Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Business Consultant for Your Business

Align Pricing with Business Value

I asked them to demonstrate how their pricing corresponded to the business value they would be adding to our organization. 

Consultants are expensive, and it’s important that their cost is aligned with the return on investment we would be getting from their services. It’s also important that this cost is justifiable and in alignment with our expectations for the project and the set KPIs.

Dr. Willy Portier, Co-founder, Concerty

Seek Relevant Case Studies

Before hiring a business consultant/coach, one question I asked was, “Can you provide examples or case studies of businesses similar to mine that you have successfully helped in the past, and what specific results were achieved?”

This question helped me gauge their experience and expertise in working with businesses like mine and assess whether their approach and strategies would be beneficial for my specific needs and goals.

Matthew Ramirez, CEO, Paraphrase Tool

Assess Relationship-building Skills

Before signing on with a business coach or consultant, it is important to ask the right questions—ones that suit both you and your business’s individual needs. 

One common question you may ask is how they form those relationships with their clients; do they go in-depth discussing the customer’s daily processes, or simply recommend high-level changes? This can be especially helpful for entrepreneurs looking for consultants experienced in more specific approaches. 

Asking about what methods a consultant uses to ensure that the customer has a lasting impact shows their commitment to helping grow an organization beyond just short-term success.

Michael Alexis, CEO, Virtual Team Building

Evaluate Experience and Compatibility

Before you hire a consultant/coach, make sure you know what your business goals are. Next to each goal, write what you need to be successful in each area. Once you complete that document, you will know what your business needs are. 

When you interview the consultant/coach, ask if they have experience in the areas you need support in. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person you select. Do you like how they relate to your needs? Do you feel heard? Are they personable? Can you bond with the person? The person you select must be someone you can share your heart’s desires with, so you reach your goals. 

Do not hire someone just because they were recommended to you. The person is being recommended because of the chemistry the referring person liked with the partnership. You may require a different personality to partner with. Be patient and select the right person to support your goals.

Beth Smith, Life Coach and Owner, Thriving With Resilience

Ask About Competition and Honesty

When I was interviewing coaches, the first question I asked was: Who is my biggest competition?

The answers revealed both the consultant’s knowledge of the sector—but also their willingness to tackle uncomfortable topics. Too many coaches think their role involves praise and optimism only. I wanted the opposite: someone who would discuss the areas in which I was falling short. Identifying weaknesses is the first step toward improvement. A business consultant shouldn’t be afraid to tell you who is trumping you in the field; in fact, this kind of honesty is something to look for.

Travis Hann, Partner, Pender & Howe

Find Past Success Examples

When considering hiring a business consultant/coach, one crucial question I asked is, “Can you provide examples of your past successes working with businesses similar to mine?” 

This question helps me assess their expertise and track record in my specific industry and niche. By reviewing their case studies or success stories, I can gain insights into how they have helped businesses achieve their goals and determine if their approach aligns with my needs. Taking the time to evaluate their experience, knowledge, and ability to deliver results ultimately helps ensure they are the right fit for my business.

Gabe Roy, Founder and Creative Director, Zest Media Productions 

Ask for Industry Experience and Results

I once found myself in need of a business consultant to help take my company to the next level. I knew I needed someone with experience and expertise in my industry, so I began my research by reaching out to various consultants.

One consultant stood out to me, and before hiring him, I asked a very important question: “What is your experience working with businesses in our industry, and what results have you achieved?”

His response was impressive. He had extensive experience working with companies similar to mine and had helped them achieve significant growth and success. He understood the specific challenges and opportunities within my industry and had a proven track record of delivering results.

His answer gave me the confidence I needed to hire him. His guidance and expertise helped me to take my SaaS business growth to the next level. Asking that one important question helped me find the right consultant for my business.

Irina Poddubnaia, CEO and Founder, TrackMage

Learn from Their Biggest Failure

I’ve worked with several business coaches. You want to ask them about their biggest failure in business. This does two things. 

First, it gives you an indicator of whether they have real-world experience with owning and operating a business like yours. Many coaches will take an online course to become certified. This is great, but it’s better if that’s paired with experience they can draw on to help you. 

Second, the way a coach answers this question gives you a sense of their humility. A coach who can’t admit their own failures can’t possibly help you through yours. On the other hand, a coach who can reflect on their own mistakes and failures can be empathic to your situation as a business owner.

Dennis Consorte, Digital Marketing and Leadership Consultant for Startups, Snackable Solutions

Request a Tailored Strategy

Business coaches can be an enormous benefit to owners and entrepreneurs, but when I was hiring one for myself, I found far too many offering familiar advice.

What works for one business won’t for another, so before hiring a coach or consultant, ask them what they’d do differently for you.

You want to hear that they have a strategy specific to your needs and industry. If they respond with general advice like “schedule your day” or “learn to delegate” that might mean they lack expertise in your area.

While tips like these are practical, you can get them almost anywhere. What you need is a coach with truly novel ideas to streamline and grow your business. To do this, they must have a unique plan designed with your size, sector, and strengths in mind.

Linn Atiyeh, CEO, Bemana

Assess Conflict Resolution Skills

“How do you handle disagreements or conflicts that may arise during the consulting/coaching process?” 

This question is essential to ensure that the consultant/coach has effective conflict resolution skills and can navigate challenging situations. It demonstrates the importance of open communication, collaboration, and a constructive approach to problem-solving. Clear expectations around conflict management contribute to a successful working relationship and help determine if the consultant/coach is the right fit for your business.

Roy Lau, Co-founder, 28 Mortgage