“The 5 Must - Know Tips for Successfully Choosing a Sales and Marketing Consultant”

Tip No 1: Does your consultant undertake a front end diagnostic or marketing audit?

If your consultant does not suggest a front end marketing audit I recommend you keep looking for the right consultant.

How can anyone suggest making improvements in your business without sitting down to understand the existing processes, what is working, what can be improved and what should be cut out?

Without doing a “full medical” on your business how can a consultant customise a program that focuses on the needs of the business?

The “medical” is critical in quickly identifying areas where “quick wins” can be achieved and business profitability improved.

Tip No 2: What sort of support tools and processes does the consultant have to ensure he can deliver on the promises made?

To give you the best opportunity of improving your own marketing skills with the resultant increase in sales and profits, you need to be able to access a range of training and support tools.

Here is a quick check list of questions to ask to ensure the adequate tools and resources are available...

• What is the availability of the consultant?
• Is telephone and email support available?
• What sorts of manuals are provided?
• Are there any audio CDs or DVDs provided?
• Are you able to request additional coaching blocks?
• What sort of processes do you follow?

Tip No 3: What sort of training and experience does your consultant have?

Practical experience is always a good indicator as to whether a consultant can help you. Have they been there and done it themselves? What sort of clients have they had? Have they undergone any formal training? What sort of support do they receive? Are all good questions to ask?

Tip No 4: Does your consultant or coach offer you a performance guarantee?

The most important thing of in working with a customer is working hard to help the customer get the best results possible. Beware of any consultant who is not prepared to stand behind the services they offer with a solid performance guarantee.

Tip No 5: What sort of continuous learning does your consultant undertake to ensure they are up to date with the latest marketing ideas, trends and opportunities?

The business environment is in a state of rapid change and flux. Any consultant you are working with must be continually keeping up to date with the latest market trends, opportunities and marketing techniques.

You should enquire what courses and seminars have they been attending, what reading are they doing, what papers have they written and are they part of a mentor group.