When it comes to consulting success, technical skills in your area of expertise are not the only thing that potential clients look for in a consultant.
Whatever your consulting job is, whether it’s in project management, operations management, or strategy consulting, there are some additional valuable skills that can help you stand out from the crowd and build a loyal client base.
We outline the most valuable skills that you absolutely need to build a successful consulting business based on feedback from clients and consulting firms.
1. Analytical skills
Analytical skills are one of the most important consulting skills that clients value. Consultants who can understand and solve complex problems are exactly why businesses are willing to invest a lot of money in hiring top experts. Great consultants know how to perform data analysis to identify trends and make decisions to solve their client’s problems.
2. Communication
Being a successful consultant also requires excellent communication skills. Without great communication skills, your other abilities won’t matter as much. You need to be able to clearly explain your ideas and solutions to clients, and also understand their needs and objectives.
3. Project management
Many consulting engagements involve managing a project from start to finish. This requires strong project management skills, which entails developing realistic schedules and budgets, tracking progress, and identifying and resolving issues.
4. Organization
A consultant often wears many hats, so good organizational skills are crucial. From keeping track of deadlines and milestones to organizing client meetings and paperwork, being able to stay organized can help you stay on top of everything and avoid missed opportunities.
5. Interpersonal skills
In addition to communication skills, interpersonal skills is one of the other soft skills that is important for consultants. You’ll often have to interact with the senior management whenever you are working on a consulting project.
A good consultant is able to build relationships and manage difficult conversations with upper management to get their buy-in. At the same time, they can work seamlessly as part of a project team.
6. Relationship-building
In consulting, relationships are everything. Building strong relationships with clients is one of the important skills for success. Good relationship-building involves not only being a good listener but also being able to build trust and rapport.
7. Problem-solving
When clients come to consultants, they’re usually looking for help solving a specific problem. So, it’s no surprise that problem-solving skills are important for consultants. This includes the ability to troubleshoot issues, think creatively, and propose solutions.
8. Researching
Conducting research is often a key part of the consulting process. Whether you’re researching a client’s business or trying to find the best solution to a problem, being able to effectively conduct research can help you succeed as a consultant.
9. Strategic and critical thinking
Strategic thinking and critical thinking are two other important consulting skills. As a strategic and critical thinker, you are able to see the big picture, identify opportunities and risks, and develop long-term plans.
10. Adaptability
In life and in business, change is the only constant. To be successful, you need to be able to adapt to new situations, clients, and projects. This includes being flexible and open-minded, as well as being able to quickly learn new things.
11. Asking the right questions
Asking the right questions is a critical consulting skill. This involves not only being able to ask good questions but also knowing when and how to ask them. By asking the right questions, you can gain valuable insights into your client’s needs and objectives and better know how to solve their business problems.
12. Leadership
Although not all consulting engagements involve leading a team, leadership skills can be helpful in many situations. These skills can come in handy when managing a project or team, or when dealing with difficult clients.
13. Presentation skills
Consulting work often involves giving presentations. Whether you’re presenting to a client or a group of stakeholders, being able to effectively communicate your ideas is essential. This includes being able to structure a presentation, use visuals effectively, and answer questions confidently.
14. Time management
Consultants are often pulled in many different directions, so excellent time management is essential. This includes knowing how to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and stay organized. By managing your time effectively, you can maximize your efficiency and productivity.
15. Thinking conceptually
Thinking conceptually involves being able to see the big picture and understand how different concepts and ideas fit together. Conceptual thinking suggests that you are able to solve problems creatively.
16. Negotiation
Negotiation skills are important for consultants who want to be able to get the best possible results. This includes the ability to navigate difficult conversations, compromise, and find win-win solutions.
17. Being results-oriented
A result-oriented consultant sets clear goals and objectives and then works hard to achieve them. It also involves being able to track progress and measure success. By being results-oriented, you can help ensure that your clients are satisfied with the work you do.
Conclusion
These are just some of the consulting skills that can make you a client’s choice when looking for expert advice. Make no mistake that not many consultants have them, even if they are known to be experts in their field. If you want to be a top-notch consultant that clients keep coming back to, start by developing these skills. Not only will they make you better at your job, but clients will find you such an excellent consultant that they’ll recommend your services to other companies.
