business plan du consultant

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Le business plan du consultant indépendant

Le business plan réalisé par un consultant qui projette de se mettre à son compte pour exercer en indépendant a essentiellement pour objectif de calculer la rentabilité de sa future activité et le revenu net auquel il pourra prétendre en fonction des hypothèses retenues.

Pourquoi un consultant doit-il faire un business plan ?

Le lancement d’une activité de consultant nécessite rarement de mobiliser des capitaux importants, il n’est donc pas nécessaire de construire un business plan pour les banques mais plutôt pour le consultant lui-même et ses choix de création.

En effet, il est recommandé pour le futur consultant indépendant de réaliser un business plan car les résultats de l’étude financière constitueront une base de réflexion pour faire les bons choix de création , notamment en matière de choix de statut juridique  et de régime fiscal (IR ou IS) .

Par exemple, en présence d’une forte rentabilité (ce qui est souvent le cas pour un consultant), il peut être déconseillé d’exercer en entreprise individuelle ou en EURL à l’IR, afin d’éviter d’avoir le bénéfice comme base de calcul des cotisations sociales et de l’impôt sur le revenu.

La partie financière du business plan doit donc être réalisée sérieusement. A partir des résultats, il sera ensuite possible de procéder à des comparaisons entre plusieurs statuts juridiques possibles (EURL à l’IS ou à l’IR, SASU à l’IS ou à l’IR, Entreprise individuelle…) et de prendre une décision en connaissance de cause.

Les points essentiels du business d’un consultant

Partie économique du business plan du consultant.

La partie du business plan dédiée à la présentation du projet de création d’une activité de consultant est en général relativement courte, elle n’est parfois même pas nécessaire. On doit y retrouver la présentation de l’expertise du consultant et de ses expériences, la présentation du marché, la description de l’offre de services proposé et la stratégie marketing .

Pour ce type d’activité, il peut être intéressant d’évoquer les indicateurs suivants :

• la durée des missions (missions courtes ou missions de plusieurs semaines / mois),
• le prix des prestations (forfait, coût horaire…),
• la marge sur les prestations réalisées (chiffre d’affaires – frais de déplacement),
• le taux de transformation prospects en clients.

Partie financière du business plan du consultant

La plupart du temps, il n’y a aucun investissement majeur à prévoir pour une activité de consultant (et donc pas de financement particulier à anticiper). Au cas où il est prévu de rejoindre un réseau de franchise, le droit d’entrée doit être budgétisé. Egalement, il se peut qu’un site internet soit nécessaire pour communiquer ou qu’un véhicule soit pris en location ou crédit-bail, mais ces dépenses sont à intégrer dans les frais généraux.

Le chiffre d’affaires prévisionnel est l’élément financier principal pour une activité de consultant. Il est généralement possible de s’appuyer sur les premiers contrats en cours de négociation et sur les chiffres réalisés par les concurrents. Lorsqu’il est prévu de refacturer les frais de déplacement aux clients, il faut les intégrer dans les produits.

Au niveau des frais généraux , on retrouve principalement :

• les frais de déplacement et les frais de mission,
• le loyer immobilier si un bureau est pris en location,
• le loyer du véhicule éventuellement pris en location ou en crédit-bail,
• l’assurance professionnelle,
• les honoraires de l’expert-comptable,
• et les frais bancaires liés au compte professionnel.

Des dépenses de communication peuvent également être prévues si nécessaire (publicité, site internet, dépenses d’apport d’affaires…). Pour les frais généraux à budgétiser, nous vous donnons plusieurs conseils dans cette publication : Prévoir ses charges externes

Les tableaux financiers importants pour une activité de consultant

La partie financière du business plan pour une activité de consultant ne nécessite pas de produire de nombreux  tableaux financiers , il faut aller à l’essentiel. Les tableaux financiers prévisionnels vraiment importants pour ce type de projet de création sont :

• le compte de résultat prévisionnel ,
• le bilan prévisionnel ,
• et le tableau de trésorerie .

Ce dossier aborde en détail l’établissement du prévisionnel pour ce type d’activité : le prévisionnel du prestataire de services .

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How to create a consultant business plan

• Nirit Braun
• Oct 30, 2023
• 12 min read

When launching your consulting business, one of the essential first steps is crafting a well-structured and detailed business plan. Your consulting business plan is like a strategic playbook that lays out your goals, tactics and financial projections. It not only steers you toward success but also equips you to adapt and thrive in the dynamic world of consulting.

Keep reading for tips on how to build a strong business plan for your business. Use the template provided at the end to get started on your own plan.

Looking to kick off your consultancy business? Create a business website today with Wix.

Why create a consultant business plan? Top benefits to consider

A business plan forces entrepreneurs to thoroughly evaluate their business idea, target audience and competitive landscape. This process clarifies their vision and mission, ensuring that they have a clear understanding of how their consultancy will provide value to clients. A business plan helps you in the following ways:

Create a business blueprint : With a business plan in place, entrepreneurs looking to start a business can make informed decisions based on a solid foundation of research and analysis. They can choose the most effective strategies for marketing, pricing and service delivery, enhancing their chances of success. Your business plan can also be used to explain what type of business you'll start - whether that's an LLC, Corporation or something else. Learn more about how to start an LLC .

Secure funding : The cost to start a consultancy business can range from around $60 to several thousand dollars . For those seeking external funding, a well-developed business plan demonstrates credibility and professionalism. Investors and lenders are more likely to support a venture with a thought-out plan that showcases its potential for growth and profitability.

Set measurable goals : A business plan sets measurable goals and performance metrics, which is vital with this type of business . This allows entrepreneurs to track their progress, adapt strategies as needed and celebrate milestones along the way.

Want to remind yourself of the basics? Learn more about how to start a service business .

How to create a successful consultant business plan in 6 steps

In this section, we'll break down the key components involved in crafting a successful consultant business plan in six steps.

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

An executive summary serves as a concise overview of the consultant's business plan, providing a snapshot of the key components and the business' essence. It's usually the first section investors, lenders and stakeholders read, so it must encapsulate the business' value proposition, objectives, strategies and projected growth. To write a clear executive summary for a consultant business make sure to keep it succinct yet informative. Clearly state the purpose of the business, the services offered, the target market and the unique value proposition. Avoid technical jargon that may confuse readers.

Then you can mention the business' strengths, such as the expertise of the consultants, unique methodologies or specialized services. Emphasize factors that set your consultancy apart from competitors.

Briefly discuss the market need for your services and how your consultancy plans to fulfill it. It’s worth noting that strategy and management consulting, as well as technology consulting, financial consulting and HR consulting are in high demand . Highlight any trends or changes in the industry that your business can capitalize on.

Remember to include a snapshot of your financial projections, indicating expected revenue, costs and profitability. This provides a glimpse into the business' potential financial success.

Example of an executive summary for a consultant business

"XYZ Consulting is a boutique consultancy firm specializing in digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With a team of seasoned professionals, we offer tailored solutions to help businesses harness the power of technology for growth. Our unique approach blends strategic consulting with hands-on implementation, ensuring tangible results. In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, XYZ Consulting is poised to be the partner SMEs need to thrive. Our financial projections forecast a steady growth trajectory, with a focus on achieving profitability within the first two years. With a proven track record and a finger on the pulse of industry trends, XYZ Consulting is well-equipped to guide businesses toward digital success."

02. Business and domain names

Knowing how to name a business is crucial for a consultancy venture and a key step before you register your business . It's the foundation of your brand and influences how clients perceive your services. With Wix , you can use a free business name generator or consulting company name generator as helpful tools for brainstorming unique and memorable names. Ensure the name reflects your expertise and the services you offer.

Similarly, the domain name for your business website is vital. It should be easy to remember, relevant to your services and ideally, match your company name. Check the domain's availability using domain registration platforms. Ensure the domain name aligns with your consultancy's focus and services. Generally, this means keeping it short and easy to spell and pronounce.

Learn more: How to make a consulting website

03. Market analysis and research

Incorporating a thorough market analysis within your consultant business plan is essential. Understand the competitive landscape, target audience and market trends. Research your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, pricing strategies and client base. This information will shape your business strategies and help you identify gaps in the market that your consultancy can fill.

04. Operations plan

The operations plan outlines the logistical aspects of your consultancy. It covers location, premises, equipment and staffing requirements. Determine whether your consultancy will be home-based, have a physical office or operate virtually. Define the equipment and software needed to deliver services effectively. Outline your staffing needs, including the roles and expertise required.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

Your marketing and advertising plan outlines how you will promote your consultant business. Identify the most effective strategies to reach your target audience. Consider content marketing, social media campaigns, networking events and speaking engagements to showcase your expertise. Emphasize how your marketing efforts will build brand awareness and attract clients.

You’ll need to develop a suite of brand assets to use in your marketing as well, starting with a company logo. You can use a free logo maker to get a professional logo in minutes.

06. Financial plan

The financial plan is a critical component of any business plan. It outlines how you will raise money for your business initially and provides a timeline for reaching profitability. Detail your startup costs, including equipment, marketing expenses and personnel. Present your revenue projections, taking into account different pricing models and growth scenarios. Highlight your break-even point and the strategies you'll employ to achieve profitability.

By addressing each part of their plan, entrepreneurs can create a robust business plan that guides them toward achieving their business goals and building a reputable consulting brand.

Consultant business plan examples

These templates illustrate two hypothetical consultant business plans, each tailored to a specific niche. These are just templates and should be adapted to your specific business goals and industry dynamics.

Consultant business plan template 1: XYZ Digital Consultants

XYZ Digital Consultants is a pioneering consultancy firm focused on digital transformation for businesses seeking to thrive in the digital age. Our team of experienced professionals offers strategic guidance and hands-on implementation to drive growth through technology adoption. With projected profitability within two years and a commitment to excellence, XYZ Digital Consultants is poised to lead businesses into a successful digital future.

Company and domain name

Company name: XYZ Digital Consultants

Domain name: xyzdigitalconsultants.com

Market opportunity: The rapid shift toward digital operations has created a substantial demand for expert guidance. Our analysis reveals a gap in the market for holistic digital transformation solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs.

Competitor research: We've identified key competitors and their strengths, which informs our strategy to emphasize personalized service and comprehensive implementation.

Location: Primarily virtual, with occasional in-person consultations as needed.

Premises: Home-based setup with access to modern communication tools.

Equipment: High-speed internet, latest software tools and virtual meeting platforms.

Staffing: Founder and lead consultant, supported by contract specialists as projects demand.

Content marketing: Regular blog posts on digital transformation trends, case studies and client success stories.

Social media campaigns: Active presence on LinkedIn and X to engage with potential clients and share valuable insights.

Networking events: Participation in industry webinars, seminars and local business events to showcase expertise.

Speaking engagements: Leveraging speaking opportunities at conferences and workshops to establish authority in the field.

Startup costs (equipment, website development, marketing materials): $15,000

Revenue projections (year one): $150,000

Revenue projections (year two) : $300,000

Break-even point: Achieved by the end of year one

Funding: Initial investment and savings from the founder

Consultant business plan template 2: LeadersEdge Consultants

LeadersEdge Consultants is a dynamic consultancy dedicated to leadership development and organizational excellence. Our experienced team offers customized programs that empower leaders to drive positive change. With a projected growth trajectory and a commitment to fostering impactful leadership, LeadersEdge Consultants is poised to transform organizations and elevate their success.

Company name: LeadersEdge Consultants

Domain name: leadersedgeconsultants.com

Market opportunity: Our analysis reveals a growing need for leadership development programs in diverse industries.

Competitor research: We've identified competitors' offerings and recognized an opportunity to provide a unique blend of coaching, training and strategy implementation.

Location: Virtual consultations, with the option for on-site workshops

Premises: Virtual office setup with video conferencing capabilities

Equipment: High-quality audiovisual tools, assessment software and learning platforms

Staffing : Founder will serve as the lead consultant, supported by certified leadership coaches

Customized workshops: Designing tailored leadership development programs for individual organizations.

Webinars: Hosting webinars on leadership best practices to showcase expertise and engage potential clients.

Thought leadership content: Publishing whitepapers, eBooks and video content on leadership topics.

Collaborations: Partnering with HR and talent development professionals to expand reach.

Startup costs ( making a website , training materials) : $10,000

Revenue projections (year one): $120,000

Revenue projections (year two): $250,000

Break-even point: Achieved within the first six months

Funding: Initial investment from the founder.

How much should you be charging as a consultant?

The amount you charge as a consultant will depend on a number of factors, including:

Your experience and expertise

The type of consulting services you offer

The value you provide to your clients

The market rate for consulting services in your field

In general, consultants charge between $100 and $500 per hour. However, some experienced and highly specialized consultants can charge upwards of $1,000 per hour.

To determine your consulting rate, you can use the following formula:

Consulting rate = Hourly rate * Value multiplier

Your hourly rate should reflect your experience and expertise, as well as the type of consulting services you offer. For example, if you have 10 years of experience and you offer specialized consulting services, you can charge a higher hourly rate than a consultant with less experience and who offers more general consulting services.

Your value multiplier should reflect the value you provide to your clients. For example, if you can help your clients to achieve significant results, you can charge a higher value multiplier.

Here is an example of how to use the formula:

Consultant: Experienced consultant with 10 years of experience offering specialized consulting services

Hourly rate: $200 per hour

Value multiplier: 2

Consulting rate: $200 per hour * 2 = $400 per hour

Can a consulting business be profitable?

Yes, a consulting business can be profitable. In fact, consulting is one of the most profitable industries in the world. According to a report by IBISWorld, the average profit margin for consulting businesses is 20%. This means that for every $100 in revenue, consulting businesses generate $20 in profit.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the profitability of consulting businesses. First, consultants are able to charge high fees for their services. Second, consulting businesses have relatively low overhead costs. Third, the demand for consulting services is high, and it's only expected to grow in the coming years.

Of course, not all consulting businesses are successful. Some consultants struggle to find clients or to charge high enough fees. Others may not be able to deliver the results that their clients expect. However, for consultants who are able to overcome these challenges, the potential rewards are great.

Here are some tips for increasing your chances of success as a consultant:

Specialize in a high-demand area of consulting. This will allow you to charge higher fees and attract more clients.

Build a strong reputation and network of clients. This will help you to generate word-of-mouth referrals and land new clients.

Market your services effectively. Make sure that potential clients know about your services and how you can help them.

Deliver high-quality results. This is the most important thing you can do to ensure that your clients are satisfied and that they continue to use your services in the future.

How much does it cost to start a consulting business?

The cost to start a consulting business can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of consulting services you offer, the size of your business and your location. However, in general, you can expect to spend between $10,000 and $50,000 to start a consulting business.

Here is a breakdown of some of the typical start-up costs for a consulting business:

Business formation: $100 to $1,000

Website and domain name: $100 to $2,500

Marketing and advertising: $500 to $5,000

Office equipment and supplies: $500 to $5,000

Professional liability insurance: $500 to $1,000

Other miscellaneous expenses: $500 to $5,000

Total start-up costs: $10,000 to $50,000

You can reduce your start-up costs by working from home, using free or low-cost marketing tools and purchasing used equipment. You can also start your consulting business part-time while you continue to work your full-time job. This will give you a chance to generate revenue and build a client base before you leave your full-time job.

If you need financial assistance to start your consulting business, you may be able to qualify for a loan from a bank or credit union. You may also be able to find investors who are willing to invest in your business.

Which clients to avoid and which to take on?

Here are some tips on which clients to avoid and which to take on in a consulting business:

Clients to avoid

Clients who aren't willing to pay your rates. If a client isn't willing to pay your rates, it's a sign that they don't value your services.

Clients who are unrealistic about their expectations. If a client has unrealistic expectations about what you can achieve, you're likely to set yourself up for failure.

Clients who are difficult to work with. If a client is demanding, rude or disrespectful, it's best to avoid them.

Clients who aren't a good fit for your business. If a client isn't in your target market or if their business isn't aligned with your values, it's best to decline working with them.

Clients to take on

Clients who are willing to pay your rates. This shows that they value your services and are committed to working with you.

Clients who have realistic expectations. This makes it more likely that you will be able to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

Clients who are easy to work with. This will make the consulting process more enjoyable and productive for both of you.

Clients who are a good fit for your business. This means that they're in your target market and that their business is aligned with your values.

In addition to the above, here are some other factors to consider when deciding which clients to take on:

Your own skills and experience. Make sure that you have the skills and experience to help the client achieve their goals.

The client's budget. Make sure that the client has a budget that's sufficient to cover your fees.

The client's timeline. Make sure that you have the time and resources to meet the client's timeline.

Your gut feeling. If you have a bad feeling about a client, it's best to trust your gut and decline working with them.

It's important to be selective about the clients you take on. By avoiding difficult clients and focusing on good-fit clients, you can set yourself up for success in your consulting business.

Consultant business plan FAQ

What qualifies you as a consultant.

To qualify as a consultant, you need to have the expertise and experience in the area that you're consulting in. You also need to be able to communicate your ideas effectively and build relationships with clients.

How do you start off as a consultant?

How to make 6 figures as a consultant, how do you pay yourself as a consultant, do consultants pay their own taxes, want to create another business plan.

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Consulting Business Plan: 5-Step Plan For A Successful Firm

If you want to start a consulting business , then you need to write your consulting business plan.

I’ve watched countless starry-eyed entrepreneurs “start” their business with a 50-100 page business plan.

They spend weeks — or even months — toiling away at their desk after their 9-5 detailing everything about their future business.

After they’ve written it, they beam with pride.

“This plan is the key to my success in consulting! With this plan, I can’t fail.”

Then, they take their plan out to the real world.

The real world isn’t as perfect and pretty when starting your business.

And that golden business plan? Well, it almost always doesn’t work the way they’d hoped.

All of the projections they made? Naw, not even close.

So they scurry back to their desk to revise the plan — and the cycle continues.

Here’s the truth about consulting business plans…

You don’t need a long, complex business plan.

If your business plan is more than 5 pages, every extra page you write is almost certainly wasting your time.

All you need is a 1-3 page document to cover the foundations of your business.

By the end of this post, you’ll write your 5-part entrepreneurial consulting business plan — and have everything you need to start a successful consulting business.

Let’s begin with the first part: your consulting business model.

1. Consulting Business Model

• “What kind of consulting business do you want to build?”

That’s the first question you want to answer for your consulting business plan.

Understand what type of business you want to build first before you start building it.

Six-Figure Blueprint

That way, you’re building a business to support your lifestyle and not the other way around.

At Consulting Success®, we believe that your business shouldn’t consume your life .

Your consulting business should enrich your life and create a fulfilling lifestyle for you and your family.

For your consulting business model, you have 4 options:

1. Solo Model : The classic independent consultant . Your business is just you (and maybe a few contractors). From delivering projects to marketing and sales, you are responsible for every part of the business.

(To see the pros and cons of each model, see our post on The 3 PROVEN Consulting Business Models .)

2. Firm Model : The typical large consulting firm. Your firm consists of consultants, associations, junior and senior people. Your role starts off as doing a bit of everything — but eventually, your role becomes hiring, training, and managing your team.

3. Productized Model : This model comes out of one of the above models. You identify a particular problem your clients have, and you build your business around solving that problem with a focus on efficiency. This model is all about systems, efficiency, and scale.

4. Hybrid Model : The hybrid model is a mix of the models above. For example, you might offer a productized consulting offer — but also do some solo custom consulting. Once you’ve mastered one of these models, the hybrid model helps you add new products and services to create more revenue.

Pick one of the models above. If you’re unsure about which one to use, start with the solo model. You can always change it in the future. Chances are, your business will evolve in the future anyways.

With your consulting business model selected, let’s move to the next part of your consulting business plan — clarity around your ideal client.

For every hour you spend on planning, you should spend 4 hours on putting your plan into action.

2. Ideal Client Clarity

• “Who is the ideal client my consulting business will serve?”

That’s the second question you’ll answer with your consulting business plan.

This is all about how you’re going to specialize .

As an entrepreneurial consultant, specialization is crucial.

You can’t offer everything to anybody.

You’ll have to begin by choosing a specific type of client to serve — your niche.

A niche is a certain subset of people whom you might potentially serve — SaaS companies, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, etc.

To find your ideal client, you’ll have to test out different niches.

This is why we teach the Niche Scoring Method in our Clarity Coaching Program .

Using this scorecard, you score each potential niche from 1 to 5 based on the following factors:

• EXPERIENCE . How would you rate your experience with this niche?
• EXPERTISE . How would you rate your status as an expert within this niche?
• RESULTS . How would you rate your confidence that you can deliver results for this niche?
• POTENTIAL . How would you rate this niche’s growth and how willing they are to hire consultants?
• INTEREST . How would you rate your interest in this niche?
• ACCESS . How would you rate your ability to speak with ideal clients in this niche?

In the Clarity Coaching Program for Consultants , we also teach you about the different layers of specialization, how to find and validate your ideal client’s potential, how to do outreach to potential clients, and more.

By going through these exercises, you’ll figure out which niche is best for you to start with.

Picking a niche and defining your ideal client is the foundation on which you’ll build your business — and get clients.

You shouldn’t move on with your consulting business plan until you’ve defined your ideal client.

Once you’ve done that, you can move on to the next part: Magnetic Messaging.

3. Magnetic Messaging

• “What message will get my ideal client’s attention?”

That’s the third question you’ll answer on your consulting business plan.

You’ve picked your business model.

You’ve defined your ideal client.

Now, you’ll write a message designed to get your ideal client’s attention.

We’ve created a formula to make writing this message as simple as possible: Magnetic Messaging.

Here’s the formula:

I help [WHO] to [solve WHAT problem] so they can [see WHAT results]. My [WHY choose me]…

Let’s break each part of the formula down.

• WHO : Who you serve.
• WHAT (Problem): What problem you solve for them.
• WHAT (Result): What result you create for them.
• WHY : Why they should choose you.

Why does this message grab your ideal client’s attention?

• It speaks to who they are.
• It mentions what problem they have.
• It showcases what result they can get.
• It differentiates you from others who might provide a similar service.

When your message contains these 4 elements, it will draw interest from your ideal clients. They’ll want to learn more.

They’ll browse your marketing materials, read your articles, sign up for your email list, and reach out to you for conversations.

Effective messaging is the foundation of your marketing: what you communicate to the marketplace to get your ideal client’s attention.

You won’t write the perfect message on your first try.

But you do need to write a first draft — and actually put it to work in the marketplace.

Once you’ve written down your first magnetic message, it’s time to start planning your strategic offer.

4. Strategic Offers

• “What can I offer my ideal client — and at what price point?”

That’s the 4th question you’ll answer on your consulting business plan.

With clarity around your ideal client and a message that grabs their attention…

…you must create an offer — a service — that solves their problems and gets them the result that they want.

The classic custom consulting service is the “full engagement.”

After you engage in a meaningful sales conversation with your prospective client, you’ll send them a consulting proposal .

In your proposal, instead of including one option, you’ll include three:

Option 1 – $

• Basic offer
• Minimum effort required
• Provides value
• Lowest investment

Option 2 – $$

• Help them reach results quicker than option 1
• Provides more value than option 1 (ideally, without having to spend more time)
• Higher investment

Option 3 – $$$

• If money isn’t an issue
• Best results
• Shortest time to result
• Highest investment

Map out the different options you’ll offer your prospects.

Take a look at the marketing consulting example below for an idea of how the 3 different options might look:

However, we recommend you start with a discovery offer .

A discovery offer is a smaller service (priced at $1.5K to $15K). You design it to get your client a quick, low-risk win.

Your discovery offer helps get your “foot in the door” with the client. Once you get them that quick, low-risk win, they’ll trust your expertise. This will open the door for larger projects with the same client.

Discovery offers are easier to sell, create, and deliver.

Here’s our discovery offer checklist:

• Align with what the buyer wants
• Is a logical first step
• Leads to the next steps
• Ranges between $1.5K to $15K
• Provides tangible benefits (growth, clarity, etc)

Of course, you’ll also have to set your consulting fees .

You can use the hourly method, the fixed-rate method, the value-based method , or the retainer method.

Pricing is an incredibly complex and deep topic. But you’ll have to pick a price to start with and adjust it based on the feedback you get.

Never sell yourself short. Remember: pricing is marketing. If you can deliver your clients results, then charge what you’d feel good about.

Once you’ve mapped out your 3 engagement options and a discovery offer, you’re ready to take your offers to the marketplace — and start winning consulting business.

5. Marketing Engine/Sales Pipeline

• “How am I going to create conversations with my ideal client?”

This is the final question you’ll answer on your consulting business plan.

And it’s where you start to see real results: winning clients, delivering projects, and earning revenue.

However, according to our How To Become A Consultant Study , marketing and sales are where consultants struggle the most.

Your Marketing Engine is what you’re doing every day to get in front of your ideal clients.

Your Sales Pipeline organizes all of the leads who come into contact with you.

Let’s start with your pipeline.

Your pipeline is organized into 6 columns:

• LEAD . You’ve identified the prospective client and have begun reaching out to them to set-up a conversation.
• CONVERSATION . You’ve had a sales conversation with the prospective client.
• PROPOSAL . You’ve sent a proposal to the prospective client.
• WIN . The prospective client has accepted your proposal and you won the business.
• LOSS . The prospective client has declined your proposal and you lost the business.
• NURTURE . Most people you reach out to won’t be ready to buy or make a decision right away. In fact, even people who say ‘No’ to a proposal now, may buy from you later as long as you stay top of mind through your nurture process.

All of your prospective clients fit into one of these 6 categories.

Using a CRM to create and organize this pipeline will help you organize your marketing and sales efforts.

Marketing is what fills up your “lead” column.

Without marketing, you won’t have any leads. And without leads, you won’t have the chance to win new business.

We organize marketing for consultants in 3 different categories:

• Outreach: Reaching out to your ideal clients to initiate conversations.
• Follow-Ups: Following up with your ideal clients to initiative conversations.
• Authority Building : Creating content for your ideal clients that demonstrates your expertise and adds value — and helps create conversations.

A basic Marketing Engine will have you doing a mix of these different methods every day.

Every day, you want to be reaching out to new clients, following up with your leads, and creating content that demonstrates your expertise and adds value.

The type of marketing you focus on also depends on the stage of your business .

If you’re a newer consultant, you’ll rely more on outreach. You don’t have as much of an audience for authority content to work yet.

But if you’re a later-stage consultant, you’ll rely more on content. Your content and consulting website has a farther reach, and can generate leads at scale.

For your business plan, focus on setting up a pipeline that is easy to track, and creating the right marketing habits to fill up your leads column.

At this stage, your plan is done.

It’s time to start taking action.

Imperfect Action: Write Your Entrepreneurial Consultant Business Plan

By answering these 5 questions…

…you’ll write a consulting business plan that enables you to take action.

We’ve included dozens of articles, case studies , and guides on how to answer these 5 questions.

However, in consulting, execution is more important than your plan.

So, use our resources to help answer these 5 questions — and go build your consulting business.

Ready to Take Your Consulting Business to the Next Level?

Apply to join our Clarity Coaching Program , the place where dedicated consultants go to get a personalized plan, strategy, coaching and support to grow a successful consulting business.

If you’re committed and serious about growing your consulting business, then this customized coaching program is for you.

We’ll work hands on with you to develop a strategic plan and then dive deep and work through your ideal client clarity, strategic messaging, consulting offers, fees, and pricing, business model optimization, and help you to set up your marketing engine and lead generation system to consistently attract ideal clients.

Schedule a FREE growth session today to apply for our limited-capacity Clarity Coaching Program by clicking here .

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Consulting Firm Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

• Consulting Firm Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Consulting Firm Plan Here

Consulting Business Plan

If you need a business plan for your consulting business, you’ve come to the right place. Our consulting business plan template below has been used by countless entrepreneurs and business owners to create business plans to start or grow their consulting businesses.

Important note: If you are looking for a business plan consultant , specifically, a consultant to help you write your business plan, we recommend Growthink who offers a business plan consultation service here.

Sample Consultant Business Plan & Template

Below are links to each section of your consulting business plan template:

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Industry Analysis
• Customer Analysis
• Competitive Analysis
• Marketing Plan
• Operations Plan
• Management Team
• Financial Plan

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Consulting Business Plan FAQs

What is a consulting business plan.

A consulting business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your consulting firm. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan, and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your consulting firm business plan using our Consulting Firm Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Consulting Firms?

There are many types of consulting firms. Most consultant companies are in business concentrations such as Management, Strategy, Operations, IT, Human Resources, Financial Advisory, and Marketing/Sales. There are also firms that are singularly focused such as those that offer business plan consulting.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for a Consulting Business?

The primary source of revenue for consulting firms are fees paid by the client. The client will either sign a contract or agreement of the services it will choose and the pricing for those services beforehand.

The key expenses for a consulting business are the cost of leasing the office, employee cost, marketing/advertising costs, and any office technology or software.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Consulting Business?

Consulting businesses are most likely to receive funding from banks. Typically you will find a local bank and present your consulting business plan to them. Angel investors and other types of capital-raising such as crowdfunding are other common funding sources.

What are the Steps To Start a Consulting Business?

Starting a consulting business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Consulting Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed consulting business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your consulting business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your consulting business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Consulting Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your consulting business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your consulting business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Consulting Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your consulting business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your consulting business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful consulting business:

• How to Start a Consulting Business

Where Can I Get a Consulting Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free consulting business plan template PDF here . This is a sample consulting business plan template you can use in PDF format.

How to write a consulting business plan

If you want to work as a consultant, you'll need a plan. Here's how to create one just for you.

Consultants do things differently

If you’re a self-employed consultant your work isn't like other forms of business. Unlike retailers or manufacturers, you're not making and/or selling tangible products. And unlike service companies, you're not employing a team of people to provide solutions.

Remember you’re not not just selling your time. As a consultant, you will be paid for the skills, knowledge and abilities you've developed over your career.

We have some useful background reading about the benefits of becoming a consultant or contractor , which will help explain how such businesses work. But having decided to become a consultant, what's the next step?

Like all new small businesses, you'll need a plan. That plan will have to cover funding, growth, pay rates, expenses, marketing, equipment costs, training and qualifications. It will also have to cover your goals, and the strategy you'll use to reach them.

Consulting business plans are a little different to other business plans. Here's what you need to know to get your consulting career off the ground.

Who are you writing the plan for?

This is an important question to ask yourself before you start. For most conventional businesses the answer will be "For the bank and investors." That's because small businesses usually need startup funding to get off the ground.

But consultants setting up their own business might not need much funding – if any. It's still important to have a business plan though – not only to clarify the details in your own mind, but also to help you understand the potential risks and rewards.

A good business plan will combine elements of both finance and strategy, but the contents will vary depending on the target audience. We'll take a look at the options next.

A business plan for banks and investors

You may not need funding for capital equipment expenses or office rent. But you might need a loan to tide you over for the first few months, until you have a regular cash flow. The initial period for any new business can be a tough time – money worries will just make it tougher.

You may also decide that you want to make more of an impression by hiring office space, perhaps in a shared office environment. Or you might want funds to spend on marketing and advertising, particularly if you're offering consulting services in a competitive market.

For all of this, you'll need money. You could apply for a bank loan, look for grants, or try other forms of capital-raising such as crowdfunding. Whichever method you choose, any potential investors will want to see the important numbers. That means you'll need to cover the following points in your business plan:

• target market and sector analysis
• business objectives and USP (unique selling proposition)
• startup expenses and assets, including equipment
• overheads and fixed costs
• marketing strategy and budget
• funding requirements, loan collateral and cost of interest
• pay rates, revenue and cash flow projections
• sales forecasts in monthly intervals
• ongoing expenses
• growth projections and strategy

Some of this information will be difficult for you to estimate. It might be even harder for you to present clearly. Use your accounting software to help with figures and to produce professional tables and charts. Then, an accountant can help you include the right information in your plan.

A business plan for you

Of course, you might not need any funding. Perhaps you have enough savings to keep you going for a few months and clients already lined up. Or you may be starting your consulting career after an inheritance or unexpected windfall.

If money isn't an immediate concern, you can afford to be less formal when drafting your plan. That means making sensible predictions and setting goals for yourself, not just financial targets – though you should include those too.

This isn't an exercise in creative writing. The purpose of creating a plan is to help you concentrate on what you want to achieve. Some points to consider include:

Reasons for being a consultant

Why are you doing this? It's important to answer honestly. If the answer is “to make more money” or “because I'm good at what I do” then write that down. Write down all the reasons you can think of, then read them back. Do they sound convincing? Make sure you know your true motivation, as it will help you focus on your goals.

Consulting can mean you have an irregular income. Sometimes you might be busy, other times less so. It makes sense to keep some money in savings accounts, especially if you'll be paying tax at the end of the year instead of while you're earning.

Relationship risks

Think about the impact of consulting on your family or friends. Consultants often work irregular hours, sometimes from home, and they might be working at weekends. That can put a strain on relationships. Be realistic about this and set boundaries around when and where you will work.

Which clients to avoid and which to take on

You will already have an idea of the types of client you don't want to work for, because you know the industry you work in. For example, known late-payers can damage your cash flow so it's sensible to avoid them where possible. Look for clients who are reliable, as they’ll help make your business a success. Know that you can let go of clients who are more trouble than they're worth.

Training and certification

In many industries, especially IT, it's important to keep your skills up to date. But your clients are unlikely to pay for you to go on training courses – that's an expense you'll have to cover yourself. How will you stay up to date? Think about industry magazines, websites, forums, news feeds, conferences, courses, distance learning, peer groups and self-teaching strategies.

Personal goals

Perhaps you're planning to be a consultant for the rest of your working life. Maybe you want to do it for a couple of years and then move back in-house as an employee. Or you might want to start employing other consultants at some stage and build up an agency – maybe even sell it. It doesn't matter what your personal goals are, as long as you have some. Write them down and bear them in mind when making big decisions.

What to do with your profits

This is a good opportunity to think about how much money you want to make . Consider how much you will charge and what you will do with your commission. For example you may decide to use 50% to cover costs, pay yourself with 30% and put 20% back into your business.

Some of this information would be inappropriate to include in a financial business plan for banks or investors. But it can be very helpful in guiding you through the early part of your consulting career.

Five top tips for writing a good consulting business plan

Business plans can be difficult documents to write. If you've never done it before, thinking clearly and logically about your business strategy may not be easy. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Write the first draft

Don't worry about grammar, structure or neatness. Just get the thoughts out of your head and onto the paper or screen. Some people find this easier to do in an informal setting, such as a library or café.

2. Do your research

Understand the market you're going to be working in. Get to know all the details, as it'll help you write a more effective consulting business plan.

3. Identify your USP

That's your unique selling proposition. Why should companies hire you and not one of your competitors? Think carefully about what you're particularly good at, then use that as a basis for marketing yourself.

4. Get feedback

Talk to your peers, friends, previous business associates and potential customers. Show them your plan and listen to their feedback.

5. Keep it simple

Don't write dozens of pages. You'll bore the investors and your plan will end up on a pile where nobody will ever look at it again – including you. Stick to the important points.

Update your business plan regularly

A business plan isn't a static document. It should change and evolve over time as your business grows. You will learn a great deal in your first few months working as a consultant, and that knowledge should be applied to your business plan. It's a good idea to review your plan every month.

You may find that some of what you initially wrote turns out to have been misguided, inaccurate or just plain wrong. That's normal. Nobody can predict every step a business will take. The important thing is to learn as you go along – and make use of that knowledge to improve your plan.

Plan for consulting success

A consulting business plan is written as much for you, the consultant, as for anyone else. The point of writing it is to concentrate on what's important. That clarity is what will help you succeed.

So don't look at a business plan as just another box to be ticked. It's a fundamental process when starting any business, particularly a consulting business where you will need initiative and drive to succeed.

Take the time to write a proper business plan, and keep it regularly updated as your business grows. You can use our free business plan template . You'll find it an invaluable guide to becoming a successful consultant.

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.

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How to write a business plan for a strategy consulting firm?

Writing a business plan for a strategy consulting firm can be an intimidating task, especially for those just starting.

This in-depth guide is designed to help entrepreneurs like you understand how to create a comprehensive business plan so that you can approach the exercise with method and confidence.

We'll cover: why writing a strategy consulting firm business plan is so important - both when starting up, and when running and growing the business - what information you need to include in your plan, how it should be structured, and what tools you can use to get the job done efficiently.

Let's get started!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a strategy consulting firm?

• What information is needed to create a business plan for a strategy consulting firm?
• What goes in the financial forecast for a strategy consulting firm?
• What goes in the written part of a strategy consulting firm business plan?
• What tool can I use to write my strategy consulting firm business plan?

Being clear on the scope and goals of the document will make it easier to understand its structure and content. So before diving into the actual content of the plan, let's have a quick look at the main reasons why you would want to write a strategy consulting firm business plan in the first place.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

Running a small business is tough! Economic cycles bring growth and recessions, while the business landscape is ever-changing with new technologies, regulations, competitors, and consumer behaviours emerging constantly.

In such a dynamic context, operating a business without a clear roadmap is akin to driving blindfolded: it's risky, to say the least. That's why crafting a business plan for your strategy consulting firm is vital to establish a successful and sustainable venture.

To create an effective business plan, you'll need to assess your current position (if you're already in business) and define where you want the business to be in the next three to five years.

Once you have a clear destination for your strategy consulting firm, you'll have to:

• Identify the necessary resources (human, equipment, and capital) needed to reach your goals,
• Determine the pace at which the business needs to progress to meet its objectives as scheduled,
• Recognize and address the potential risks you may encounter along the way.

Engaging in this process regularly proves advantageous for both startups and established companies. It empowers you to make informed decisions about resource allocation, ensuring the long-term success of your business.

To maintain visibility on future cash flows

Businesses can go for years without making a profit, but they go bust as soon as they run out of cash. That's why "cash is king", and maintaining visibility on your strategy consulting firm's future cash flows is critical.

How do I do that? That's simple: you need an up-to-date financial forecast.

The good news is that your strategy consulting firm business plan already contains a financial forecast (more on that later in this guide), so all you have to do is to keep it up-to-date.

To do this, you need to regularly compare the actual financial performance of your business to what was planned in your financial forecast, and adjust the forecast based on the current trajectory of your business.

Monitoring your strategy consulting firm's financial health will enable you to identify potential financial problems (such as an unexpected cash shortfall) early and to put in place corrective measures. It will also allow you to detect and capitalize on potential growth opportunities (higher demand from a given segment of customers for example).

To secure financing

Whether you are a startup or an existing business, writing a detailed strategy consulting firm business plan is essential when seeking financing from banks or investors.

This makes sense given what we've just seen: financiers want to ensure you have a clear roadmap and visibility on your future cash flows.

Banks will use the information included in the plan to assess your borrowing capacity (how much debt your business can support) and your ability to repay the loan before deciding whether they will extend credit to your business and on what terms.

Similarly, investors will review your plan carefully to assess if their investment can generate an attractive return on investment.

To do so, they will be looking for evidence that your strategy consulting firm has the potential for healthy growth, profitability, and cash flow generation over time.

Now that you understand why it is important to create a business plan for a strategy consulting firm, let's take a look at what information is needed to create one.

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Information needed to create a business plan for a strategy consulting firm

Drafting a strategy consulting firm business plan requires research so that you can project sales, investments and cost accurately in your financial forecast, and convince the reader that there is a viable commercial opportunity to be seized.

Below, we'll focus on three critical pieces of information you should gather before starting to write your plan.

Carrying out market research for a strategy consulting firm

As you consider writing your business plan for a strategy consulting firm, conducting market research becomes a vital step to ensure accurate and realistic financial projections.

Market research provides valuable insights into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies, and other key factors that can significantly impact the commercial success of your business.

Through this research, you may uncover trends that could influence your strategy consulting firm.

Your market research could reveal that potential customers may be looking for more engaging ways to receive advice and may be interested in receiving advice from multiple experts. This could indicate that offering video consultations and connecting potential customers with a variety of consultants could be beneficial to your strategy consulting firm. Additionally, your market research might also indicate that potential customers may be interested in receiving advice tailored to their individual needs. This could suggest that offering personalized services to meet the specific needs of each customer could be a great way to attract new customers.

Such market trends play a significant role in forecasting revenue, as they offer valuable data about potential customers' spending habits and preferences.

By incorporating these findings into your financial projections, you can present investors with more accurate information, helping them make informed decisions about investing in your strategy consulting firm.

Developing the sales and marketing plan for a strategy consulting firm

Budgeting sales and marketing expenses is essential before creating a strategy consulting firm business plan.

A comprehensive sales and marketing plan should provide an accurate projection of what actions need to be implemented to acquire and retain customers, how many people are needed to carry out these initiatives, and how much needs to be spent on promotions, advertising, and other aspects.

This helps ensure that the right amount of resources is allocated to these activities in order to hit the sales and growth objectives forecasted in your business plan.

The staffing and capital expenditure requirements of a strategy consulting firm

Whether you are starting or expanding a strategy consulting firm, it is important to have a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) in order to ensure the success of the business.

Both the recruitment and investment plans need to be coherent with the timing and level of growth planned in your forecast, and require appropriate funding.

A strategy consulting firm might incur costs related to staffing, such as salaries for its employees, benefits, and training. It might also incur costs related to equipment, such as computers, software, and other office supplies. Additionally, the firm might pay for travel expenses for its consultants to visit clients in order to gather data and perform analysis.

In order to create a realistic financial forecast, you will also need to consider the other operating expenses associated with running the business on a day-to-day basis (insurance, bookkeeping, etc.). 

Once you have all the necessary information to create a business plan for your strategy consulting firm, it is time to start creating your financial forecast.

What goes into your strategy consulting firm's financial forecast?

The financial forecast of your strategy consulting firm will enable you to assess the profitability potential of your business in the coming years and how much capital is required to fund the actions planned in the business plan.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a strategy consulting firm are:

• The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
• The projected balance sheet ,
• The cash flow forecast ,
• And the sources and uses table .

Let's take a closer look at each of these.

The projected P&L statement

Your strategy consulting firm forecasted P&L statement enables the reader of your business plan to get an idea of how much revenue and profits your business is expected to make in the near future.

Ideally, your reader will want to see:

• Growth above the inflation level
• Expanding profit margins
• Positive net profit throughout the plan

Expectations for an established strategy consulting firm will of course be different than for a startup. Existing businesses which have reached their cruising altitude might have slower growth and higher margins than ventures just being started.

The projected balance sheet of your strategy consulting firm

Your strategy consulting firm's forecasted balance sheet enables the reader of your plan to assess your financial structure, working capital, and investment policy.

It is composed of three types of elements: assets, liabilities and equity:

• Assets: represent what the business owns and uses to produce cash flows. It includes resources such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
• Liabilities: represent funds advanced to the business by lenders and other creditors. It includes items such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers), taxes due and loans.
• Equity: is the combination of what has been invested by the business owners and the cumulative profits and losses generated by the business to date (which are called retained earnings). Equity is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

Your strategy consulting firm's balance sheet will usually be analyzed in conjunction with the other financial statements included in your forecast.

Two key points of focus will be:

• Your strategy consulting firm's liquidity: does your business have sufficient cash and short-term assets to pay what it owes over the next 12 months?
• And its solvency: does your business have the capacity to repay its debt over the medium-term?

The projected cash flow statement

A cash flow forecast for a strategy consulting firm shows how much cash the business is projected to generate or consume.

The cash flow statement is divided into 3 main areas:

• The operating cash flow shows how much cash is generated or consumed by the operations (running the business)
• The investing cash flow shows how much cash is being invested in capital expenditure (equipment, real estate, etc.)
• The financing cash flow shows how much cash is raised or distributed to investors and lenders

Looking at the cash flow forecast helps you to ensure that your business has enough cash to keep running, and can help you anticipate potential cash shortfalls.

It is also a best practice to include a monthly cash flow statement in the appendices of your strategy consulting firm business plan so that the readers can view the impact of seasonality on your business cash position and generation.

The initial financing plan

The initial financing plan - also called a sources and uses table - is an important tool when starting a strategy consulting firm.

It shows where the money needed to set up the business will come from (sources) and how it will be allocated (uses).

Having this table helps understand what costs are involved in setting up the strategy consulting firm, how the risks are distributed between the shareholders and the lenders, and what will be the starting cash position (which needs to be sufficient to sustain operations until the business breaks even).

Now that the financial forecast of a strategy consulting firm business plan is understood, let's focus on what goes into the written part of the plan.

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The written part of a strategy consulting firm business plan

The written part of a strategy consulting firm business plan plays a key role: it lays out the plan of action you intend to execute to seize the commercial opportunity you've identified on the market and provides the context needed for the reader to decide if they believe your plan to be achievable and your financial forecast to be realistic.

The written part of a strategy consulting firm business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

• The executive summary
• The presentation of the company
• The products and services
• The market analysis
• The strategy
• The operations
• The financial plan

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

In your strategy consulting firm's business plan, the first section is the executive summary — a captivating overview of your plan that aims to pique the reader's interest and leave them eager to learn more about your business.

When crafting the executive summary, start with an introduction to your business, including its name, concept, location, how long it has been running, and what sets it apart. Briefly mention the products and services you plan to offer and your target customer profile.

Following that, provide an overview of the addressable market for your strategy consulting firm, current trends, and potential growth opportunities.

Next, include a summary of key financial figures like projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Finally, in the "ask" section, detail any funding requirements you may have.

2. The presentation of the company

In your strategy consulting firm business plan, the second section should focus on the structure and ownership, location, and management team of your company.

In the structure and ownership part, you'll provide an overview of the business's legal structure, details about the owners, and their respective investments and ownership shares. This clarity is crucial, especially if you're seeking financing, as it helps the reader understand which legal entity will receive the funds and who controls the business.

Moving on to the location part, you'll offer an overview of the company's premises and their surroundings. Explain why this particular location is of interest, highlighting factors like catchment area, accessibility, and nearby amenities.

When describing the location of your strategy consulting firm to a third party financier, you could emphasize its proximity to a major metropolitan city. This could give the impression that it is well-connected and open to networking opportunities, as well as provide easy access to potential clients. You could also mention that the firm is located in a rapidly growing urban area, which could suggest to the financier that there may be a lot of potential for growth. Additionally, you could focus on the amenities that the local area offers, such as being close to transportation hubs, business centers, and other conveniences that could make the firm attractive to potential clients.

Finally, you should introduce your management team. Describe each member's role, background, and experience.

Don't forget to emphasize any past successes achieved by the management team and how long they've been working together. Demonstrating their track record and teamwork will help potential lenders or investors gain confidence in their leadership and ability to execute the business plan.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of the offerings that your company provides to its customers. 

For example, your strategy consulting firm might offer services such as developing long-term business strategies, conducting market and industry research, and creating comprehensive business plans. These services are beneficial to customers as they provide them with professional insights into their market and industry, helping them to make informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage.

When drafting this section, you should be precise about the categories of products or services you sell, the types of customers you are targeting and how customers can buy them.

4. The market analysis

When you present your market analysis in your strategy consulting firm business plan, it's crucial to include detailed information about customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and any relevant regulations.

The main objective of this section is to help the reader understand the size and attractiveness of the market while demonstrating your solid understanding of the industry.

Begin with the demographics and segmentation subsection, providing an overview of the addressable market for your strategy consulting firm, the key trends in the marketplace, and introducing different customer segments along with their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

Next, focus on your target market, zooming in on the specific customer segments your strategy consulting firm aims to serve and explaining how your products and services fulfil their distinct needs.

For example, your target market might include companies looking to optimize their current business strategy. These businesses might have encountered a recent shift in the market or need assistance to develop a competitive edge. They would be looking to hire a strategy consulting firm to help them make informed decisions and define their strategic goals.

Then proceed to the competition subsection, where you introduce your main competitors and highlight what sets you apart from them.

Finally, conclude your market analysis with an overview of the key regulations applicable to your strategy consulting firm.

5. The strategy section

When writing the strategy section of a business plan for your strategy consulting firm, it is essential to include information about your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

The competitive edge subsection should explain what sets your company apart from its competitors. This part is especially key if you are writing the business plan of a startup, as you have to make a name for yourself in the marketplace against established players.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you intend to remain profitable while still offering competitive prices to your customers.

The sales & marketing plan should outline how you intend to reach out and acquire new customers, as well as retain existing ones with loyalty programs or special offers. 

The milestones subsection should outline what your company has achieved to date, and its main objectives for the years to come - along with dates so that everyone involved has clear expectations of when progress can be expected.

The risks and mitigants subsection should list the main risks that jeopardize the execution of your plan and explain what measures you have taken to minimize these. This is essential in order for investors or lenders to feel secure in investing in your venture.

Your strategy consulting firm may face two risks. Firstly, the firm may face reputational risk if its advice is not accepted by clients. This could lead to a loss of business and the impact on the firm's reputation could be long-lasting. Secondly, the firm may face financial risk if it is unable to execute its plans and strategies effectively. This could lead to a loss of revenue and could have a significant impact on the firm's financial position.

6. The operations section

The operations of your strategy consulting firm must be presented in detail in your business plan.

The first thing you should cover in this section is your staffing team, the main roles, and the overall recruitment plan to support the growth expected in your business plan. You should also outline the qualifications and experience necessary to fulfil each role, and how you intend to recruit (using job boards, referrals, or headhunters).

You should then state the operating hours of your strategy consulting firm - so that the reader can check the adequacy of your staffing levels - and any plans for varying opening times during peak season. Additionally, the plan should include details on how you will handle customer queries outside of normal operating hours.

The next part of this section should focus on the key assets and IP required to operate your business. If you depend on any licenses or trademarks, physical structures (equipment or property) or lease agreements, these should all go in there.

You may have key assets or IP in the form of proprietary models or tools that you could use to analyse data and come up with recommendations. Additionally, you might have in-depth knowledge of the industry, which could be leveraged to identify trends and develop insights to help your clients.

Finally, you should include a list of suppliers that you plan to work with and a breakdown of their services and main commercial terms (price, payment terms, contract duration, etc.). Investors are always keen to know if there is a particular reason why you have chosen to work with a specific supplier (higher-quality products or past relationships for example).

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will include the financial forecast we discussed earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of what goes into a strategy consulting firm business plan, let's look at some of the tools you can use to create yours efficiently.

What tool should I use to write my strategy consulting firm's business plan?

There are two main ways of creating your strategy consulting firm business plan:

• Using specialized business planning software,
• Hiring a business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your strategy consulting firm's business plan

Using online business planning software is the most efficient and modern way to create a strategy consulting firm business plan.

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
• You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
• You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

Need a solid financial forecast?

The Business Plan Shop does the maths for you. Simply enter your revenues, costs and investments. Click save and our online tool builds a three-way forecast for you instantly.

Hiring a business plan writer to write your strategy consulting firm's business plan

Outsourcing your strategy consulting firm business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are experienced in writing business plans and adept at creating financial forecasts without errors. Furthermore, hiring a consultant can save you time and allow you to focus on the day-to-day operations of your business.

However, hiring business plan writers is expensive as you are paying for the software used by the consultant, plus their time, and their profit margin of course.

From experience, you need to budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a complete business plan, more if you need to make changes after the initial version (which happens frequently after the initial meetings with lenders or investors).

You also need to be careful when seeking investment. Investors want their money to be used to grow the business, not spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services (and other consulting services such as legal services) needs to be negligible relative to the amount raised.

The other drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself: you just get the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business plan software - which makes it difficult to maintain the document up to date without hiring the consultant on a retainer.

For these reasons, outsourcing the strategy consulting firm business plan to a business plan writer should be considered carefully, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of hiring outside help.

Ultimately, it may be the right decision for some businesses, while others may find it beneficial to write their business plan using online software.

Why not create your strategy consulting firm's business plan using Word or Excel?

Using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write a strategy consulting firm business plan is a terrible idea.

For starters, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is very technical and requires both a strong grasp of accounting principles and solid skills in financial modelling.

As a result, it is unlikely anyone will trust your numbers unless - like us at The Business Plan Shop - you hold a degree in finance and accounting and have significant financial modelling experience in your past.

The second reason is that it is inefficient. Building forecasts on spreadsheets was the only option in the 1990s and early 2000s, nowadays technology has advanced and software can do it much faster and much more accurately.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Also, using software makes it easy to compare actuals vs. forecasts and maintain our forecasts up to date to maintain visibility on future cash flows - as we discussed earlier in this guide - whereas this is a pain to do with a spreadsheet.

That's for the forecast, but what about the written part of my strategy consulting firm business plan?

This part is less error-prone, but here also software brings tremendous gains in productivity:

• Word processors don't include instructions and examples for each part of your business plan
• Word processors don't update your numbers automatically when they change in your forecast
• Word processors don't handle the formatting for you

Overall, while Word or Excel may be viable options for creating a strategy consulting firm business plan for some entrepreneurs, it is by far not the best or most efficient solution.

• Using business plan software is a modern and cost-effective way of writing and maintaining business plans.
• A business plan is not a one-shot exercise as maintaining it current is the only way to keep visibility on your future cash flows.
• A business plan has 2 main parts: a financial forecast outlining the funding requirements of your strategy consulting firm and the expected growth, profits and cash flows for the next 3 to 5 years; and a written part which gives the reader the information needed to decide if they believe the forecast is achievable.

We hope that this in-depth guide met your expectations and that you now have a clear understanding of how to write your strategy consulting firm business plan. Do not hesitate to contact our friendly team if you have questions additional questions we haven't addressed here.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• How to write a business plan to secure a bank loan?
• Key steps to write a business plan?
• Top mistakes to avoid in your business plan

Do you know entrepreneurs interested in starting or growing a strategy consulting firm? Share this article with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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Comment rédiger le business plan d'un consultant ?

Nos experts ont réalisé un un pack complet pour un consultant , modifiable.

Devenir consultant peut donner envie à beaucoup entrepreneurs.

Toutefois, avant de se lancer, il est nécessaire de rédiger un bon business plan.

Cette démarche permet d'établir la stratégie de croissance de votre activité de consulting, en menant une réflexion approfondie, par exemple, sur : le budget de démarrage, les avantages concurrentiels, les lignes du compte de résultat, les indicateurs du marché ou encore les futurs profits de votre entreprise de consulting.

Par ailleurs, le business plan de votre activité de consulting constitue un outil sérieux pour l'obtention d'un financement auprès d'une institution financière.

Que faut-il inclure dans le business plan d'un consultant ? Quels sont les éléments principaux de ce document ? Comment estimer le budget de départ de votre activité de consulting ? Quels sont les indicateurs comptables à intégrer dans le business plan ? Où se situe le seuil de rentabilité d'une activité de conseil ?

Nous apportons des réponses dans cet article.

Enfin, notez que notre équipe étudie régulièrement ce marché. Elle collecte des données, les analyse et les synthétise. Tout le fruit de son travail se trouve dans le pack complet pour un consultant .

La rédaction du business plan d’un consultant

Faut-il établir un business plan pour devenir consultant .

Avant de vous lancer dans une activité de conseil, il est indispensable d'établir un business plan. En effet, ce dernier vous permet de : - étudier les données sur le marché du conseil - analyser les dynamiques propres à ce secteur - déterminer les facteurs de réussite d'un consultant - identifier vos clients potentiels, ainsi que leurs besoins et leurs attentes - décider d'une proposition de valeur convaincante pour votre projet - analyser les consultants concurrents et leur stratégie - réfléchir à des avantages concurrentiels pour votre activité de consulting - présenter, grâce au Business Model Canvas, le business model de votre projet - élaborer un plan de développement sur 3 ans - analyser les éventuels risques liés à votre activité de conseil - prouver la rentabilité de votre activité de consulting à un banquier

Les experts de notre équipe ont veillé à rédiger un business plan pour un consultant qui répond à ces finalités.

Que doit contenir le business plan d'un consultant ?

Ce type de document contient un grand nombre d'éléments, de données et d'analyses. Il est donc impératif de bien les structurer afin d'obtenir un document rigoureux, complet et agréable à lire.

C'est ce que nous avons fait dans notre business plan conçu pour un consultant , qui est divisé en cinq parties détaillées ci-après.

La partie introductive se nomme “Opportunité de Marché” . Dans cette partie, nos experts vont lister les données et les chiffres relatifs au marché du conseil. Ces derniers sont mis à jour tous les semestres.

Cette partie permet aussi de présenter les dernières innovations notables (intelligence artificielle, vente de formations en ligne, LinkedIn Ads, externalisation vers des assistants virtuels ou encore l'émergence des coachs) du secteur.

Pour conclure, on dresse la liste des critères qui permettent à un consultant de générer des bénéfices.

La partie suivante concerne la “Présentation de l'Entreprise” . Elle donne l'occasion de présenter les contours de votre activité de conseil (Quelles sont les formations et les diplômes du consultant ? Quels sont les différentes prestations de conseil fournies ? Quel est le périmètre d'intervention du consultant ? etc.).

Cette partie présente également la proposition de valeur de votre activité de conseil. Elle se termine par la présentation du porteur de projet.

Vient ensuite la partie intitulée “Étude de Marché” qui va vous permettre d'identifier les différents profils de clients pour votre activité de conseil.

Par ailleurs, elle présente vos différents concurrents à travers une analyse concurrentielle. Cette partie contient également une analyse SWOT, un outil qui permet d'étudier les forces et les faiblesses de votre activité, tout en présentant les opportunités et les menaces de l'environnement concurrentiel.

La partie que nous appelons “Stratégie” , va, elle, nous permettra de présenter une stratégie détaillée, comprenant toutes les initiatives nécessaires à la rentabilité de votre activité de conseil.

On y détaille, entre autres, une stratégie marketing qui donnera lieu à une croissance du chiffre d'affaires.

Enfin, ce business plan présente une partie intitulée “Finances” , qui permet de présenter un plan financier sur 3 ans pour votre activité de consulting.

Comment rédiger l'Executive Summary d'un consultant ?

Pour bien rédiger l'Executive Summary (aussi appelé "résumé exécutif") de votre activité de consulting, il est important de respecter certains points.

Premièrement, ce document devra être d'une longueur raisonnable. Il ne doit pas dépasser deux pages. En réalité, il constitue l'introduction au business plan de votre activité de conseil.

Aussi, il doit être convaincant, c'est-à-dire qu'il doit permettre de démontrer la viabilité de votre activité de consulting.

Évitez les fautes d'orthographe et indiquez les atouts de votre projet (par exemple : l'accompagnement du client jusqu'à la réalisation de ses objectifs, un haut niveau d'implication et d'efficacité, des experts compétents dans leurs domaines ou encore la présence d'un site web professionnel).

Votre Executive Summary doit suivre une structure précise. Vous pouvez reprendre celle de notre business plan conçu pour un consultant , décrite dans la partie précédente.

Comment établir l'étude de marché d'une activité de conseil ?

L'étude de marché de votre activité de conseil vous permet de comprendre les critères qui entourent votre projet, tels que la demande du marché, l'évolution des habitudes de consommation ou encore les forces et faiblesses des concurrents.

Tout projet entrepreneurial devrait commencer par une étude de marché rigoureuse.

Comment bien la rédiger ? Pour cela, il suffit de synthétiser un certain nombre d'éléments.

Voici les différents éléments compris dans la partie "Étude de Marché" de notre business plan conçu pour un consultant : - des statistiques et des données récentes sur le marché du conseil - les dernières avancées dans le secteur - les différents segments de marché d'un consultant - l'analyse de la concurrence - des exemples d'avantages concurrentiels pour votre activité de consulting - la matrice SWOT d'un consultant

Les éléments fondamentaux du business plan d'un consultant

Comment définir le modèle économique d'un consultant .

Le business model, ou modèle économique, d’un consultant indépendant est la prestation de services d'accompagnement.

En général, le service proposé correspond à une intervention externe, qui permet d'analyser les différents obstacles auxquels une entreprise ou un professionnel fait face.

Après l'évaluation de la situation, le consultant identifie les causes probables des problèmes rencontrés par le client. Après ce diagnostic, il est tenu de proposer des solutions durables.

Le consultant doit être polyvalent et capable de s'adapter à diverses situations.

En règle générale, dans un business plan, on modélise le modèle économique d'une future entreprise grâce à un Business Model Canvas.

Ce canevas permet de facilement appréhender les détails de votre futur projet d'entreprise, notamment le modèle de tarification, les différents coûts, les moyens de communication, etc.

Notre business plan conçu pour un consultant contient, bien évidemment, un Business Model Canvas complet, modifiable et adapté à ce type d'activité.

Comment définir les segments de clientèle d'un consultant ?

La segmentation du marché consiste à répartir la clientèle en plusieurs groupes d'individus semblables.

Dans votre cas, il faudra segmenter les profils susceptibles de solliciter vos conseils.

Quel est l'intérêt des segments ? Cet exercice vous permet de structurer la présentation de votre clientèle dans votre business plan. Par la suite, cette démarche vous permettra de mieux cibler votre clientèle (en répartissant les offres et les différents messages de votre activité de conseil en fonction des groupes par exemple).

Les segments de marché auxquels peut s'adresser votre activité de consulting sont les start-ups, les petites et moyennes entreprises ou encore les corporates.

Dans notre business plan adapté à un consultant , vous pourrez trouver une étude des segments de marché adaptés à ce secteur d'activité.

Comment construire l'analyse de la concurrence d'un consultant ?

Vous ne serez pas seul sur le secteur du consulting.

Il y a aussi des consultants concurrents qui vous feront face.

Votre business plan doit comporter une étude de ces consultants. Il faudra présenter leurs principales caractéristiques, ainsi que leurs points forts et leurs points faibles.

Identifiez en particulier leurs points faibles (par exemple : tarification non justifiée, manque de références ou d'expertise, taux d'atteinte d'objectifs trop faibles, etc.)

Pourquoi se concentrer sur ces points ? Parce que ces éléments entraînent certainement de la frustration chez les clients de ces consultants. Tirez parti de ce mécontentement en créant des avantages concurrentiels pour votre activité de conseil.

Un avantage concurrentiel désigne tout ce qui permet à votre entreprise de conseil de surpasser ses concurrents présents sur le marché.

Voici quelques exemples d'avantages concurrentiels possibles pour un consultant : - se faire recommander par de nombreux clients satisfaits - disposer de diplômes et de certifications attestant d'un haut niveau d'expertise dans un domaine particulier - faire preuve de réactivité et de flexibilité pour satisfaire tous types de clients - proposer un large choix de services différents - collaborer avec d'autres experts en conseil proposant des services complémentaires - etc.

Téléchargez notre business plan conçu pour un consultant afin d'obtenir une analyse de la concurrence déjà rédigée, ainsi que la liste des avantages concurrentiels adaptée à ce type d'activité.

Comment élaborer la matrice SWOT d'une activité de consulting ?

La matrice SWOT est un outil qui permet de comprendre les forces et les faiblesses d'un projet, à l'instar de votre activité de conseil.

De plus, cette matrice est d'une grande utilité pour analyser les opportunités et les menaces éventuelles.

Une analyse SWOT bien conçue pour votre activité de conseil doit être synthétique et cohérente. Elle constitue un exercice délicat pour les débutants qui rédigent trop souvent des SWOT complexes, peu convaincantes et peu percutantes.

Or, tout comme le Business Model Canvas, elle a le mérite d'être une ressource synthétique, donnant instantanément un grand nombre d'informations sur votre activité de conseil.

Pour obtenir une analyse SWOT complète, rédigée et modifiable, téléchargez notre business plan conçu pour un consultant .

Comment réussir la stratégie marketing d'un consultant ?

Dans le business plan de votre activité de consulting, vous devez établir une stratégie sur 3 ans afin de garantir le développement de votre activité.

La stratégie marketing rassemble l'ensemble des initiatives qui vous permettront d'attirer des clients susceptibles de faire appel à vos services.

Parmi ces initiatives, il y a le développement d'un site vitrine pour votre activité de conseil. Celui-ci permettra à vos clients de vous trouver sur internet. Il devra rassembler les informations essentielles concernant votre activité de conseil.

Il faudra aussi optimiser son référencement (SEO) et certains mots-clés pour que votre activité de conseil apparaisse dans les résultats de recherche de Google.

Afin d'apparaître en tête des résultats de recherche, vous pouvez également consacrer un budget à ce que l'on appelle des "campagnes".

Votre activité de consulting devra également maintenir une certaine activité sur les différents réseaux sociaux. L'outil Facebook Ads vous permet de promouvoir votre activité de conseil et vos offres auprès de publics déterminés. Il s'agit d'un moyen efficace d'attirer davantage de clients.

La communication concernant votre activité de conseil ne se limite pas au web. Il existe également différents supports physiques.

Par exemple, vous pouvez concevoir et distribuer des supports de communication afin de gagner en visibilité.

Enfin, vous pouvez établir différents partenariats avec des entreprises et des institutions qui vous permettront de développer votre activité.

Il existe de nombreux outils et décisions de marketing à développer. Retrouvez-les dans notre modèle de business plan conçu pour un consultant .

Le plan financier du business plan d'un consultant

Un bon business plan doit comprendre une analyse financière sur le long terme.

Il faudra, entre autres, faire des estimations du chiffre d'affaires généré par votre activité de conseil.

Bien entendu, il est important que ces estimations soient cohérentes. Notre prévisionnel financier adapté à un consultant comprend un système de contrôles pour vous accompagner. Dans ce document, les tarifs et les différentes variables sont modifiables.

Également, il est nécessaire d'établir un budget prévisionnel pour votre activité de consulting. Ce budget comprend les investissements initiaux, mais également les montants associés.

L'étude de rentabilité est également une partie importante de votre business plan. Elle vous permet de connaître le montant des revenus nécessaire pour être rentable. Cette étude donne aussi un aperçu des bénéfices que vous pouvez espérer de votre activité de conseil.

Par ailleurs, il faudra identifier les dépenses récurrentes liées à votre activité de consulting. Il peut s'agir, par exemple, de la rémunération du personnel (si vous ne travaillez pas seul), l'achat de matériel informatique, l'entretien et le renouvellement du mobilier ou encore les frais de déplacement lors de vos différents rendez-vous.

Pour finir, les performances financières de votre activité peuvent également être examinées grâce au tableau des soldes intermédiaires de gestion, au détail du calcul du BFR, ainsi qu'à certains ratios financiers.

Tous ces éléments sont, bien entendu, inclus dans notre modèle financier pour un consultant .

• le choix d'une sélection entraîne une actualisation complète de la page

How To Write A Consulting Business Plan

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for consultants who want to establish their credibility and get ahead in the industry.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines your vision for the company but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article will provide an overview of the key elements that every consultant should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Consulting Business Plan Template

What is a Consulting Business Plan?

A consulting business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons why you will be profitable, how you can succeed in your market, what will set your product or service apart from others, and includes information about your team members, if applicable, to convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you have what it takes to make your venture successful.

Why Write a Consulting Business Plan?

A consulting business plan is required for banks and loan companies, and it is often requested by investors. This document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Consulting Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful consulting business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a consulting business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your consulting firm
• Provide a short summary of the key points of each section of your business plan.
• Organize your thoughts in a logical sequence that is easy for the reader to follow.
• Include information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how it all started, and provide a timeline of milestones the company has achieved.

If you are just starting your consulting business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your consulting firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a consulting business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends, identify your potential customers, and the potential size of this market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the consulting industry are you targeting?
• Who are your competitors?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now?

You should also include information about your research methodology and sources of information, including company reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or consulting services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you  determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what you are using as your unique selling proposition (USP) that will set you apart in this industry.

Complete a SWOT Analysis. Your SWOT analysis should include:

• Strengths : what are your strengths?
• Weaknesses : what are your weaknesses?
• Opportunities : how can you take advantage of competitive weaknesses and strike back at them with your strengths and possible new product or service offerings?
• Threats : what are the potential threats to your company? How can you prepare for them? What can you do to mitigate potential risks?

You will then use this information to develop your own competitive strategy. Determine your competitive advantage and how you will differentiate your business from these competitors.

Marketing Plan

Your consulting marketing plan is where you determine how you are going to reach your target customer(s). Your marketing strategy should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Make sure your service offering is clearly defined and differentiated from your competitors, including the benefits of using your service.
• Price : How do you determine the price for your service? You should also include a price strategy that takes into account what customers will be willing to pay and how much the competition within your market charges.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution will you use to reach them?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target market? You can use social media or write a blog, create an email marketing campaign, post flyers, pay for advertising, launch a direct mail campaign, etc.

You should also include information about your paid advertising budget, including an estimate of expenses and sales projections.

Operations Plan

The operations plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Management Team

Include a list of team members including names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific consulting industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Financial Plan

Now include a complete and detailed financial plan. This is where you will need to break down your expenses and revenue projections for the first 5 years of operation. This includes the following financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how will you generate revenue?
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, what is the net income or loss? 

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Consulting Firm

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows what you have in terms of assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Consulting Firm

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Income : all of the revenue coming in from clients.
• Expenses : all of your monthly bills and expenses. Include operating, marketing and capital expenditures.
• Net Cash Flow : the difference between income and expenses for each month after they are totaled and deducted from each other. This number is the net cash flow for each month.

Using your total income and expenses, you can project an annual cash flow statement. Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup consulting business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Consulting Firm

You will also want to include an appendix section which may include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• A list of your hard assets and equipment with purchase dates, prices paid and any other relevant information
• A list of your soft assets with purchase dates, prices paid and any other relevant information
• Biographies of the key employees listed in the executive summary section above.
• References to people you have done business with who are willing to confirm their positive business holdings with your company.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and grow your consulting company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step by step process of how you are going to accomplish it. Sometimes it may be difficult to get started, but once you get the hang of it, writing a business plan becomes easier and will give you a sense of direction and clarity about your consulting company.  

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Présentation du modèle de business plan pour consultant 📊💡

Notre modèle de business plan pour les consultants est spécialement conçu pour vous aider à vous lancer ou à développer votre activité dans le secteur du conseil. Il inclut :

Un résumé de votre offre de services de consulting

Une étude de marché du secteur du conseil

Un prévisionnel pour évaluer vos revenus potentiels

Votre stratégie pour trouver des clients

Un plan de trésorerie sur 3 ans

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Offrez le meilleur à votre future métier de courtier en assurance. Votre business plan est rédigé étape par étape pour ne rien rater. À chaque étape, des exemples et des aides sont là pour vous aider.

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Notre business plan a été conçu avec des conseillers bancaires et des experts-comptables. Gardez une longueur d’avance et anticipez le prêt nécessaire au lancement en tant que courtier en assurance.

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Les étapes pour faire le business plan d'un consultant

Dans le monde dynamique du conseil, où les compétences spécialisées et l'expertise sont de plus en plus demandées, lancer une activité de consultant peut s'avérer être une aventure enrichissante. Voici nos conseils pour rédiger un business plan efficace pour votre activité de consultant et démarrer sur les chapeaux de roues.

La présentation de votre projet de consultant

Pour commencer le business plan du consultant , vous devez présenter votre projet aux futurs investisseurs. Pour cela, rédigez un executive summary en 2 pages maximum :

Présentez le concept du consultant : pourquoi êtes-vous différent ? En quoi êtes-vous légitime ?

Présentez-vous et votre équipe si vous avez des consultants associés : formation, expérience, qualifications, etc. ;

Les perspectives financières en quelques chiffres clés.

Cette étape est décisive pour convaincre les investisseurs de lire votre business plan. Vous pouvez donc la rédiger en dernier !

L’étude de marché du secteur du conseil

Le modèle économique d'un consultant

Le statut juridique d'un consultant

Le plan financier d'un consultant

Toutes les questions sur le business plan d’un consultant, où faut-il exercer votre activité de consultant , quel budget pour devenir consultant , quel est le salaire d’un consultant , quel équipement de départ pour un consultant , comment calculer le chiffre d’affaires prévisionnel d’un consultant , quelles sont les charges fixes d’un consultant , quel est le seuil de rentabilité d’un consultant , comment trouver des clients dans le conseil , nos articles pour vous aider à lancer votre activité de consultant.

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Going Beyond Writing: The Multifaceted Role of Business Plan Consultants

Most people think of a professional business plan company primarily as a "business plan writer." However, here at Masterplans, we choose to approach this role more broadly and holistically as that of a "business plan consultant." Crafting a comprehensive business plan is not just about translating information into a narrative. The consulting role goes beyond mere recitation; it involves understanding, analyzing, and interpreting the essence of your business, ensuring that the final plan not only encapsulates your vision but also adds value and insights that can guide your business's direction.

Business plan consulting is a dynamic process that calls for market research, realistic financial modeling, and strategic development of the business model. This approach is about asking the right questions and encouraging the business owner to uncover insights they might not have recognized. This results in a cohesive document that does more than tell a story – it guides the business's direction with informed and actionable insights.

The diverse range of thinking involved in business plan consulting necessitates a collaborative approach, often best undertaken by a team rather than a single freelancer. Leveraging varied expertise ensures that all aspects of the business plan are thoroughly analyzed and articulated. This team-based methodology brings additional depth and breadth to the plan, aligning it more closely with the multifaceted nature of the business landscape. It underscores the importance of viewing the role as that of a business plan consultant, emphasizing strategic guidance, rather than simply focusing on the writing aspect.

Why Is Business Planning Crucial for Startups and Established Businesses?

Business planning is the strategic backbone of both startups and established businesses, guiding critical decisions that mitigate risk, align the team behind a singular vision, and validate the business model. A comprehensive business plan, crafted with the expertise of business plan consultants, serves as the vital written documentation of this strategic process. It reflects the depth of planning, tailored to speak to the audience, whether a bank for Small Business Administration-backed funding or for angel and VC investors . By adhering to specific guidelines and structures, the plan ensures that the audience can find exactly what they need to make informed decisions, laying the groundwork for securing funding and future success.

Engaging a professional business plan writer or utilizing a business plan writing service is not just about creating a document; it's about shaping the future of the business. It infuses the planning process with depth, structure, and insights that go beyond mere numbers or a static business plan template. From financial forecasting to strategic alignment, the expertise of business plan consultants can be a game-changer, turning business ideas into actionable and sustainable business strategies.

The Role of a Business Planning Consultant

Strategic planning.

A business planning consultant's primary role is to provide strategic direction. They assess the business's current position, set future goals, and outline the path to achieve them. They employ their expertise to create a robust and realistic strategic plan that aligns with the business's vision.

Market Research and Analysis

In-depth market research and analysis form the backbone of any successful business plan. A consultant identifies competitors, evaluates market trends, and understands customer behavior. Their insights shape the marketing strategies and competitive positioning, tailored to the business's unique context.

Financial Modeling

Financial projection and modeling are critical components of a comprehensive business plan. A consultant will develop financial statements, budget forecasts, and investment strategies that align with the business's goals. This financial roadmap guides decision-making and prepares the business for potential challenges and opportunities.

Evaluating the Need for a Business Plan Consultant

Assessing the complexities of your business strategy and recognizing the limitations in internal expertise can make engaging a professional consultant essential. Experienced consultants can provide financial projections and strategic insights, significantly enhancing your business plan's quality.

Analyzing Internal Capabilities

Understanding the existing skill set within your organization can guide your decision to hire an external business plan writer. Evaluation of the internal team's ability to handle comprehensive market research and financial planning is crucial. Business plan consulting services offer specialized expertise that might not be available internally. From crafting detailed financial projections to conducting thorough market analysis, consultants bring a depth of knowledge that can enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of the business plan.

Getting An Outside Perspective

A skilled business plan consultant is not merely a scribe; they are a strategic partner in crafting your vision. The more complex your business model or the larger the funding you seek, the more specialized and rigorous the planning that goes into it. Business owners often wonder, "How can I trust an external business plan consultant to understand my business?" The answer lies in the unique synergy between the business owner's expertise and the consultant's ability to craft that vision to resonate with the target audience.

Consultants have the innate capability to align a business plan with the specific industry, target audience, and strategic objectives of a company, whether a startup or an established entity. They not only understand the unique needs and goals of a business but translate that understanding into a compelling, well-structured plan.

The tailored approach ensures that the plan meets the expectations of potential investors, banks, and other stakeholders, providing them precisely what they need to make an informed decision. It's about recognizing the complexities of your business ideas and presenting them in a way that resonates with those who hold the keys to your success. This process of understanding and adaptation is what sets apart professional business plan consultants and enables them to assist in securing pivotal funding.

Timeframe for Developing a Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Various elements can influence the timeline, including the complexity of the business model, the depth of market research required, and the specific needs of stakeholders.

Typical Duration with Professional Assistance

Creating a comprehensive business plan can be an intricate and time-consuming task for a business owner, often taking up to a year to complete. Hiring a business plan writer or consulting firm, however, can significantly streamline this process. With professional assistance, the duration to produce a business plan can be reduced substantially, depending on the complexity of the plan and the consultant's approach. Generally, a business plan consultant might take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to craft a well-thought-out business plan, allowing business owners to focus on other vital aspects of their venture.

Efficiency and Quality Balance

While time efficiency is crucial, a rush to complete the plan can lead to oversights. Striking a balance between speed and quality is key. Engaging a consultant who understands this balance ensures that the resulting plan is both timely and robust, aligning with the strategic objectives of the business.

How Much Does A Business Plan Consultant Cost?

Just like the timelines, the cost of hiring a business plan consultant varies widely based on several factors. The complexity of the business plan, the consultant's experience level, industry expertise, and the required timeframe can all influence the price. Specialized skills, such as in-depth financial projection or market analysis, may also add to the cost.

The price range for hiring a business plan writer or consultant can run from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the scope and complexity. Understanding what is included in the package is crucial. A comprehensive business plan should encompass strategic planning, financial modeling, target market analysis, marketing strategy, and ongoing collaboration and revisions.

Evaluating the cost should not only be a matter of price but also the value that the consultant brings to the business. Investing in a seasoned consultant who offers comprehensive services can pay off in the long run by providing a robust and tailored plan that aligns with your business's unique needs and goals.

Can a Business Plan Consultant Guarantee Success?

The pursuit of business success extends beyond mere funding, encompassing various aspects of planning, implementation, and growth. Engaging a professional business plan consultant can significantly increase the chances of success, but it cannot guarantee it, as success goes beyond the plan itself. The comprehensive planning carried out with a consultant plays a crucial role, but it's equally vital for the business to implement and keep the plan updated.

Impact on Growth

A study shows that entrepreneurs who completed a business plan were 2.6 times more likely to launch their business than those who did not. Additionally, businesses that engage in rigorous business planning experience 34% faster growth than those that don't.

Seeking external support from a business plan consultant results in 27% faster growth , highlighting the importance of professional guidance in the business journey.

Enhancing Funding Success Rates

Various factors beyond the plan itself play a role in the funding decision, such as the business's financial standing and market environment. However, a well-structured and persuasive plan developed by a consultant can enhance the chances of securing funding by meeting the expectations of potential lenders and investors. Significantly, those who completed business plans were nearly twice as likely to obtain capital as those who didn’t write a plan.

Selecting the Right Business Plan Consultant

Choosing a business plan consulting service requires examining their professional background and relevant experience. Look for proven expertise in areas such as financial projection, industry analysis, and strategic planning. Past successes, client testimonials , and a strong portfolio can be indicative of a skilled consultant.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Consultant

When selecting a business plan consultant, a potential client should consider asking the following essential questions to ensure that they are the right fit for your specific needs and expectations:

• Who is the person in charge of developing the plan? Understanding the qualifications and experience of the individual(s) responsible can give you insights into their ability to handle the complexities of your project.
• How much communication will we have throughout the process? Clarifying expectations around communication can help create a collaborative and transparent working relationship.
• How does the revision process work? Understanding how revisions are handled will give you confidence in the consultant's willingness to align the plan closely with your vision and feedback.
• What is your experience with businesses in my specific industry? Industry expertise can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your business plan.
• Can you provide references or client testimonials? Past successes and satisfied clients can be indicative of a consultant's skill and reliability.
• What are the timelines and costs for the project, and how what does that inclued? Knowing the expected timelines and fee structure can help you plan accordingly and ensure that your project stays on track, ensuring there are no hidden surprises.

The Masterplans Difference

For over 20 years, the Masterplans team has dedicated ourselves to supporting entrepreneurial visions. Our legacy is not just in the number of years but in the expertise cultivated through those years. Engaging with over 18,000 businesses across various sectors has enabled us to understand unique challenges and opportunities startups face and allows us to tailor our services precisely to each client's needs, providing insights and strategic guidance that are both relevant and impactful. 

Strength in Numbers

Unlike a single freelancer's limited perspective, our team-based approach leverages the diverse skills and experiences of business planning experts working together. Every Masterplans business plan is supported by a strategic planning consultant, a market researcher, and a financial modeler. This collaboration ensures that every angle of your business is thoroughly examined, aligning your vision with realistic and robust strategies.

We work closely with you throughout the planning process, reflecting your vision and meeting your specific business goals. This collaborative approach not only adds depth and structure but also empowers you with the knowledge and tools to feel capable and in control of your venture. 

Proprietary Approach

What sets Masterplans apart in the business planning consulting industry is our trade-secret Model-Based Planning™ methodology , which enables us to create a business plan that's as distinctive as your venture. Unlike generic templates or outsourced writers, our approach ensures that you receive a well-crafted, personalized strategy, backed by thorough market research , realistic financial modeling , and strategic development .

We're committed to delivering a top-notch startup business plan written specifically for your needs. No templates or one-size-fits-all solutions. Just comprehensive planning that's rooted in understanding your business, asking the right questions, and encouraging you to see things you might not have seen before. 

If you'd like to hear more about how Masterplans can help bring your vision to life, schedule a free 15-minute appointment with one of our experts .

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• How to Use Your Business Plan Most Effectively
• The Basics of Writing a Business Plan
• 12 Reasons You Need a Business Plan
• The Main Objectives of a Business Plan
• What to Include and Not Include in a Successful Business Plan
• The Top 4 Types of Business Plans
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Presenting Your Business Plan in 10 Slides
• 6 Tips for Making a Winning Business Presentation
• 12 Ways to Set Realistic Business Goals and Objectives
• 3 Key Things You Need to Know About Financing Your Business
• How to Perfectly Pitch Your Business Plan in 10 Minutes
• How to Fund Your Business Through Friends and Family Loans and Crowdsourcing
• How to Fund Your Business Using Banks and Credit Unions
• How to Fund Your Business With an SBA Loan
• How to Fund Your Business With Bonds and Indirect Funding Sources
• How to Fund Your Business With Venture Capital
• How to Fund Your Business With Angel Investors
• How to Use Your Business Plan to Track Performance
• How to Make Your Business Plan Attractive to Prospective Partners
• Is This Idea Going to Work? How to Assess the Potential of Your Business.
• When to Update Your Business Plan
• How to Write the Management Team Section to Your Business Plan
• How to Create a Strategic Hiring Plan
• How to Write a Business Plan Executive Summary That Sells Your Idea
• How to Build a Team of Outside Experts for Your Business
• Use This Worksheet to Write a Product Description That Sells
• What Is Your Unique Selling Proposition? Use This Worksheet to Find Your Greatest Strength.
• How to Raise Money With Your Business Plan
• Customers and Investors Don't Want Products. They Want Solutions.
• 5 Essential Elements of Your Industry Trends Plan
• How to Identify and Research Your Competition
• Who Is Your Ideal Customer? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself.
• How to Identify Market Trends in Your Business Plan
• How to Define Your Product and Set Your Prices
• How to Determine the Barriers to Entry for Your Business
• How to Get Customers in Your Store and Drive Traffic to Your Website
• How to Effectively Promote Your Business to Customers and Investors
• What Equipment and Facilities to Include in Your Business Plan
• How to Write an Income Statement for Your Business Plan
• How to Make a Balance Sheet
• How to Make a Cash Flow Statement
• How to Use Financial Ratios to Understand the Health of Your Business
• How to Write an Operations Plan for Retail and Sales Businesses
• How to Make Realistic Financial Forecasts
• How to Write an Operations Plan for Manufacturers
• What Technology Needs to Include In Your Business Plan
• How to List Personnel and Materials in Your Business Plan
• The Role of Franchising
• The Best Ways to Follow Up on a Buisiness Plan
• The Best Books, Sites, Trade Associations and Resources to Get Your Business Funded and Running
• How to Hire the Right Business Plan Consultant
• Business Plan Lingo and Resources All Entrepreneurs Should Know
• How to Write a Letter of Introduction
• What To Put on the Cover Page of a Business Plan
• How to Format Your Business Plan
• 6 Steps to Getting Your Business Plan In Front of Investors

How to Hire the Right Business Plan Consultant While they will cost you time and money, some experts believe strongly in the utility and value of hiring outside help to craft your business plan.

By Eric Butow • Oct 27, 2023

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

This is part 4 / 8 of Write Your Business Plan: Section 6: Getting Your Business Plan to Investors series.

Businesspeople tend to fall into two camps when it comes to consultants. Some believe strongly in the utility and value of hiring outside experts to bring new perspectives and broad knowledge to challenging tasks. Others feel consultants are overpaid yes-men brought in only to endorse plans already decided upon or to take the heat for unpopular but necessary decisions.

Related: Find an Entrepreneur-verified expert to help you write your plan

Who's right? Both are, depending on the consultant you hire and your purpose for hiring one. Most consultants are legitimate experts in specific or general business areas. And most consultants can be hired to help with all or part of the process of writing a business plan.

Related: The Benefits and Risks of Writing a Business Plan

The downside is you have to spend a lot of time on communication before and during the process of working with a consultant. Be sure you have fully explained, and the consultant fully understands, the nature of your business, your concept and strategy, your financial needs, and other matters such as control, future plans, and so on. Refer to these important issues throughout the process—you don't want to pay for a beautifully done plan that fits somebody else's business, not yours. And when the work is done, debrief the consultant to find out if there's anything you can learn that wasn't included in the plan.

If you decide to hire a consultant to help you prepare your plan, take care that you select the right person. Here are the guidelines:

• Get referrals. Ask colleagues, acquaintances, and professionals such as bankers, accountants, and lawyers for the names of business plan consultants they recommend. A good referral goes a long way to easing concerns you may have. Few consultants advertise anyway, so referrals may be your only choice.
• Look for a fit. Find a consultant who is an expert in helping businesses like yours. Ideally, the consultant should have lots of experience with companies of similar size and age in similar industries. Avoid general business experts or those who lack experience in your field.
• Check references. Get the names of at least three clients the consultant has helped to write plans. Call the former clients and ask about the consultant's performance. Was the consultant's final fee in line with the original estimate? Was the plan completed on time? Did it serve the intended purpose?
• Get it in writing. Have a legal contract for the consultant's services. It should discuss in detail the fee, when it will be paid, and under what circumstances. And make sure you get a detailed, written description of what the consultant must do to earn the fee. Whether it's an hourly rate or a flat fee isn't as important as each party knowing exactly what's expected.

The Lowdown on Consultants

A good consultant should provide the following:

• They should lay out expectations. In any working relationship, you need to know exactly what is expected of whom you are hiring.
• The consultant should only make promises they can keep. Hold them to their word. Business is about making and keeping promises.
• All plans should be made in advance and make promises that were inherently discussed beforehand. Without a concrete plan a consultant can "wing it," leaving you without any way to look at milestones and keep tabs on her progress.
• A consultant should provide regular, specific updates. You need to set up a schedule and a means of regular communication. You want to know—specifically— what she is doing, and this means regular ongoing communication, which is an integral part of a healthy business relationship.
• They should not have a personal agenda. If the consultant is not acting in the best interest of your company, then they are not doing the job ethically. Make sure anyone you're hiring is working for your needs, not theirs.

Related: 12 Reasons You Need a Business Plan

What Does It All Mean?

In the end, consultants can only help you know what it is you're looking to accomplish with your business. Business plan competitions can give you a leg up on the competition, but you will then need to use that edge wisely by putting your award-winning plan into the right hands. SCORE and other organizations can benefit you in the business planning process, if you are ready to listen, learn, and ask questions.

Remember, though, there is no magic formula for success. Your business plan should lay down the foundation from which you will do everything you can to build and sustain a successful business. It should tell the story of your business going forward and help you think hard about every aspect of your business. It should help you make the key decisions as you proceed. It should also keep you thinking about all of the possibilities.

Related: How to Write a Business Plan

Writing a business plan is not easy, but neither is starting and running a successful business. Many new businesses (as well as older ones) fail every year. Some have no concrete plan, others have drifted from the plan, and many have lost the motivation to grow and change to keep pace with the changing marketplace. Complacency stops many businesses from taking the next steps.

A business plan means what you want it to mean. It can be a way of guiding you through the process, a means of getting investors, a way of finding advisors, a document to help lure new talent, or all of the above. It is not something that you finish and forget to look at, but instead something you can go back to, just as you would do with a blueprint of a house or a building as you plan to add on a new room or rewire the facility.

Of course, the business plan is worthwhile only if you are honest in what you put on paper, meaning being honest to yourself. If you are writing down an idealized version of what you'd like to see without including well-researched facts and forecasts that are based on due diligence, then your business plan will simply lead you to disappointment. Therefore, as you write the plan, stop and look at it periodically to make sure you are being realistic and have other people you know and trust read it to confirm that you are being forthright and not overly optimistic.

Related: How to Create a Business Plan Investors Will Love

The real optimism of a business plan is creating something that you can accomplish and make successful over time. It's fine to use the business plan to shoot for the stars—but start with one star at a time.

More in Write Your Business Plan

Section 1: the foundation of a business plan, section 2: putting your business plan to work, section 3: selling your product and team, section 4: marketing your business plan, section 5: organizing operations and finances, section 6: getting your business plan to investors.

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Hire the Top 3% of Freelance Business Plan Consultants

Toptal is a marketplace for top business plan consultants and experts. Top companies and startups hire freelance business plan consultants from Toptal for their mission critical projects.

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Hire Freelance Business Plan Consultants

Aleksey N. Krylov, CFA

Aleksey served in CFO roles of public and VC-backed private companies. As an investor, he contributed to 25+ private equity deals that have deployed $500 million. He has advised 50+ clients on raising $1.6 billion in equity in the healthcare, consumer, media, software, energy, and industrial sectors. Aleksey enjoys working with officers of early-stage and mature small-cap firms, and he freelances because it exposes him to a wide range of companies.

Previously at

Ftera Advisors

Josh Chapman

Josh is an investment banker turned VC who lives in Denver, CO. At Morgan Stanley, he covered the world's top hedge funds and sold over $5 billion in IPOs for companies like Alibaba, LendingClub, GrubHub, and more. He also has experience in M&A, startup fundraising, and as a founder. Currently, Josh is one of the managing partners of Konvoy Ventures, a VC firm focused on esports and video gaming.

Konvoy Ventures (VC Firm)

Gary Calnan

Gary is a serial entrepreneur with CEO and CFO experience. Before co-founding an aerospace startup in 2017, Gary was the director of finance at a $120 million revenue SaaS company, where he was responsible for the financial management of multiple departments and supported three mergers. Gary leverages his unique blend of finance and entrepreneurial experience across early and growth-stage businesses to add value to Toptal clients.

CisLunar Industries

Marc Howland

Marc is a Harvard Business School graduate with honors, a former investment banker from Goldman Sachs, and private equity investor at The Carlyle Group. He has helped execute more than $70 billion worth of global M&A and financing transactions in the tech, media, telecom, infrastructure and sports facility finance markets. Marc enjoys freelancing to contribute his knowledge and skills to others while working on his own early-stage ventures.

Keyturn Pbc

Travis Borden

Travis was part of the founding team at Moelis & Co., a $2.5 billion global investment bank, and has 18 years of experience advising clients on $40+ billion of M&A, capital raising, and restructuring transactions. In 2015, he founded a socially responsible advisory firm, Keene Advisors, named "Best for the World" 2017-2019. Travis joined Toptal to expand his network and share his expertise advising companies from startups to Fortune 500 firms.

Keene Advisors

Andy Vietor

Andy was recognized twice as an All-Star Analyst by the Wall Street Journal. He has been a strategist, operating executive, financier, and top-ranked industry analyst. As a freelancer, Andy advises a range of companies—from early-stage and middle-market to large caps—delivering customized solutions including effective investor presentations, dynamic financial models, and project finance structuring.

Hamilton Clark Sustainable Capital, Inc.

Bertrand Deleuse

Bertrand is a 25-year finance veteran with a true 360 experience, honed as an investment banker, venture advisor, project developer, CFO, and expert witness consultant in international arbitrations. He has advised and partnered on over 100 transactions and investment initiatives totaling over $16 billion. Bertrand is a seasoned problem solver and decision-maker with expert facilitation skills. Bertrand advises on M&A, corporate development, venture growth, project development, and financing.

Quadrant Economics

Olivia Passoni

Olivia has over a decade of advisory experience, specializing in valuation, financial and business planning, M&A, capital raising, and due diligence. She has advised business owners globally on financial planning and strategy optimization during the fundraising and exit process. Olivia also works with investors for portfolio valuation work, the development of fund models, and due diligence. She is a Certified Valuation Analyst and is specialized in early-stage valuations.

Valithea OÜ

Andrew Grigolyunovich, CFA, CFM

Andrew ranked fifth at the 2017 Financial Modeling World Championships. He served as CFO for Latvia’s leading retailer for seven years, navigating the firm through the global financial crisis and executing a turnaround that led to profitability and international expansion. He went on to freelance consulting, growing his client base to 250+ in 17 countries. Andrew joined Toptal to work with clients on FP&A, financial modeling, and M&A.

Toptal Clients

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98% of Toptal clients choose to hire our talent after a risk-free trial.

Toptal's screening and matching process ensures exceptional talent are matched to your precise needs.

Get Additional Expertise

Our clients frequently pair these additional services with our freelance Business Plan Consultants.

A Hiring Guide

Guide to hiring a great business plan consultant.

Business plan consultants have the industry knowledge and expertise to develop a business plan that maximizes your company’s potential and attracts investors. This guide to hiring business plan experts offers insight into best practices, skill requirements, job description tips, and interview questions and answers to help you identify the best candidate for your needs.

... allows corporations to quickly assemble teams that have the right skills for specific projects.

Despite accelerating demand for coders, Toptal prides itself on almost Ivy League-level vetting.

Martin so far is a complete Rockstar. His first bit of work produced a tool for us to model and forecast our financials and is far and away worth every penny we paid and more. Just thought I’d share that with you. Pete Pellizzari, CEO Budder, Inc.

Erik has been an extremely valuable member of our team who has tremendous breath of experience with start ups in our lifecycle phase. What makes his contribution unique and highly effective is not only his excellent financial modeling skills and knowledge, but also the emotional intelligence with which he manages each relationship at Vault, understands our team dynamics, and helps us tackle start up challenges effectively. It is rare to find a part-time consultant who makes you feel like he/she is genuinely invested in the success of your company. Romy Parzick, COO Student Loan Benefits, Inc. dba Vault

Toptal has been an incredible key partner for Sidekick. As an early-stage start-up, we’ve leveraged both design and financial talent. The experience has been incredible, with those professionals bringing creativity, expertise, and advice to ensure Sidekick succeeds. My Toptal financial expert helped steer Sidekick’s business model, which resulted in an initial ROI of 650x! My experience with Toptal has given me great confidence in the future. Doug MacKay, Founder / CEO SideKick

Chris was great to work with and was always available on my schedule. His communication skills and personality were a 10/10. His outputs on the project were top notch and allowed us to develop more efficient forecasting and initiative prioritization frameworks. I would definitely use Chris again. Chris Pozek, CEO Veterans Rideshare

What really sets Toptal apart is the caliber of finance talent available in their network. I had a very specific and pressing need, and Toptal quickly matched me with the perfect person for the job. The expert produced a thoughtful and robust financial analysis that has ultimately allowed us to forecast and prioritize initiatives much more efficiently. Chris Pozek, CEO Veterans Rideshare

Scott had a lot of finance experience which he used to ask the right questions and help us do things more quickly than we would have done without him. The commission model is crucial to us being able to scale, he integrated seamlessly with our finance team and efficiently got us the outputs we needed. Naushad Parpia, Founder and CEO GSD

I was very impressed with the quality of finance talent in Toptal’s network. Our expert's experience was immediately evident through his insightful questions and the speed at which we could move. Toptal stayed on top of the process from making the match through to the successful completion of the project. I've already recommended Toptal Finance to my network. Naushad Parpia, Founder and CEO GSD

How to Hire Business Plan Consultants through Toptal

Talk to one of our industry experts, work with hand-selected talent, the right fit, guaranteed, find experts with related skills.

Access a vast pool of skilled finance experts in our talent network and hire the top 3% within just 48 hours.

How do I hire a Business Plan Consultant?

To hire the right business plan consultant, it’s important to evaluate a candidate’s experience, technical skills, and communication skills. You’ll also want to consider the fit with your particular industry, company, and project. Toptal’s rigorous screening process ensures that every member of our network has excellent experience and skills, and our team will match you with the perfect business plan consultants for your project.

What do I need to look for when I choose a business plan consultant online?

Do not hire a business plan consultant online without interviewing them at least once, ideally via video conference so you can evaluate your rapport with them. It’s critical to ask them questions about your industry, their industry-specific experience, and their thoughts on current trends—all elements you can’t gauge from an online résumé. In addition to evaluating their experience and knowledge, it’s important to validate it through examples of work products and references.

How do I choose between two quality business plan consultant candidates?

When you have two highly qualified consultants vying for an engagement with your company, compare their skills with your internal capabilities and select the consultant who best complements the skills you and your team have. You’ll also want to consider their interpersonal skills and general fit with your preferred ways of working. Your objective should be to hire the consultant who rounds out the most capable team you can create to develop your business plan.

Do I need to hire a business plan consultant?

You should strongly consider hiring a business plan consultant. Business plan professionals offer significant benefits through their expertise and unbiased point of view. They’ll stress-test your current plans, identify potential risks and growth opportunities, provide a market analysis and industry insights, and ensure that your business plan is credible, positioned to maximize your company’s potential, and appealing to investors.

Who are business plan consultants and how do they add value?

A business plan consultant is a highly qualified individual who combines the skills of a management consultant and a CFO to advise and assist management teams of businesses of all sizes. Beyond creating business plans, they can assist with a number of projects, including market sizing; go-to-market and customer acquisition strategies; pricing and monetization planning; and fundraising strategy. Additionally, they can help you produce a pitch deck, board presentations and presentation materials, research and market reports, financial models, analyses, forecasts, and more.

How are Toptal business plan consultants different?

When you hire a business plan consultant with Toptal, you’ll always work with world-class, custom-matched business plan consultants ready to help you achieve your goals.

By  Nicholas Piscani

Nicholas is a corporate strategy and FP&A expert who works with businesses to optimize their operations and execute high-priority strategic initiatives. He has helped entrepreneurs raise more than $600 million.

How to Hire Business Plan Consultants

Every company needs an effective business plan to maximize its potential.

A comprehensive business plan details a company’s present and expected future status and needs in order to guide strategic decisions and resource requirements. Research has shown that, historically, companies with business plans have grown 30% faster than those without them and that companies with business plans have been nearly twice as likely to receive funding. That’s because potential investors and investment banks often won’t take your business seriously without a comprehensive business plan.

While business plans are proven to maximize potential at all stages of maturity , many business leaders fail to develop or execute them. They may believe it isn’t worth the investment, or they may be overwhelmed by the number of steps involved and the amount of information required to get started. Other business owners may attempt to develop such plans without external assistance.

However, many company owners do recognize that specialized skills are required to maximize the impact of a business plan and to develop a complementary pitch deck for potential investors. These executives typically hire a business plan consultant to guide them through the entire strategic and business planning process. This hiring guide offers insights into how to select and hire a business plan consultant who can advise and collaborate with you to deliver the business plan you need.

What attributes distinguish quality Business Plan Consultants from others?

Above all else, quality business plan consultants have business planning and industry-specific experience. Typically, more experience equals more expertise, but don’t get caught up in thinking about experience only in terms of years. Once a professional business plan consultant has five or more years of experience, other factors, such as the number of business plans written and the number of successful funding rounds they’ve been involved in, are more important.

When selecting a business plan advisor, it’s important to find someone who develops complete business plans frequently, has a strong track record of success, and has specialized industry experience relevant to your business. For example, the core components of business plans in healthcare and construction may be similar, but industry-specific knowledge adds significant credibility when detailing the organization’s strategic direction, financial plans and models, and resource requirements.

Quality business plan professionals provide clear and concise guidance, and work with you and your management team to develop primary and contingency strategies. The consultant should be able to collaborate effectively during the planning process and illuminate potential shortcomings and pitfalls of an existing or new plan. While they may use a standardized template for creating business plans, the consultant should be willing and able to customize the plan to meet your organization’s specific needs.

How can you identify the ideal Business Plan Consultant for your business?

The ideal business plan consultant will possess a mix of hard and soft skills across multiple business areas so that they can skillfully craft a successful plan and pitch deck. The best business plan consultants have these complementary skills:

Industry knowledge – The business plan consultant best suited to help your organization will have solid industry knowledge and significant experience working with other companies in your sector. Understanding the industry, its competitive landscape, significant trends, and market segments is critical to developing an effective business and marketing plan.

Market research and analysis – This skill is required to establish accurate estimates of the total market, total addressable market, serviceable market, and obtainable markets. Business plan consultants need to gather and analyze significant amounts of data, interpret the results, and derive target markets and market-share goals for your company.

Financial modeling and forecasting – In addition to validating existing financial plans, the business plan consultant should be able to provide insight into current and alternative pricing strategies for revenue growth, understand whether capital and resource assumptions are valid given industry-average and best-in-class capital efficiencies, and confirm that margin expectations are reasonable given other operating assumptions. In-house financial analysts may be able to help fill this need with guidance from the expert business plan consultant you hire.

Data analysis and visualization – A quality business plan consultant should be able to compile and analyze all the inputs your organization provides and use them to create the components of the plan. This should include a go-to-market strategy that highlights your value proposition, identifies how you’ll reach your target market(s), and convinces investors that your organization has significant growth potential.

Presentation skills and storytelling ability – An underrated but essential value that a business plan consultant can bring is the ability to take all the individual components of the plan and weave them together into a compelling, original story that creates stakeholder buy-in and investor interest.

In addition to the aforementioned important capabilities, the best business plan consultant for your company should demonstrate the following soft skills:

Communication – The consultant should be able to distill complex ideas into accessible concepts to ensure understanding among stakeholders, investors, and employees. They should also be willing and able to ask hard questions and challenge assumptions.

Organization – The business plan expert needs to gather, analyze, and organize extensive data and other inputs from multiple sources. This requires impeccable organization and attention to detail.

Critical and strategic thinking – A quality business plan professional can consider threats, present alternatives, and stress-test the business plan to ensure it is sound and considers all possibilities.

A business plan advisor who possesses these complementary soft skills is more likely to be highly effective and deliver a plan that generates a high ROI.

What criteria can hiring managers use to match Business Plan Consultants to their specific industry or business needs?

Hiring managers should consider these three critical criteria when matching business plan professionals to their specific industries and needs:

• Industry experience – Each industry has a unique environment, with unique relationships between the hiring company and its customers, suppliers, competitors, etc. Navigating different compliance requirements and barriers to entry requires specific knowledge. While there is no set requirement for years of industry-specific experience, three years is a sufficient minimum threshold.
• Financial acumen – The consultant should be able to build detailed, dynamic financial models that drive the business plan. Experience with three-statement modeling is ideal, as the consultant will need to understand how investment and operating plans impact cash flow, the balance sheet, and the income statement. The hiring manager should prioritize credentials such as advanced degrees and certifications pertaining to corporate finance, valuation, and modeling financial projections when evaluating candidates.
• Leadership experience – Hiring managers should look for a consultant with a demonstrated history of leading teams and stakeholders through strategic initiatives. At a minimum, consultants should have reached a managerial level with a focus on strategy and business planning. Director- and VP-level experience, along with a track record of successful consulting engagements, becomes more important as the scope and scale of the project at hand increases.

How to Write a Business Plan Consultant Job Description for Your Project

First, define the use case for the business plan and identify the industry in which your company operates. Clearly identifying the sector will help candidates self-select, minimizing the number of irrelevant résumés to review.

Next, specify the experience and any specializations you require. Some technical expertise may be optional: For example, it may not be as important for your business plan consultant to have in-depth financial modeling expertise—as long as that’s a strength of your internal team. On the other hand, your business plan consultant must have extensive knowledge about your industry and market segments.

Your job description should also take into account how far along your organization is in the strategic and business planning process. If you have many of the pieces in place and simply need a business plan professional to ensure you have a cohesive and compelling plan to present, you’ll require a different skill set than if you need a business plan expert to research, analyze, define, and document the strategic path forward.

What are the most important Business Plan Consultant interview questions?

As you prepare to interview your top candidates, you should already have a basic understanding of their experience and skills. During the interviews, it’s important to ask questions that get to the heart of what your organization needs and whether the consultant has the expertise to deliver an effective plan. These questions will help you evaluate and select the best business plan consultant for your situation:

How would you approach this project?

With this question, you’re looking for the consultant to explain how they would use internal and external resources to gather relevant information and craft the story that the business plan will tell as it relates to your specific case. Ideally, the consultant can identify external resources that will provide industry, competitor, and market insights, including potential environmental, regulatory, or legal hurdles and risks.

Can you share your thoughts on the industry’s current state and future outlook?

The consultant you hire should be well versed in your industry, its present state, and the key factors influencing its future. The success of a business strategy hinges on the quality of the market information, data, and insights the expert has access to, and how they will use that information to guide the plan. A qualified business plan professional will be able to discuss total market size, growth rates, key competitors, and significant trends. Their answer should leave you confident that the candidate has the industry experience and knowledge you require.

Can you share specific examples of successful business plans you’ve developed?

The answer to this question should demonstrate how the candidate has applied their expertise in previous engagements or corporate roles. Although the consultant may be able to effectively explain their approach, specific examples will confirm they have the experience and capabilities to deliver what you need. Ask them to define the qualities of a successful engagement to be sure your expectations are aligned.

How do you ensure that a business plan is adaptable and remains relevant?

The last thing you want to do is lead your business down a path that reduces or eliminates agility. The consultant should highlight specific tools, such as scenario and sensitivity analyses, that can be used to develop contingency plans should the primary strategy shift because of changes in the market. The most qualified consultants should be able to identify gaps and trends in the market and suggest potential strategies and technologies to address them.

Additional questions to ask include how the consultant would communicate with you and your internal teams, how they handle disagreements among principals about the strategic direction the organization should pursue, and what, if any, special research and analysis they might perform for this engagement.

A well-rounded business plan consultant will answer your questions in ways that leave you feeling confident in their ability to successfully execute the project and deliver an effective custom business plan that maximizes your company’s potential and attracts investors.

How can a hiring manager ensure the confidentiality and security of sensitive information during the hiring process, especially when sharing business plans or proprietary data with candidates?

Hiring managers and recruiters can take decisive actions to protect their company’s confidential information during the hiring process. These include:

• Requiring candidates to sign nondisclosure agreements before they receive sensitive materials.
• Conducting thorough background checks to verify candidates’ credibility, trustworthiness, and adherence to data security protocols.
• Using secure document-sharing platforms or virtual data rooms with access controls, encryption, and audit trails.
• Using secure communication channels, such as encrypted email services or secure messaging platforms, when sharing sensitive information.

Why do companies hire Business Plan Consultants?

Business plan experts can deliver tremendous value to companies that are developing business plans to guide strategic decisions or pursue funding. While founders and employees may have a significant grasp of the company, its strategic direction, and its business goals, they may not have the expertise to craft a compelling business plan and pitch deck that attracts investors.

One of the quickest ways to lose the interest of potential investors and partners is by presenting a business plan that comes across as disorganized and fragmented. Business plan advisors with extensive experience dealing with investors solve this problem for their clients. They have the well-rounded business background and skill set to contribute and add value to the entire strategic planning process. They have the capability to propel a business forward by weaving a company’s market data, industry trends, business strategy, business goals, and resource requirements into a compelling story for stakeholders and potential investors.

While many business owners develop business plans without external assistance, hiring a business plan consultant can significantly increase the quality and credibility of a business plan, its likelihood to maximize business success, and its ability to attract investors.

Featured Toptal Business Plan Publications

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What Makes Growthink Unique

Customized business plans.

We work closely with you to understand and improve your business model, target market, plans for securing funding and increasing sales, and other aspects of your unique vision to build a custom business plan and financial plan that will help you reach your company goals.

Experienced Consultants

Growthink’s business planning team has world-class academic, entrepreneurial, and financial backgrounds, including experience starting, financing, and growing businesses and working as angel, venture capital, and private equity investors.

Vast Client Experience

We have developed business plans for clients worldwide in hundreds of industries across every organizational type – startups, small businesses, mid-sized companies, large corporations, nonprofit and government organizations.

Better Strategic Planning

We don’t just document your business ideas on paper. Our business plan consultants conduct market research and collaborate with you to create strategies for you to succeed in both today’s environment and over the long term.

$5+ Billion in Funding Raised

We are in constant contact with investors, lenders, and other funding sources. This enables our consultants to develop business plans and pitch decks that raise capital. Growthink clients have raised billions of dollars in debt and equity funding.

Expert Market Research

We have access to several market research databases to help you better understand the emerging trends in your industry and better identify your target markets, potential risks, and growth opportunities to develop a truly comprehensive business strategy.

What the Media Says

Based on Growthink’s track record and leadership, the media constantly contacts us for advice and information on business planning and capital raising. In fact, multiple media sources refer to us as the “Business Plan Experts.”

Growthink has been featured in over 500 media sources including the following:

We are also proud to have been selected as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes Magazine and Statista.

Speak With a Growthink Business Plan Consultant

Who we serve, early stage entrepreneurs, small businesses, mid-sized to larger companies, fortune 500 companies, nonprofit and government organizations, representative clients, sample clients who have entrusted growthink with developing their business plans include:.

See what our clients have said about Growthink’s quality business plan consulting services:

Client success stories.

I was very impressed with how quickly Growthink grasped our unique industry and business.

In a short period of time, they completed research, a beautiful pitch deck and financial projections that we used in our Series A round, which closed successfully.      

I worked with the team at Growthink to accelerate the development of the original Integreon business plan.

They are a sharp, creative, and results-focused group. I recommend them highly to companies of all sizes looking to turbo-charge the development of their strategic business plans and their businesses.

We really appreciated working with you! The team you assembled, the quality of your work and the process you took us through really helped us in our thinking. It wasn’t just the meetings and reports you created, but also the structured process that forced us to really think through our target customers, our marketing process, our onboarding process, what technology we must deliver and when – all of that was super helpful.

V Starr Interiors

I loved working with Growthink.

The staff are passionate about their work and committed to what they do in a way that can only be achieved when you love what you do. They helped keep us on track to achieve our planning goals.

I am looking forward to continued success working with everyone from Growthink in the future.

I absolutely loved working with Growthink!

They listened to our objectives and truly understood what our mission was prior to beginning our project. They hit all their milestones on-time and on-point. They ultimately delivered a very valuable tool that will have tremendous use to us in our growth plan.

I highly recommend Antonio and the Growthink team.

Our Story & Mission

In 1999, Growthink co-founders Dave Lavinsky and Jay Turo graduated with their MBAs from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. They conceived Growthink from their deep and abiding passion and curiosity for business. As Turo says, “The work we do at Growthink is what Dave and I would just naturally do whenever we got together – talking about businesses we love and how to make them better.”

Growthink’s mission is to help executives and entrepreneurs grow their businesses so they can create jobs, offer customers better products and services, realize personal satisfaction and wealth, and fund programs that make the world a better place.

Speak with a Growthink business plan consultant today

What it’s like to work with a professional business plan consultant, our business plan consulting methodology, management interviews, strategic market research, draft plan & financial modeling, review & revise, package & finalize.

• Management Interviews : In this first phase, we collect and document your “verbal” growth plan, including your vision, key accomplishments to date, challenges and opportunities, business objectives and goals, and growth strategies. In this phase we also identify and refine key research questions, and work to define and communicate an effective “story” for the business plan. Your “story” is what’s going to appeal to investors and lenders.
• Strategic Market Research : In this phase, we size the relevant market place, analyze competitors, profile existing and prospective customer groups, and perform our due diligence to identify opportunities to grow your own business. Growthink also conducts “benchmarking research” — this involves identifying other companies that have succeeded and/or failed with similar businesses and/or initiatives.
• Executive Summary
• Company Analysis
• Customer and Market Analyses
• Industry and Competitive Analyses
• Development, Operations and Marketing Plans
• Management Team

We will also deliver your complete financial model at this time , including the financial projections .

• Review and Revise : In this phase, we review the draft plan with you and discuss the focus, wording, and flow of the document. We incorporate any necessary revisions and refinements, and prepare the revised plan.
• Package and Finalize : The final stage involves creating a clean, professional document, with graphical enhancements, that is copy-edited, formatted, and ready to be presented to stakeholders and investors.

Business Plan Consulting FAQs

A business plan consultant helps small business owners, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established businesses develop business plans that will help them raise bank loans, equity funding and other forms of funding for their businesses. A quality business plan advisor will also ensure the business’ growth strategy is solid. We are the industry experts in helping many entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives create professional business plans that are well thought out to point your business in the right direction and powerful tools to convince potential investors to fund your project or lend you money.

Every business is unique, so there’s no cookie-cutter business plan. Every business owner has different strengths and weaknesses they bring to the table. We want our clients to get the most out of their business plan by solving problems, leveraging strengths, and highlighting new business opportunities for growth – all while taking it one step at a time.

Growthink starts with what’s important to you: What are your current challenges? What do you hope this business will achieve? Our business planning advisors are there to help make your vision a reality – whether through helping improve your day-to-day operations or providing the strategic planning necessary for companies on an upwards trajectory. Whatever stage you’re at in your company’s life cycle, our business plan consulting firm can help judge the needs of your business and provide solutions based on our years of experience working with companies in a variety of industries.

Read more about  Our Business Planning Process & Methodology .

Growthink’s business plan consultants can produce a custom business plan in as little as seven days, but it may vary depending on the complexity of the business.

The cost for professional business plan development services varies depending on the complexity of the company.

Business Plan Consultants Case Studies

Fathead is the leading brand in sports and entertainment wall graphics with hundreds of officially licensed products. The Company’s product line-up includes Fathead Tradeables, Fathead Jr., Fathead Skins, Furniture for Fans, and of course, our “Real.Big®” Fathead, the officially licensed, life-size, hi-def wall graphics of professional athletes, animated heroes, entertainment characters, team helmets, and logos. Growthink was engaged to analyze trends within the market and create the Company’s strategic business plan. Since working with Growthink, Fathead was acquired by a leading conglomerate of sports and entertainment properties.

Cardio Quick Systems

Porsche Design

Porsche Design Group is a majority-owned subsidiary of Porsche. The company’s activities are focused on the business areas of Porsche Design, Porsche Design Driver’s Selection, and the Porsche Design Studio. Growthink was retained to design and draft a business plan to extend the Porsche unique male luxury brand positioning into the retail arena — specifically sunglasses, leather goods, golf, and electronic products. The business plan and findings were presented directly to the Porsche family, which fully backed it. The Porsche Design Group has since grown dramatically and now operates in many retail locations in the United States and worldwide.

Integreon is a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm that offers a wide range of knowledge and legal support  services  to professionals. Growthink was retained to develop Integreon’s business plan, which focused on raising capital and scaling the business. Since working with Growthink, Integreon has raised over $50 million in venture capital, grown from 12 to 2,000 employees, and is now one of the largest BPO firms in the world.

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We are very proud of our business plan consultancy services and are confident we can help you raise money and grow your business. Call us today or fill out our form to get started.

Can a Small Business Consultant Help You Run Your Business?

7 min. read

Updated April 10, 2024

There comes a point in every business when the owner realizes they need advice and wonders, “Should I hire a consultant?”

And, as with most things in life, the answer is, “It depends.”

Whether you’re starting a new company or growing an existing business, hiring the right consultant can be a cost-effective way for your small business to leverage specialized knowledge. Conversely, hiring the wrong consultant can cost you more than money—it can cost you a lot of wasted time and energy.

So, the challenge for a small business owner is to understand the role of a consultant in their business, and to learn how and when it is cost-effective to hire one.

• What does a small business consultant do?

A business consultant is simply an outside expert you hire to solve an internal business problem. A good consultant is a great source of specialized knowledge. A great consultant brings knowledge, skills, experience, and process to improve the client’s condition.

Unlike in-house employees, consultants have independent schedules, may have multiple clients, and are hired on a contract/project basis. Depending on the consulting firm, consultants may work alone or may bring their own team, which typically includes one project manager and two analysts.

TIP: It is always important to clarify who the primary contact person will be in order to prevent miscommunications.  

A consultant can help with marketing and sales development, business expansion and improvements, and even execution of their ideas and recommendations.

The following is a quick snapshot of the consulting process:

• Pre-consulting : Prior to beginning work,  you and your expert set out the terms, parameters, and agree on the “consulting agreement”.
• Consulting period : The consulting period typically includes a discover, research, and final presentation of recommendations that completes the project.
• Post-consulting :  You and the consultant may choose to extend your agreement or move towards implementation on your own.
• Why do people hire small business consultants?

Small business owners hire consultants as a cost-effective way to bridge a gap in knowledge and skills within their company, or a as a way to bring a fresh, objective, and professional perspective to the company.

Here are the three most common reasons why our clients turn to consultants for help:

• To find the problem(s) : In many cases, a business may be exhibiting problematic “symptoms”, such as a decrease in sales, or cash-flow issues, and internal management in unable to pinpoint the source of the problem. In this case, a consultant can come in observe the symptoms within your operations, conduct some tests and research, and determine the root of the problem.
• To create the solution(s) : In some cases, you may have a goal that you can’t achieve internally either because there is a skills gap or because it is simply not within your company’s core competency. Hiring a good consultant can save time and money, and ultimately achieve a better result.
• Optimization : In some cases, your company may have grown very quickly and know there are lots of things you could be doing better, but you don’t even know where to start. A consultant can come in and bring in some fresh perspective, evaluate any or all areas of your business, and determine the processes and procedures to increase productivity levels.

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• Where to find consultants

Finding consultants—I think—is the easy part. You can always search online directories such as elance.com or ask for recommendations from friends or service providers like your accountant or lawyer.

Finding the right consultant is the hard part. This is why I cannot stress enough the importance of the “mutual consulting interview”. Whether you talk to your consultant in person or by phone, a live interaction will tell you more about that consultant than any website or review will. Trust your gut. Is the person excited about your business, and about working with you? Do you believe they can achieve what they say they can achieve in the timeframe they quoted?

Now, having said all this, even with the best intentions there may be some consulting relationships that end up just not working out. When that happens, it’s usually a mutual feeling. In other words, don’t feel bad for parting ways with a consultant if things aren’t working out—chances are, they know it’s for the best, too.

Consulting agreements/contracts

Contracts are typically for 3-6 months, with the option to renew the contract as necessary.

TIP: Design your consulting agreement in phases that give you natural stops in the workflow, so that you can part ways with your consultant amicably if it ends up being a bad match.

Setting the optimal time period for your project is important to ensure your consultant has enough time to provide results, and it is also helps to ensure timely progress.

A typical consulting contract includes consulting parameters, names of the responsible parties, payment schedules, and any relevant deliverables and deadlines.

• How much should you pay?

This is one of my favorite questions because the answer is quite simple:  Price is determined by value.

Giving you the statistics on fees alone is not very valuable to you when consulting fees can range from $150-$10,000 per hour and projects fees can range from $1,000-$250,000.

Consultants vs. contractors

Often I am asked, “What is the difference between a $30/hr powerpoint writer from Craigslist and hiring an MBA at $300/hr?” While I wish the difference were obvious, lately, with the the terms “consultant” and “contractor” being used pretty indiscriminately, there has been some confusion about which means what. The following chart outlines the underlying difference in the value of a “consultant” vs. the value of a “contractor”.

Understanding this key difference will not only help you get more out of your consultant but also help you have money by knowing when it is best to hire a “contractor”.

How to determine a budget

Ask yourself: How much is this worth to me? And: How much can I afford?

Here are three tips to help you determine the right budget:

• Look at percentages : A good way to determine the right budget for hiring a consultant is to set it as a fixed percentage of your total costs and/or sales. For example, if your monthly sales are $10,000, it is not wise to pay $5,000 per month to a consultant. On the other hand, if your monthly sales are $200,000, and you want that number to grow to $500,000, then $5,000 per month for a 6-month contract with a consultant sounds a lot more reasonable.
• Look at phases : If this is a complex project with a lot of uncertainties, look into reducing your risk by setting up in phases. For example, if you are looking to redesign your marketing efforts for several product lines, perhaps you should tackle each product line individually instead of all at once. This may not only lower the cost required to hire a consultant, but also reduce your overall need for a consultant—if you can learn from their approach to the first product line, you may be able to implement their strategies for the other product lines yourself.
• Talk to a consultant : Often a consultant can work with you for free to help you determine the right scope and budget for your project. Your preliminary discussions with a consultant are a great way to test the waters with your potential working relationship, too.
• Not all consultants are a good fit

A small business consultant  can  help you run your business, by planning your business strategy and in some cases even executing it. I’m a big believer in small business consulting, because I see the positive effects of it every single day!

But not all consultants are created equal, and not all businesses or business projects are created equal, either. You’ll need to consider why you’re thinking about hiring a consultant, and how long you’re willing to wait before you see results, and how much you can realistically afford to pay for their counsel. Then, you need to find a consultant that you really click with. When all of that comes together, you’ve positioned yourself for success.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Mayra Ceja is the founder of Expertly Insights, a platform where business owners can talk to live business experts, on-demand. As a serial entrepreneur and a business coach, her passion is growing exciting, new/young companies by combining traditional strategy, great business culture, and a focus on nimble, customer-focused marketing.

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Définition du Consultant

Spécificités du compte de résultat prévisionnel

Formes juridiques pour exercer.

Le consultant peut exercer :

• en tant qu’auto-entrepreneur,
• en entreprise individuelle,
• en société : sarl / sas principalement

Le développement commercial est bridé pour l’auto-entrepreneur. En effet, ce statut prévoit une limitation de chiffre d’affaires tandis que les clients ont tendance à refuser de contracter avec un  consultant ayant opté pour cette forme juridique (en raison des risques fiscaux, sociaux et juridiques afférents à ce statut).

L’entreprise individuelle est, de nos jours, rarement choisie. La protection des biens du chef d’entreprise étant difficile à mettre en place. En outre, il est impossible de profiter des avantages du régime fiscal de l’impôt sur les sociétés sauf à recourir à l’EIRL, société excessivement peu choisie et pour laquelle le recul manque.

Aussi, le consultant optera légitimement pour une forme juridique classique de type sarl ou sas . Son statut social sera impacté par ce choix et par son taux de détention dans le capital social. Il sera ainsi, soit assimilé salarié, soit gérant majoritaire relevant du Régime Social des Indépendants (RSI) .

Points de vigilance

En conséquence, le consultant qui rédigerait son business-plan devra être attentif aux points suivants :

• Taux journalier de facturation,
• Frais de déplacement : indemnités de frais kilométriques, achat ou location d’un véhicule (attention à la tvs, aux amortissements excédentaires non déductibles fiscalement)
• Assurance responsabilité civile professionnelle / véhicule,
• Prise en charge des frais de téléphone, d’internet…
• Rémunération prévisionnelle (attention en cas de bénéfice de l’ Arce ),
• Charges sociales afférentes à sa rémunération en fonction de son statut assimilé salarié ou non salarié (souscription éventuelle de contrats retraite / prévoyance / mutuelle de type Loi Madelin)
• Exonération éventuelle de charges sociales en cas de bénéfice de l’ Accre ,
• Adhésion à une association de gestion agréée en cas d’exercice libéral.

Points de vigilance du plan de financement

Il conviendra d’être vigilant sur l’établissement du plan de financement, notamment au regard :

• du montant du capital social en cas de création de société par rapport au montant des apports en compte courant d’associé,
• de l’optimisation fiscale et sociale : mix rémunération / dividendes,
• des délais de règlement des clients,
• des décalages de paiement en matière de TVA, d’impôt sur les sociétés et de charges sociales RSI (si gérance majoritaire)

Perspectives financières et d’investissements

Assez fréquemment, le consultant souhaite optimiser ses revenus et envisager des investissements. Ces derniers pourront notamment être mobiliers (portefeuille titres) ou immobiliers. Il lui faudra alors choisir pour le montage juridique optimal, fonction de son statut personnel et familial, de ses aspirations, de sa sensibilité au risque, de ses perspectives commerciales… Le business-plan devra être adapté à sa vision.

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Notre cabinet d’expertise comptable sera à vos côtés pour vous conseiller et vous assister dans votre projet. Vous serez conseillé à tous les niveaux : fiscalité, social, comptable, juridique et financier.

2 thoughts on “ Consultant ”

Mon chiffre d’affaires a beaucoup baissé avec ce Coronavirus. Pourriez-vous me contacter pour m’aider à faire des économies ? Merci

Bonjour Je vous remercie pour cet article très instructif qui démontre vos compétences dans ce secteur qui est le mien. J’envisage de changer d’expert-comptable à compter de l’ouverture du prochain exercice de ma société, à savoir à compter du 1er avril 2021. Je vous contacterai début janvier 2021 afin d’évoquer mes besoins et de connaitre vos tarifs pour vos services. En attendant, je vous souhaite une excellente année 2021 !

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Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For credit trust and culture—not pay and benefits—for high employee satisfaction

Good morning.  As the U.S. election heats up, many corporate leaders are backing down from their commitments to so-called “ESG” topics—climate, diversity, speaking out on social issues. They want to avoid being branded a “woke” CEO or getting caught in political crossfire.

But for the best companies, this discussion has never been about politics or adhering to some alphabet mandate. It’s about how you lead a great company in an economy where people are your most important asset and where engaging and inspiring people is the route to business success.

I spent an hour earlier this week with three of the best of this breed, in a webinar Fortune held in partnership with UKG , timed to the release of Fortune ’s 27th annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list. (You can find the list here .) Three CEOs ran companies on the list— Hilton (No. 1), Edward Jones (No. 31) and Delta (No. 94). But what I found interesting was that none of them focused on a splashy pay and benefit package, and indeed two of them achieved their success while recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic.

How did they do it? Some excerpts from the conversation:

“ We used to write a lot about the perks. But what we know is that a great workplace is defined by trust— the trust that we have for the people that we work with. We want to be respected. We want to be communicated with in an honest way. We want to be treated in a fair and equitable way. We want to work with people that we enjoy working with and we expect leaders to add people to teams that are going to add to that enjoyment. And we want our work to have special meaning, which means, when we go to work, our personal purpose is somehow fulfilled by the work that we do. ”

—Michael Bush, CEO, Great Place to Work ( Fortune ‘s partner on the Best Companies list)

“ We’re in a service industry, and our job is delivering exceptional experiences to our customers all the time … If I want to do that, and I want to do it better than our competitors and deliver that  alpha . My team has to be inspired. They have to feel part of something bigger than them. They have to understand what the purpose is and understand how they fit into it and trust it. They have to feel good about it. And when they do feel good about it, they feel empowered. They give more effort, which translates into  alpha  and delivering better experiences for customers. ”

—Chris Nassetta, CEO, Hilton

“ Why are we here? Why do we get up every morning? Why do we continue to be resilient in the face of so many things that are changing for our clients and for us as professionals. Well, it’s because it really matters. It really matters in the lives of millions and millions of people that we are entrusted with their assets, with their hopes and dreams, with their financial plans. And so that trust, that human connection is very purposeful.  “

—Penny Pennington, Managing Partner, Edward Jones

“ Trust is foundational, as both Chris and Penny  expressed well. It sits at the core of culture. It sits at the core of our business. Our customers trust us with respect to their lives, you know. Every day we put 500,000 people on our planes, and we take the very best care of them to get them safely and comfortably to their destination, and we do it 5,000 flights a day, with over 100,000 employees scattered around the world. Our employees have to know we have their back .”

—Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta.

More news below.

Alan Murray @alansmurray [email protected]

South Korea’s elections

South Korea voters rejected President Yoon Suk Yeol’s conservative party in legislative elections on Wednesday. Korea’s opposition Democratic Party is on track to win over 170 seats in the legislature, just short of a super majority that can override presidential vetoes. Yoon has tried to deepen Korea’s security relationships with partners like the U.S. and Japan, but has stumbled in implementing domestic policy changes, like tax cuts and eased business regulations. Reuters

Simon & Schuster turns 100

Simon & Schuster celebrated its 100th anniversary on Tuesday, as the publisher's new owner KKR invests in new imprints and hires more editors. Fears that KKR would gut the publisher haven’t been born out: “That’s not how you deliver a return on investment in the current world,” says Richard Sarnoff, KKR’s chairman of media and chair of Simon & Schuster’s board. The New York Times

McKinsey layoffs

McKinsey will cut around 360 jobs globally, primarily in departments like design, data engineering, and software. Traditional consultants aren’t affected by the layoffs. Consulting firms are warning that their usual corporate clients are starting to pull back on long-term spending. Bloomberg

AROUND THE WATERCOOLER

Exclusive: Wiz acquires Gem Security by Allie Garfinkel 

SEC moves to sue Uniswap in bid to hobble fast-growing DeFi sector by Jeff John Roberts

A German Rust Belt? As Chinese EVs like BYD swarm Europe’s key markets, historic examples of deindustrialization pose a warning to the continent’s carmakers by Ryan Hogg

Engineers at Baltimore’s fallen port are working so diligently, they expect to restore service months earlier than expected by Dylan Sloan

French IT firm Atos was once a crown jewel valued at $15 billion. Now, it’s drowning in debt, and the government is helping it stay afloat by Prarthana Prakash

How a ‘rebel’ hire at Autodesk ascended to the company’s top job by Fortune Editors

T his edition of CEO Daily was curated by Nicholas Gordon. 

This is the web version of CEO Daily, a newsletter of must-read insights from Fortune CEO Alan Murray. Sign up to get it delivered free to your inbox.

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