[jshilan]

I want to start a thread to see if people are, or have worked with a green industry consultant, and what the general feeling is about the concept. Several of the companies I worked for brought in outside consultants for issues ranging from sales to software to team building. I personally had mixed opinions on the success of working with a consultant but wanted to find out what experiences others have had. Please let me know what your thoughts are.

[WarrenTree]

I own a tree & landscape company in central Florida, but also do business and HR consulting. One thing I see, across the board in nearly all industries and businesses is inefficient an ineffective processes. Whether they are in the office, or in the field - many times the processes we use, especially those that cross departments (begin in the field and end up in the office with a different department) are in need of evaluation and many times redesign.
I also see a lot of businesses that hire based on the "I like you, I think you'll do" method, or the "you're a warm body, and I have a space for a warm body" approach. Neither is very successful.

Both of these areas cost companies a significant amount of money. If you're processes are efficient and effective, and you have the right people doing the right jobs, it saves you money - and improves your bottom line!

It's sometimes hard to really quantify the cost of bad processes, and a revolving employee door, but the cost is there! Get a professional to help and you will typically save $$.

[ashley3356]

I haven't worked with a consultant before but if I'd hire one one day I would probably be concerned with increasing profits (obviously) but also with budgeting as this is one of my rather weak points.