In this article, you will learn what consulting is and what an important function it performs in the field of business. What types of consulting services exist, who provides them and when it is appropriate to apply for them. As well as expert comments and a useful video on the topic of consulting.

Consulting is a type of intellectual activity, the scope of which includes consulting entrepreneurs, managers of small, medium and large businesses. the main task consulting - to analyze and determine the state in which the enterprise is at the time of the analysis.

With the help of consulting services, you can resolve most commercial issues: legal, financial, technological, etc.

“Consulting is an assistance in management to achieve the set goals and positive results in business. It is the advice of experts in a particular field.”

Consulting specialists are independent and provide assistance to the management system of an organization or enterprise. The main goal of these specialists is to improve the quality.

Help should be understood as consultations on organizational issues and recommendations on the competent conduct of business in different conditions market.

However, any consultations are given after detailed study, business analytics and its existing problems. Further, options for business development are considered: reorganization of the enterprise, increasing labor efficiency, etc.

Tasks, goals and stages of consulting

The key task and at the same time the goal of consulting is to improve the quality of management, increase the efficiency of staff work, improve the functioning of the business and find solutions to financial, legal and other problems that negatively affect profits and business in general.

For each individual case, consultants from consulting firms create unique solutions that will improve the management structure and solve existing problems.

Consulting tasks include:

  • market analysis;
  • forecasting;
  • strategy Development;
  • competitor analysis;
  • analysis of services, products, goods;
  • analysis of the financial and economic part;
  • consultations.

Main stages of consulting

There are 4 main stages included in consulting services.

  1. Finding and posing a problem. At this stage, an independent specialist analyzes the business, the market and identifies all existing problems.
  2. Assessment of the situation. After discovering problems, the consultant assesses the situation - how critical it is for the business and how it hinders its development.
  3. Creation of a plan to eliminate the problems found. At this stage, a strategy is developed to solve problems.
  4. Implementation of the plan. The final stage is the introduction and implementation of the created strategy to solve all the issues and difficulties of the enterprise or business.

Main types of consulting services

Consulting services are suitable for almost any type of business, as there are more than 10 types. Each will be discussed in detail below.

The scope of activities of consulting companies includes:

This is a type of consulting service aimed at improving management and doing business or entrepreneurial activity. Specialists provide advice and optimal solutions to existing problems related to working with clients and staff. They find and analyze the problems of the company, after which they implement the developed strategy for their effective elimination.

Such consulting services are aimed at consulting in any industry and business areas. They allow you to rebuild from competitors and increase the company's profits.

In this case, we are talking about the financial management of a business. This includes:

  • investment analysis;
  • financial planning advice;
  • creating strategies to strengthen the financial system and its future development;
  • planning for investment activity business;
  • creation of a structure for managing finances, investments, economic services and the budget of an enterprise or company.

Accounting consulting, training of accountants and their managers to work with accounting software and assistance in maintaining new forms of accounting.

Tax consulting

Assistance with paying taxes tax documents, reporting, detection of violations and elimination of errors in the field of taxation.

This type of consulting is to help legal sphere and is for advisory purposes only. Specialists of consulting companies help companies solve legal issues with a systematic or integrated approach.

Expert consulting

It consists in analyzing the business and implementing the identified problems by developing a special strategy and plans.

HR consulting

In this case, work is carried out in the field of personnel motivation, improvement of production indicators, holding events for company employees, optimizing the psychological climate within the team and solving other personnel issues.

Such consulting services are related to information technology and support for various business processes. Due to this service, it is possible to determine how effectively information technologies are used in business.

Investment (strategic) consulting

This refers to the advice of managers and investors on investment activities. Specialists offer optimal and safe schemes for investing or raising capital.

Logistics consulting

This type of consulting service is aimed exclusively at solving questions and problems in the field of logistics. They allow you to develop a unified and optimal logistics policy. Find strengths and weak sides and strengthen them by analyzing logistics, developing and implementing projects and strategies to improve the situation in this business area.

Environmental consulting

Such services are suitable for companies from the field of construction, design or production. In this case, specialists are looking for a solution to the problems associated with the environmental support of a company or a large enterprise.

Environmental consultants help organizations find the best solution to reduce the environmental pollution caused by their activities.

Restaurant consulting

This type of consulting is designed exclusively for the restaurant business. It includes:

  • Analysis of the success of the restaurant.
  • Development and implementation of new business standards.
  • Business optimization.
  • Restaurant management on a contractual basis.
  • Full support for the restaurant from the moment the idea was formed to its opening and further work.

These are the main types of consulting services that every entrepreneur and company leader should know about.

“Consulting services are consultations on certain things. The word "consulting" comes from the word "consultation". Therefore, if you take and simplify the whole model, then this is just a consultation, but in most cases it is expensive and very professional.

In essence, you pay for the experience and knowledge of some people - a consultant in a particular area or several consultants.

Stanislav Cyst - manager consulting agencyUniconsulting

Who provides consulting services

The services described above are provided by consulting companies. Such work is carried out by specially trained specialists, called consultants.

The tasks of consultants of consulting firms include:

  • Finding problems within the company.
  • Analysis of the enterprise activity.
  • Development of strategies and programs to address the identified problems.
  • Consulting on any issues: management, accounting, logistics, finance, etc.

Consultants have all the necessary knowledge to help small, medium or large businesses solve problems and quickly adapt to an ever-changing market or a regularly growing one.

In particular, consultants of consulting companies have the following knowledge:

  • computer science (computer skills and various software);
  • marketing and advertising;
  • finance and accounting;
  • sales and management;
  • logistics and investments;

They also need to understand personnel issues, environmental issues, as well as computer technology, basic software and more.

When is it appropriate to use consulting services?

  1. In case of disagreements between business partners regarding the further development of the company, production, marketing, investment, etc.
  2. When a business is in a critical situation, for example, on the verge of bankruptcy or ruin, and the manager or entrepreneur is not able to independently solve the problems that have arisen and save the company.
  3. When expanding the business and scaling it. When it is planned to work in other regions of the country or even enter the international market.
  4. When you need to find fresh ideas for the rapid promotion of a new service, product or product.
  5. When it becomes necessary to conduct an audit of a business in order to understand how effective it is and what are the future prospects in the current state of affairs.
  6. When you plan to sell a business and you need to check all the important points.
  7. In the absence of new ideas to promote a business, product, service or product. Or to develop a new product, instead of an obsolete or lost consumer demand.
  8. When a manager or managers need new experience and knowledge to work effectively with customers, staff, to improve the quality of products and reduce production costs.

Consulting - solving any problems in the field of business

In conclusion, we summarize all of the above.

Consulting is a type of activity aimed at solving a number of issues and problems related to doing business. In total there are 14 types of consulting services provided by consulting companies. The service itself is provided by specially trained consultants.

You need to resort to consulting services when a company or business has problems in the field of management, competition, finance, investment, accounting, logistics and other areas.

Consulting helps to quickly solve the problems that have arisen and restore the stability of the company. However, such services are not cheap and require some effort, since without the active participation of the manager it is difficult to solve all problems.

Business development is influenced by multiple factors, and sometimes the strategy for its functioning is not clear.

If it is difficult for the management of the company to calculate some steps, then it is useful to see the activities of the company from the outside with the help of a competent person. They often act as a consulting company that produces a specific type of service to optimize the activities of various business structures.

Consulting to some extent there is a rescue of other companies in modern world economic and technological risks and crisis processes of business development. It makes no sense for enterprises to spend money on creating their own advisory service; it is enough, if necessary, to attract outside professionals. Consulting services incredibly popular today, because any company wants to win in the fierce competition.

The concept and characteristics of consulting

Consulting refers to business activities for the provision of consulting services to various companies. The concept itself is borrowed from in English and means "advice". It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question about the scope of the consulting firm. According to popular opinion consulting as many as there are main and support functions or departments in a large production company(control, legal service, finance, sales, technology, IT service, strategy, etc.).

primary goal activities of a consulting company - optimization, increasing the efficiency of the business of its clients.

Traditional types of services consulting firm in all areas of the production sphere of the enterprise are:

  1. analysis,
  2. diagnostics,
  3. audit,
  4. forecasting,
  5. substantiation of development prospects,
  6. trainings, etc.

Help can consist of both competent advice and practical assistance in the work of the client.

All tools, methods and technologies consulting must be verified and scientifically sound. Consultants are required to provide their services with the maximum degree of objectivity. It is unacceptable to use existing connections and relationships in the business world to solve customer problems.

consulting specialist(consultant) must have higher education and experience in the chosen field. He must combine such traits as communication skills, flexibility of thinking, willingness to compromise, be knowledgeable in legal and organizational issues, marketing, computer literacy, accounting, securities.

When services of these companies are needed

Motives for appeal in consulting firms can be the following:

  • The company's need for knowledge, experience, fresh ideas;
  • overcoming critical situation in one or more areas of the firm's activities;
  • Lack of agreement on an important issue among the company's management personnel;
  • Assistance in the completion of business projects.

At the same time, consulting professionals are not responsible for the final result of the activities of their clients, since they cannot interfere in the internal affairs of organizations. With the help of consultants, the firm itself approaches integrated systems vision internal state of affairs, existing problems in production, as well as possible options for their solution, further strategic planning.

It's important to understand that companies don't necessarily turn to consultants when they're already in crisis. On the contrary, many large reputable enterprises want to consolidate and strengthen their commercial success, take care of expanding the scale of their activities, finding the right unhindered path for further development.

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Varieties of consulting services

Despite the universality of the consulting business, it can be distinguished many sustainable varieties of services depending on the areas of activity in the structure of any company.

Let's pay attention to some of them:

  1. Audit;
  2. Legal;
  3. Investment;
  4. Financial;
  5. managerial;
  6. Small business consulting;
  7. IT consulting, etc.

In progress audit consulting the collection, receipt and comprehensive assessment of all systems of the applied company is carried out, the real situation on this moment time. It also establishes the correct and reliable financial reporting enterprise and its compliance with existing legal norms.

Specialists in the field legal consulting provide assistance in all necessary legal matters(civil, administrative, housing, land, family, etc.). Assistance is provided in the preparation and conclusion of contracts, behavior in litigation, licensing issues. Full confidentiality of the appeal to consultants is guaranteed.

Investment consulting includes an analysis of fundraising and leasing strategies in the enterprise. In the first case, the search for an investor in a specific business project is carried out. Here, it is important to assess the investment opportunities of a business, taking into account the base of potential investors available in any reputable consulting firm. Leasing is associated with the acquisition or transfer of property to individuals or enterprises with the right of its further redemption.

To field of activity financial consulting include the search for the most effective financial strategy for the consulting firm. At the same time, all possible actions to optimize the financial system at the enterprise are taken into account, the search for profitable sources of financing and options for increasing the productivity indicator is carried out.

Management consulting, which is subdivided into marketing, strategic and personnel , seeks to offer the most effective scheme for managing the firm. The work model of a particular company is analyzed, a comprehensive assessment of the state of the enterprise and its main goals is given, a management strategy and an anti-crisis program are developed in case of problems in the management sphere.

Small Business Consulting is a young and promising developing direction in the market of consulting services. A small start-up company needs advice from competent experts on business development, credit and investment policy, cost optimization and profit increase.

IT consulting is a relatively new but in-demand area of ​​consulting. The range of questions includes: assistance in organizing an IT service at an enterprise, determining an automation strategy, creating a corporate information system and its further management.

Criteria for choosing a consulting firm

Since the services of consulting companies are of considerable importance in the development of their clients' business, and are also characterized by high cost, it is important to choose the right company that specializes in consulting services. In this case it's better give preference proven specialists with a solid experience in the service market, as well as those who have provided serious positive results in the business activities of their clients.

It should be understood that trustworthy consultants must not only provide their clients with all the necessary information services, but also ensure that the firm achieves a positive result in a particular business issue.

Exist certain criteria, allowing the most optimal approach to the choice of a consulting company:

  • The length of the company's activities;
  • Qualification of specialists, professional experience;
  • Price of consulting services;

To begin with, let's take a look at What such consulting. First of all, it is a service. From the English language, from where this word came to us, consulting means consulting. The service implies paid actions on your part in favor of the client, aimed at researching his activities, determining the ways of the company's development, introducing innovations, organizing management and other research. All this is being done to increase the productivity and profitability of the client firm.

Simply put, a consulting agency for a fee helps take your business to the next level. The objects of consulting are standardly commercial organizations and manufacturing firms.

But also the clients of the consulting agency can be individuals who apply for the registration of enterprises. In general, consulting services may include assistance on any business issues.

Consulting is of two types.

- Internal consulting. When an employee acts within the firm advising others within the organization. In this case, he provides services free of charge, as he is employed and receives payments of wages established by the contract.

- External consulting. When external organizations are hired as business process consultants. Such firms receive profit from the direct provision of services according to a pre-arranged agreement and price list. Standard services include the result of increasing profitability, reducing costs and the overall expansion of the firm in its niche market.

Types of consulting agency services

  1. Business Diagnostics. This area of ​​client support includes audit of the company, performance evaluation, quality control, benchmarking and other processes.
  2. Recommendations for improving the firm. The conclusions that a consulting firm receives after analyzing the client's activities form the basis of the recommendations received by the customer on reshaping the processes, activities and structure of his enterprise.
  3. The holding of trainings. These measures are also aimed at increasing efficiency.
  4. Creation of restructuring projects. Again, based on the analysis of the processes, the contractor creates a project to improve the structure of the client's firm. This also includes guidance on creating missing functions, activities and units that will later allow the organization to operate more efficiently.
  5. Preparation of the enterprise for inspections. In addition to the standard arrangement of all necessary documentation, the consulting agency can prepare the client's firm to obtain international certificates.
  6. Development of a business strategy.

Cooperation between the customer and the client is organized in the format of presence in a company where consulting services are required, a specialist from the contractor.

Today, large organizations and small enterprises wishing to gain a foothold in the market of their goods and services use consulting services. And the sphere of consulting itself has many branches, each of which is aimed at working with various types organizations.

There is also consulting in the field medical care , financial advisory associated with the reporting of organizations and attracting cash injections and mergers. It is also popular tax consulting, and management consulting and many other types.

For example, management consulting includes:

Development of processes for increasing the profit of the company

Adjustment and creation of business plans

Marketing research for effective investment

SWOT analysis

Development organizational structure firms

Concerning HR consulting, then the entire personnel policy is evaluated:

The staff is trained and each employee is tested according to professional suitability standards.

The motivating component of the company is being developed

Instructions for employees and rules of conduct within a particular company are adjusted (clothing, working hours)

Conflict components are regulated, recommendations are given on the behavior of both the management staff and staff.

Consulting in the field information technologies :

The main technique is the introduction of so-called CIS - corporate information systems

DBMS. These are database management systems. The consulting firm is engaged in their design, development and implementation in the client's process.

Automation of production processes.

Special offers that are developed exclusively individually, depending on the specifics of the company.

Business planning consulting:

Selection of organizations for logistics services

Business process research

Project management

Development of interaction processes with a potential audience

Inventory management analysis

Reduce costs and increase efficiency

Mentor

A person who works with a client from a consulting firm. The job responsibilities of a mentor include many different tasks. First of all, providing working role model on those processes to which the services of a consulting agency are directed.

Sometimes, the position of a mentor becomes permanent place with the designated person. This usually occurs in large organizations facing higher order problems or simply wanting to stabilize and unify their firm's processes. In this case, outside consulting is not addressed.

But it is the search for a permanent mentor for the company that can also become the main task of the consulting firm. And often the search is conducted directly within the organization, where people who are already familiar with the specifics of a particular company and its business processes work.

consulting agency clients

Again, depending on the specifics of consulting and the scope of its focus, the potential audience varies.

In strategic consulting This:

Trading industry

food industry

Construction business

mechanical engineering

in operations management This:

heavy industry

food industry

Trade area

Finance sector

Construction companies

In consulting in the fieldIT:

Energy

Development of oil and gas fields

heavy industry

Finance

Telecommunication niche

Sphere of trade

Consulting based on conducting trainings and recruitment of qualified specialists:

Trading industry

food industry

Metalworking and engineering sector

Oil and gas sector

Transport companies

Sphere of communication services and communications

Financial niche

Consulting today

The very concept of consulting is no longer new even in the Russian market. Companies that work in this field are involved in various areas - economic, legal, technological. Therefore, the market is developing and more and more companies are starting to apply for services. And opening your own consulting agency promises good prospects with a quality approach and professional service.

Benefits own company in this area will uncomplicated forming process and development, as well as comparatively small investment at the start, which not every business can boast of. But, as with any project, a business plan for consulting is an integral part of the starting processes.

AND main directions that should be detailed in the business plan are:

  1. Financial opportunities enterprises
  2. Regional features of the consulting market
  3. Project scope. Signed in the form of phased development planning.

The image of the consulting agency

Company reputation plays a huge role, especially in the consulting niche, where clients need upfront assurance of their successful communication with the customer. And the level of professionalism of the company's employees is put in the first place. Together with financial literacy firms and a high level of responsibility of the company providing consulting services, a reputational component is built. And only she will be able to create a favorable background for receiving "delicious" and large orders.

Company registration

The first step in starting any business. It is necessary to resolve the issue of organizational legal form and registration of your future case with government agencies. For a consulting agency, the most appropriate form is opening a limited liability company. But in any case, it is better to know in advance all necessary information from special sources, access to which is not limited. Or contact a company that will help you complete all the necessary documents for a fee.

Selected in parallel unique name your organization. Company name It should not only be memorable, which will further affect brand recognition, but also reflect the essence of your activity. In other words, the name of the company should be bright and simple at the same time.

To start a business in the field of consulting, you do not need to obtain any licenses. And this is another plus in the piggy bank of this niche. However, if you plan to continue to provide services related to property valuation membership in an appraisal organization is required.

Market

For a successful start, you need to regional market analysis and the market in general assess the presence of competing firms and develop a development strategy. After identifying competitors, you can proceed to a private analysis of specific firms according to several factors:

The level of qualification of workers

Price policy

Reputation

Service options

Premises for rent

Office- a necessary factor for a consulting firm, since you will be interviewing potential clients on your territory. And therefore, the business districts of the city will become a suitable area for finding premises.

With a successful start of the business, it will be possible to think about buying out the rented premises. Again, such factors that in another business will not significantly affect the activity, in the field of consulting have a positive effect on company reputation.

The rental recommendations are such that the premises will require no less than 90 square meters. A spacious office will enhance presentability and will create comfortable conditions for both the work of employees and for communication with customers.

Equipment

The purchase of equipment and furniture should also be based on creation of comfortable conditions and presentability internal view. Each employee must be provided with all the necessary supplies, from the workplace to personal computer with internet access.

In addition, consider what should be equipped place for meals by employees and a possible tea party with a client (to discuss cooperation in comfortable conditions). These zones do not have to overlap.

Staff

As mentioned above, all the activities of the company will depend on qualified personnel. Therefore, in the business plan, the search for a suitable staff should be given a separate section.

An employee hired for a position in your company must have not only professional skills, but also have broad-minded, knowledge in various fields, and especially in those related to business. At the same time, remember that he will have to decide not only highly specialized tasks but also interact with organizations in general.

To start a small format consulting agency, it will be enough to first hire 2-3 employees, and expand after successful development. Coverage of initial staffing issues should focus on funding and management issues. An employee with a specialization in property valuation would also be helpful.

What does consulting mean in simple terms? What are the characteristics of marketing consulting? Which companies offer quality consulting services?

Welcome to the pages of the popular business magazine "HeaterBober"! The duty author of the project is Denis Kuderin.

In this issue, we are starting a new series of articles, the general theme of which is consulting services. In a review publication, we will study the concept of consulting, understand its features, goals and objectives.

Those who have read to the end will receive a guaranteed bonus - an overview of the most competent and reliable consulting firms in the Russian Federation, plus advice on how to choose a professional consultant on your own.

1. What is consulting in simple terms

Managers and employees are not always commercial companies successfully cope with managerial, financial, production and other tasks that inevitably face any existing business.

If the goal of an enterprise is development and growth, it will always need additional resources to increase its competitiveness and capture new market territories.

But it is unrealistic to keep experts on all issues in the staff of the company: at one time or another, help, advice and direct participation in the company's activities of specialists from the outside will be required. That is what consulting is all about.

The scientific definition goes like this:

is advising executives, managers and other employees of companies on a wide range of financial, legal, investment and commercial issues.

In other words, this is qualified assistance, advice, consultations, expert recommendations on doing business in general and its individual areas in particular.

The activity includes the analytical aspect, the study of the prospects for the development of companies, the study of the scientific and technical reserves of the customer.

Example

The Siberian Cold ice cream company decides to launch a new line of products based on exclusively natural ingredients. To calculate the profitability of a new undertaking and analyze the company's technical reserves, it was decided to invite consultants from a large consulting firm.

The consultants study the assets of the enterprise, the material and technical base, the financial aspect of launching a new line and come to the conclusion that the idea of ​​the company is promising and will bring it an increase in profits of 10-15%. The factory pays consultants for their services and with a light heart launches a new line of products.

There are many areas of consulting:

  • business consulting;
  • legal consulting;
  • personnel;
  • managerial;
  • anti-crisis;
  • credit;
  • accounting;
  • industrial;

Marketing consulting deserves special consideration - consulting on marketing, organization advertising campaigns and shares, interaction with the consumer market.

Not all firms have full-time marketing and advertising specialists, and competent promotion of products to the market is, as you know, the engine of trade. Marketing activity needs a particularly careful and accurate calculation, otherwise the cost of promotion may not pay off and cause losses.

When does a company need consulting?

  • the company has fallen into a period of stagnation and needs new ideas;
  • leaders lack knowledge and experience;
  • management does not have a clear position on an important issue and requires competent opinion to make a decision;
  • the company needs to complete some important project, but due to lack of knowledge, its implementation has been suspended;
  • the company needs a specialist who will establish interaction between individual divisions and levels of the company;
  • the company needs an audit of its activities by independent specialists;
  • the company needs to accelerate the rate of production growth;
  • the company wants to increase the efficiency of the management apparatus;
  • the company has problems with the selection of competent personnel and it needs.

These are just some of the situations where professional advice is needed. In fact, there are dozens or even hundreds of such situations.

Data

Modern Russian market consulting is developing in the direction of increasing differentiation of services and improving their quality. More stringent requirements are imposed on consulting providers, and the firms themselves are regularly audited by Rosfinnadzor.

This contributes to the increase professional level consultants and positively affects the relevance of consulting services. The most demanded branch in the Russian Federation is IT-consulting.

Form 2. Forecasting

Based on the analysis carried out, the consultants give their forecast of economic and financial prospects companies.

When compiling the forecast, scientific methods and original developments of a consulting firm are used. No self-respecting specialist will be guided only by experience or intuition: all the conclusions of advisers are justified and have an evidence base.

If customers have developed some new investment or production project, but do not know what changes to expect from its implementation, consultants will develop a model and determine what good innovation will give in practice and what consequences to fear.

Form 3. Consulting on issues related to the activities of the organization

Depending on which direction of the company's activity needs competent consulting, the client orders consulting services.

One-time consultations will cost, of course, cheaper, but there is no guarantee that the services will not be needed in a month, a year or two. Therefore, it is beneficial for large companies to enter into long-term contracts with consulting companies.

Form 4. Audit of the activities of the customer company

There are situations when a company needs to conduct an independent audit of its assets or production activities. No one will do this job better than an experienced consulting firm.

Example

The management of the company discovered that the production brings more and more losses every month. Internal accounting audits did not reveal what the "root of evil" is - profits continued to fall.

The director decided to conduct an independent audit of the company's activities. We hired a well-known consulting company. After a full check, it turned out that there was an irrational distribution of consumables in the workshop. It was a matter of technique to identify the specific culprits.

The results of the audit are issued in the form of a detailed report. In addition to bare facts, consultants make a list of recommendations for improving and optimizing the business processes of the customer company.

Form 5. Direct participation in the activities of the customer company

And another form of activity is the direct participation of consultants in the work of the company.

Specialists carry out planning, solve specific production tasks, introduce innovations into business - for example, install a modern software as part of IT consulting.

A more visual representation of the forms of consulting will give the table:

№ Forms of consultingCharacteristics
1 AnalyticsFull business analysis, conclusions and recommendations for improving efficiency
2 ForecastingDetermining the prospects for business development in general or individual projects in particular
3 ConsultingGeneral consultations in specified areas
4 Audit of the customer's activitiesFull check of the work of the company or specific departments
5 Direct participation in workParticipation in specific customer projects

3. How consulting is carried out - 7 main stages

Any operating company is a living organism. If failures appear in his work, treatment should be entrusted only to a professional "doctor" - a consulting firm with appropriate training and real practice.

We will study the specific stages of consulting activities.

Stage 1. Awareness by the customer of the problem

To begin with, the customer needs to realize that the problems existing at the enterprise cannot be solved on their own.

For example, the director of a company wants to radically increase the volume of production, but neither he nor his employees have sufficient experience and knowledge of how to implement such a project in practice.

In this situation, the involvement of third-party consultants is the most reasonable and profitable solution.

Stage 2. Initial consultation and conclusion of a cooperation agreement

After selecting a suitable candidate, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary consultation with him, during which the main direction of the consulting firm's activity will be determined.

Then an agreement is made.

Mandatory clauses of the agreement:

  • terms of work;
  • list of services and their cost;
  • conditions for changing the fee during the implementation of the project;
  • conditions under which the contract can be terminated early;
  • duties of the parties.

On the legal side, contracts for the provision of consulting services do not differ significantly from other agreements of this kind. In Russia, standard samples of contracts of this type are accepted in the form of contracts for scientific and technical work. Depending on the situation, a work contract or an employment agreement is drawn up.

It is possible to conclude both one-time contracts and long-term (so-called subscription contracts), according to which the customer's company is serviced every 3-6 months.

Stage 3. Data collection and problem definition

A plan for further research of the problem is being developed, the necessary resources and equipment are being attracted. At this stage, the main thing for consultants is to determine the causes of the existing problem and separate them from the symptoms.

Stage 4. Development of solutions and their presentation to the management of the customer company

The main stage of work. Specialists make an accurate diagnosis and develop an action plan aimed at eliminating the problem or improving the operation of the enterprise.

The management of the company reviews the plan and gives its consent to its implementation.

Stage 5. Implementation of solutions and control over their implementation

The planned procedures are carried out by the consultants themselves or by the employees of the enterprise under the strict guidance of the consultants.

It is possible to train personnel in the course of work. Any obstacles that have arisen are eliminated with the participation of consultants.

Stage 6. Evaluation of project results

You can objectively evaluate the result only after some time.

Summing up is done by both the management of the customer company and the representatives of the consulting organization themselves.

Stage 7. Final financial settlements with the customer

The planned activities were carried out on time, there is an improvement in production indicators and an increase in income. This means that the project was a success and it is time to pay the consultants in full.

The amount stipulated by the contract is transferred to the company’s account, the parties say “thank you” to each other and leave until the next meeting.

4. Professional assistance in conducting consulting - an overview of the TOP-3 companies providing services

Modern business is characterized by high competition, the constant introduction of new technologies into practice and the obligatory consideration of the interests of the consumer.

In such an environment, it is difficult to constantly maintain required level development - you need to be able to adapt to changing conditions and constantly be aware of innovations and fashionable business trends.

Professional consultants from reliable consulting companies will help you stay afloat. Choose partners from the review presented by us - you will not be mistaken.

LLC Congress Consulting is guided in its activities by the criteria of maximum utility for customers. The firm offers a wide range of services in the areas of consulting, independent assessment and business audit.

The company employs only professional consultants with vast experience. Each employee deserves impeccable reputation providing practical assistance in solving non-standard and challenging tasks. The main principle of "Congress Consulting" is the development of individual solutions for each customer.

STD's slogan is "the art of efficiency". The organization works with all regions of the Russian Federation, helps to solve the problems of effective business management, assists in the preparation of business plans and the development of investment projects.

If necessary, specialists will create a unique business development strategy, conduct personnel and forecasting, help launch startups and optimize the operation of the enterprise. The company has over 30 of its own unique methods, which they successfully apply in practice.

The company's experience in the consulting market is 10 years. Konkol successfully solves any tasks related to improving business efficiency. Experts will help develop an effective business plan, conduct marketing research launch business automation.

During its work, the company has implemented more than 2.5 thousand projects for Russian and foreign companies. Among Konkol's clients are Severstal, VTB, Gazprom, the Bank of Moscow, and the Magnit chain of stores.

In conclusion of this section - a few words about the unique Russian project "Auction Consulting". The offer will be of interest to both start-up entrepreneurs and managers of existing businesses.

The company conducts seminars, business trainings and advanced training courses for corporate and private students. Maybe distance learning and conducting classes directly in the building of the center in Moscow. Visit site Auction Consulting and learn more about the company's program.

5. How to Know You're Working with a Professional - 4 Signs of a Successful Consultant

Consultants, by definition, must be highly qualified specialists.

Their inalienable qualities are objectivity, impartiality, independence.

Remember the signs that will help you distinguish a successful and in-demand adviser from an amateur.

Sign 1. Demonstrates knowledge of the situation and problems of the customer company

A competent consultant will conduct a preliminary study before starting work in the company and will be aware of the main problems and concerns of the customer.

Among other things, he will be well versed in the specifics of the company and know the characteristics of the market.

Sign 2. Considers and remembers the opinion of the client, not disregarding his objections

A good specialist necessarily takes into account and keeps in mind, like a figure in mathematical calculations, the opinion of the customer. The “pain” of the client is important to him.

An experienced consultant will always listen to your objections and either agree with them or give reasonable arguments against. defend own point vision is not an end in itself for him. The main thing is to solve the client's problem.

Sign 3. Organizes various areas of work and informs about their features

A successful advisor works in several directions at once, acts on all fronts. And at the same time, he does not forget to inform the client about his activities.

A bad consultant is one who is neither seen nor heard. A professional always makes contact and is ready to describe in detail to the client the stages and algorithms of his own activity.

Sign 4. Speaking and asking questions

A professional consultant is not afraid to ask questions and speak his mind. He is not afraid of being considered pushy, overly energetic, or even annoying. His task is to improve the work of the customer company, and not to please the employees.

At the same time, a competent specialist never draws conclusions without sufficient grounds.

6. Conclusion

So, gentlemen, now you know what consulting is and why it is needed. Timely and professional advice will help your business grow, develop, overcome the crisis and successfully compete with other companies.

What is financial consulting full review concepts and main stages of consulting activity + 4 golden rules for the user of financial consulting services

What is HR consulting - a complete overview of the concept and tips on how to order HR consulting for an organization + 4 signs of successful HR consulting

Hello! In this article we will talk about consulting.

Today you will learn:

  1. Definition and types of consulting;
  2. What are the benefits of consulting for doing business;
  3. What are the stages of consulting activity.

Any business owner or company, large or not very often, needs outside consulting help. A person cannot know everything, but it also happens that a fresh look at an existing problem is required.

What is consulting in simple words

In the staff of a company, even the largest one, it is not possible to contain several experts in different fields. But if an enterprise has a goal to develop, conquer the market, sooner or later the advice of such experts will be needed. So what is consulting?

Consulting is a process of advising managers, management personnel and other employees on financial, legal, investment and other issues.

A bit of history

domestic consulting as professional activity began to develop in Russia in the 90s. This is directly related to the change not only in the economic system, but also in the political one. In 1991, there were only about 20 consulting companies.

With the development of market relations, the consulting services market began to experience rapid growth. These services have become more understandable to managers, more professional. Gradually, the level of competition began to rise, large players from the West came to the Russian service market, this put the consulting sphere on a qualitatively new level.

Consulting company - what is it

Companies of this kind are engaged in providing their clients with consulting services. Most often they are external companies and are related to the companies of their clients. They provide assistance in various areas its activities.

At the same time, they do not bear full responsibility for the result that will be obtained in the end. There is no unequivocal answer to the question of what consulting companies do.

In general, their activities are as follows:

  • Providing assistance in various areas;
  • Consulting services;
  • Planning organizational and management activities.

Principles of work of consulting companies

In their activities, consulting companies adhere to the following principles:

  • All of them use evidence-based data in their work;
  • Use in their work of such tools as information technology;
  • Specialists have the right to offer the customer their own scientific idea, if it helps in solving the problem that the customer has.

Types of consulting

IN modern economy There are several types of consulting. We will review and provide brief description the most common of them.

Financial advisory

It is a complex of services that are designed to build a reliable and functional system financial management. It includes: conducting an analysis and audit of the company's activities, consulting on finance and budgeting, introducing methods to strengthen the company's financial system.

Management consulting

It helps to establish which areas of the company are most vulnerable, corrects the company's activities as a whole.

It, in turn, is divided into several groups:

  • Strategic – allows you to analyze the market in the global and local sense, calculate possible risks;
  • Marketing– helps to develop the company's strategy, carry out diagnostics target audience. Its main goal is to increase sales, as well as reduce advertising costs;
  • personnel – advice on the selection and training of employees , creation and development of corporate culture .

In addition to all of the above, this type of consulting helps to solve the following tasks:

  • Improve the work of all company management structures;
  • Learn new management techniques;
  • Develop a system to motivate employees;
  • Optimize business processes.

Investment consulting

When company executives choose schemes for investing capital, or attracting such from outside, they mainly rely on the recommendations of professionals who can provide the necessary assistance.

Functions of investment consulting:

  • Implementation of interactions with credit institutions, insurance companies and authorities;
  • Assistance in the development of investment projects;
  • Legal investment advice.

HR consulting

All great popularity receives advice from specialists on personnel matters.

Such consulting includes:

  • Personnel certification;
  • Personnel accounting;
  • Personnel audit;
  • Analysis of personnel policy;
  • Document flow analysis;
  • Analysis of the compliance of personnel policy with the norms of labor legislation.

Through HR consulting, you can:

  • Form a certain corporate culture;
  • Diagnose how loyal employees are to the company;
  • Increase the efficiency of the entire personnel management system;
  • Develop criteria for evaluating the work of personnel.

This type of consulting allows management to organize work not only with the team as a whole, but also with each employee individually.

Legal consulting

In today's business environment, it is often necessary to resolve emerging legal situations. And the situation itself is difficult to call transparent, then the manager will definitely need the help of a professional. And if there is no full-time lawyer in the company, then one cannot do without the involvement of a specialist from a consulting company.

Accounting consulting

The purpose of accounting consulting is to increase not only the efficiency of accounting. accounting, but also to control its correctness. Usually such services are provided by highly qualified specialists.

Accounting consulting services consist of:

  • Services for the development and formation of accounting policies;
  • Consultations on the construction of the accounting system. accounting;
  • Assistance in the preparation of accounting reports;
  • Assistance in preparing reports to the Federal Tax Service;
  • Consideration and consultations on disputable situations in accounting.

Educational consulting

The practical significance of this type of consulting is that the consultant:

  • Conducts seminars;
  • Organizes lectures and trainings;
  • Develops teaching aids.

Simply put, consultants train the personnel of the customer's company.

Expert consulting

Its essence is as follows: the client sets a task for the consultant, and he, in turn, with the help of his own experience and knowledge, as well as relying on various sources, produces a ready-made solution. In addition to developing a solution to a problem, an expert can also diagnose a problem.

The client does not participate in the development of a solution to the problem.

Project consulting

called project consulting joint work consultant and employees of the company, during which a decision is made on how to optimize the company's activities. This type of counseling is called long-term.

Internet consulting

This area of ​​consulting activity can include:

  • Development of information technologies taking into account the needs of a particular company;
  • Maintaining technology at a high level;
  • Identification of existing problems;
  • Creation of high-quality information infrastructure.

What tasks do consulting companies solve?

Consulting professionals can help in the following situations:

  • When you need to adjust business process management;
  • When is a business reorganization required?
  • To restore the solvency of a company or enterprise;
  • Support in the merger of companies;
  • When advice is required on the acquisition of property;
  • Budgeting;
  • Development;
  • When you need to prepare a financial forecast and so on.

This list of services is not complete and may be supplemented by other items.

Stages of implementation of consulting activities

Any company can be called a living, constantly evolving organism. If the body fails, then a doctor is required. But the treatment should be done by a professional, not an amateur. That is, a consulting company should be with serious practical experience.

1.The customer acknowledges the existence of a certain problem. If the customer realizes that he cannot solve the problems that have arisen in the company without the help of professionals.

Example: the head of the confectionery company set himself the task of increasing the volume of products. But a problem arose: the manager himself and the company's specialists do not have enough knowledge for this. To achieve the goal, a decision is made to invite outside experts. And this decision will be reasonable and justified.

2.Conducting initial consultations and conclusion of the contract. When a suitable company is selected, you need to consult with its specialist. Then the contract is signed.

The following items must be included in the contract:

  • The period during which the work will be performed;
  • A complete list of services with an indication of the cost;
  • Conditions in connection with which the amount of the consultant's fee can be changed;
  • Conditions for early termination of the contract;
  • Responsibilities of both parties.

The contract can be concluded both once and on long term. The contract can be concluded in the form of, and in the form of a work contract.

3. The data necessary for cooperation is being collected. The specialists of the consulting company at this stage of cooperation collect and analyze data that will help determine how serious the problem is. The main thing here is to establish what the problem is, as well as develop a plan to solve it.

4. The process of developing a solution to a problem. This stage can be called the main one. Having established the problem and its causes, specialists draw up a plan according to which the problem will be eliminated.

5. The process of implementing decisions and monitoring their implementation. All procedures specified in the plan are carried out under the supervision of consultants. Also in the process, training of company employees is possible.

6. The process of evaluating the results obtained. objective assessment results can be given only after a certain period of time. The head of the company together with representatives of the executing company will sum up the results.

7. Production of final financial calculations. If all the activities were carried out on time, production indicators increased, the company's income increased - this is an indicator that the activities carried out were effective, you need to make a final settlement with the consulting company. The amount specified in the contract is transferred to the account of the executing company.

Situations where consulting is needed

  • The management and employees of the company have no new ideas, the company has entered a period of stagnation;
  • The leader lacks certain knowledge or experience;
  • The company is developing a serious project, but cannot implement it in full due to lack of knowledge;
  • The company is required to conduct an audit with the participation of independent specialists;
  • The company needs the management apparatus to work more efficiently;
  • Companies need to recruit a number of qualified professionals.

This list of situations cannot be called exhaustive, since in fact there may be more than a dozen of them.

How to find a serious consulting company

If your company has a number of problems that it is not possible to solve on your own, the next step is to choose the right company that specializes in providing consulting services.

There are criteria following which you can choose a company and not make a mistake:

  1. Collect the maximum amount of information about the company with which you plan to enter into an agreement. Look at her official website, find out how much the company is on the market;
  2. Read reviews about the work of the company in the media, on the Internet;
  3. Ask if the company has a portfolio: each specialist is proud of his achievements and usually fixes them;
  4. Check if there are serious businessmen in your region among the clients;
  5. Focus on the cost of the company's services, too low should alert, as well as clearly overpriced.

It is best to have several companies in stock, and after a personal meeting and communication with specialists, make the final decision.

Requirements for companies and consultants

If a company or consultant has a high level of qualification and provides a wide range of services, then they must meet certain requirements, which we will discuss later.

  1. The consultant must: have knowledge and skills in strategic planning, be able to analyze and predict the economic situation, be proficient in diagnosing the situation at the enterprise, be able to establish contacts with specialists of different levels;
  2. The consultant (or consulting company) should not depend on the rules and unwritten laws, as well as the traditions that have developed in a particular company. The opinion of the consultant must be free and objective;
  3. The consulting company should provide assistance based on its experience and current legislation;
  4. A consulting company, in addition to consultations, should be engaged in gaining experience, accumulating, analyzing and processing data;
  5. The activity of a consulting company should also have a learning effect for its clients.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table, which presents the main features of professional consultants and those who only consider themselves to be such.

What is the difference between a professional consultant and an amateur

Pro Consultant Amateur
Examines in advance the activities of the client's company Doesn't work preliminary training, learns about the current situation from the client
All offers are prepared taking into account the characteristics of the company All developed proposals are not informative, but general, almost advertising in nature.
Since the start of cooperation practical advice and advice to the client Emphatically obsessively talks about his achievements, puts himself an order of magnitude higher than the client
In the process of communication, shows awareness of the situation in the client's company Talks about experience in the same industry
Asks questions, seeks the opinion of the customer Speaks without objection
Able to listen to the client Prefers to talk rather than listen
Answers additional questions Additional questions are ignored
Always responds to customer objections Does not take into account the client's objections, prefers to communicate through e-mail and not personally

Advantages of consulting

It should be noted that more and more often, not only those who have just joined the ranks of entrepreneurs, but also serious companies that have been on the market for a long time are turning to consulting companies for help. What are the benefits of consulting?

  • Consultants have more high level knowledge than that of full-time specialists of the company (which does not detract from the merits of conscientious employees);
  • Consultants are more experienced by virtue of communication with big amount clients;
  • Consultants have enough time to deeply and comprehensively study the problem;
  • Consultants usually have an unbiased opinion, they are guided by the interests of the customer.

A clear advantage of consulting is that the company's specialists with a fresh look from the outside can identify problems that are simply invisible to the company's employees.

Consulting and coaching: differences between methods

Before figuring out the similarities and differences, let's find out what kind of animal this is - coaching.

coaching is a method of consultation in which the client and the trainer jointly look for ways to improve or solve a problem.

Skeptics may say that this technique just duplicates a number of others that are already familiar. Why invent something else if there are trainings and consulting? But it is coaching that does not repeat all previously known practices.

Coaching and consulting are not duplicative methods for one simple reason: the coach guides and advises his client to achieve the goal, and the consulting consultant is limited to making recommendations, leaving the client the opportunity to continue to act independently.

Who can consulting companies work with?

Consulting firms may partner with:

  • Public and private enterprises that produce any products, provide services;
  • With foreign companies operating in Russia (legally);
  • With government organizations;
  • with government agencies.

So, dear readers, now you know what consulting is, what its goals are and what it is for. If you take advantage of consulting conditions in a timely manner, then your business will successfully grow and develop. Your company will survive all crises and become a serious competitor for others.