Consulting is a much different field than it was just a few years ago. Technology, particularly in the realm of mobile technology and the cloud, is streamlining decision-making across every sector.
Instead of recommending a single software application or digital tool, consultants often act as digital advisors that help clients identify stacks of customizable technology solutions for their business. Similarly, technology is shaping the way that business consultants manage and assist their clients.
Kyle Krch is a military veteran and entrepreneur based in Reno, Nevada. He oversees Krch Realty and is a co-owner of its parent company, Hughes (News - Alert) Private Capital.
Relationship Management
It is not a new concept that consultants would take prospecting and networking seriously. But more than ever before, these professionals can keep tabs on their clients and prospects with relationship management software.
For example, customer relationship management (CRM) software can amass terabytes of data on every prospect. Consultants can use this information to keep track of their contacts, make successful referrals, and dial-in the necessary touch points for optimized customer acquisition and retention.
Productivity
What used to take teams of experts can now take place after a few clicks from one person. Consultants can run like a full agency with just the right set of productivity tools, notes Kyle Krch, founder of Krch Realty.
The latest in productivity solutions such as Asana and Slack integrate multiple platforms and allow various team members within and outside of an organization to collaborate on projects. Consultants can manage more clients and tasks, stay organized, and remain available remotely.
Even legal paperwork is easily managed with virtual notary services and e-sign software. There’s no need to chase down key personnel for legally binding signatures. Programs like DocuSign use encryption, email delivery, and the cloud to consummate contractual agreements.
Project Management
Closely related to the topic above, consultants can get a better perspective on their role when overseeing projects and coordinating multiple people and departments. There are countless new tools for resource management, budgeting, team member collaboration, and milestone tracking.
One of the greatest benefits to today’s project management technology is the ability for key players to access relevant information in real-time while each individual responds asynchronously.
Analytics
Business consultants can excel today with a deeper understanding of “the numbers.” Most business leaders thirst for actionable information. Consultants can apply themselves to following both quantitative and qualitative data and then translating that data into actual dollars and cents for their clients, says Kyle Krch.
Thanks to the number of current tools collecting data, business consultants have more information than they know what to do with. And now there are tools specifically for consultants to help them sort and interpret the data. Many decision-makers don’t have the time or training to gather relevant insights from the numbers, but business consultants can.
Kyle Krch on Digital Transformation
The reality is that business consultants are increasingly growing into the role of advising a process of digital transformation for their clients. That said, these consultants don’t necessarily need to have a background in IT.
But this reality does mean that today’s successful consultants pay attention to the direction of technology. And they know that in order for their clients to succeed and excel in their industry, they must embrace technology as well, notes Kyle Krch.
