chain Management: Advising on supply chain strategies to ensure smooth operations and cost-effective procurement and distribution.

5. Human Resources and Talent Management

• HR Strategy: Developing human resources strategies that align with the business goals, including recruitment, retention, and performance management.
• Training and Development: Designing and implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and productivity.
• Compliance and Legal: Ensuring the business complies with labor laws and regulations, and helping with employment contracts and policies.

6. Information Technology

• IT Strategy: Creating IT strategies that support business objectives, including selecting and implementing the right technologies.
• Systems Implementation: Assisting with the deployment of software systems, such as ERP, CRM, or accounting systems.
• Cybersecurity: Providing guidance on protecting the business from cyber threats and ensuring data security.

7. Public Relations and Communications

• PR Campaigns: Designing public relations campaigns to enhance the company’s image and manage its reputation.
• Crisis Management: Helping businesses prepare for and manage crises, including developing communication plans to handle adverse events.
• Media Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with the media to secure positive coverage and manage media inquiries.

8. Specialized Consulting

• Niche Markets: Offering expertise in specific industries or markets, such as healthcare, technology, or retail.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assisting with navigating industry-specific regulations and ensuring compliance.
• Sustainability Consulting: Advising on sustainable practices and helping businesses reduce their environmental impact.

How to Start a Small Business Consulting Firm

1. Find Your Niche and Define Your Services
   • Determine the specific area your small business consulting firm will focus on, rather than offering generic consulting services.
   • Define your firm’s identity by specifying your target market and the services you’ll provide. For example, you could specialize in communications for pre-seed funding B2B SaaS startups.
2. Understand Your Market and Address Common Challenges
   • Conduct thorough market research to understand the needs and pain points of your target audience.
   • Reach out to business owners, read industry-specific content, and attend conferences to gain insights into the challenges small businesses face.
3. Develop a Business Plan
   • Create a concise business plan outlining your firm’s identity, market position, future plans, and financial situation.
   • Although not mandatory, a well-structured business plan can help you understand your firm’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and demonstrate credibility to potential clients.
4. Handle Legal Requirements
   • Hire a reputable attorney to ensure legal compliance and avoid any legal issues as your firm grows.
   • Determine the most suitable legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation.
5. Research Your Competition
   • Analyze your competitors’ services, target markets, and pricing structures to identify gaps and opportunities in the market.
   • Understand how other consulting firms operate to position your business effectively.
6. Plan Your Finances
   • Determine your initial funding sources and budget for starting and operating your consulting firm.
   • Establish a realistic pricing structure based on industry standards and your competitors’ rates.
7. Manage Bookkeeping and Accounting
   • Ensure your firm’s financial records are accurate and up-to-date by hiring bookkeepers or using accounting software.
   • Consider outsourcing accounting responsibilities to a CPA if feasible.
8. Establish an Online Presence
   • Build a professional website and create profiles on social media platforms to showcase your firm’s expertise and attract potential clients.
   • Publish industry-specific content and engage with your target audience through networking platforms like LinkedIn.
9. Define Your Value Proposition
   • Identify what sets your firm apart from competitors and communicate your unique selling points to your target market.
   • Tailor your sales and marketing strategies to highlight the value you provide to clients.
10. Hire Staff Thoughtfully

• As your firm grows, recruit employees who align with your firm’s values and can contribute effectively to its success.
• Conduct thorough research on potential candidates and provide clear job descriptions to attract suitable talent.

How to Become an Independent Small Business Consultant

1. Choose Your Expertise
   • Decide on an area where you have expertise, ideally with at least five years of full-time experience in that field.
2. Research Certifications
   • Check if your state requires certifications for consultants, especially in industries like fundraising.
3. Take Courses
   • Stay updated in your specialized field by taking courses and staying informed about the latest trends.
4. Start Networking
   • Build a network of contacts by attending local small business events and conferences.
5. Set Your Pricing
   • Determine your pricing structure by researching competitors’ rates and considering factors like project-based, hourly, or retainer pricing.
6. Develop a Marketing Plan
   • Create a plan to promote your services, considering your budget for traditional and online marketing.

Average Small Business Consulting Fee Determining your consulting fee can be challenging and varies by location, pricing structure, and client relationship. Researching competitors’ rates can give you a starting point. Ensure your rate reflects your expertise and is worth your time.

Small Business Consultant Salary According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for self-employed small business consultants is $63,750, with variations based on specialty and location. Overall, small business consulting offers a rewarding career with diverse challenges and opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Benefits of Hiring a Small Business Consultant

1. Expertise and Experience

• Specialized Knowledge: Consultants bring specialized knowledge and experience that may not be available within the company.
• Best Practices: They offer insights into industry best practices and innovative approaches to solving business challenges.

2. Objective Perspective

• Unbiased Analysis: An external consultant can provide an objective analysis of the business, identifying issues that internal teams might overlook.
  Fresh Ideas: They can introduce fresh ideas and new ways of thinking to drive innovation and growth.

3. Resource Optimization

• Efficient Use of Resources: Consultants help optimize the use of resources, ensuring that time, money, and effort are invested wisely.
• Focus on Core Activities: By handling specialized tasks, consultants allow business owners and employees to focus on core business activities.

4. Flexibility and Scalability

• Scalable Solutions: Consultants can provide scalable solutions that grow with the business, adapting to changing needs.
• Flexible Engagement: Businesses can engage consultants on a project-by-project basis, allowing for flexible and cost-effective solutions.

In conclusion, small business consultants offer a wide array of services that can significantly enhance a company’s performance and growth prospects. By leveraging their expertise, businesses can overcome challenges, implement effective strategies, and achieve their objectives more efficiently.