What’s the difference between a strategist and a consultant? (And why you need both)

If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, you’re likely searching for help in the form of a strategist, consultant, or maybe mentor. Each has their place in helping you scale your business but they’re all slightly different and can help you with different aspects. Here’s a breakdown of the difference between a strategist and a consultant.

What’s the difference?

A strategist is someone who develops high-level plans and strategies to help you figure out where you want your business to go and how to get there. A consultant, on the other hand, is someone who provides expert advice in a particular area. So, if you’re looking for help with specific tasks or projects, a consultant is likely your best bet.

What are the benefits of hiring a strategist?

If you want to take your business to the next level, it’s important to have a clear vision and objectives. That’s where a strategist comes in. A strategist will work with you to develop long-term plans and strategies that will help you achieve your goals. They'll take a look at where you are now and where you want to be, and then come up with a plan to get you there. A good strategist will also help you anticipate any obstacles that might get in your way and develop contingency plans for dealing with them.

Strategists often have experience working with businesses of all sizes, so they can offer valuable insights and perspectives that you may not have considered before.

What are the benefits of hiring a consultant?

While strategists help businesses figure out where they want to go, consultants help businesses figure out how to get there. In other words, consultants provide expert advice in specific areas. They'll come in, assess the situation, and offer up some recommendations. It's then up to you to decide whether or not to take their advice.

So, if you’re looking for help with specific tasks or projects, a consultant is likely your best bet. For example, if you’re wanting to launch an ecommerce store but don’t know where to start, you might want to hire an ecommerce consultant.

How do you know if you need a strategist or a consultant?

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding whether to hire a consultant or a strategist for your business. It all depends on your specific needs. If you have a problem that needs to be addressed, a consultant is probably best. But if you're looking for help developing a long-term plan, go with a strategist.

In all honestly, there’s going to be overlap between the two and it’s best to have someone (or hire both) to help you develop that long-term plan and provide assistance on certain areas that may not be in your wheelhouse or have capacity for.

As a business owner, it’s important to surround yourself with experienced professionals who can offer valuable insights and perspectives. Whether you need help developing long-term plans or simply figuring out how to complete specific tasks, hiring a strategist or consultant (or both!) is a smart move that will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.

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