Think Like A Consultant

A Structured Approach to Small Business Problem Solving

Congratulations. You just bought a small business in an industry you know nothing about — problems are everywhere. From sales slumps, to supplier issues, and pissed off customers. You’re now a firefighter, constantly putting out fires. Here’s a little good news. You don’t need a “big tech” company budget to take on most of these challenges. Some of the best methods for solving business problems come from the world of consulting. Many can be adapted to small business.

1. Start with a Plan: Stick to the Playbook

It’s no secret consultants thrive on structure. They don’t dive in blind — they start with the proposal or a Statement of Work. In your small business, you’ll need a clear plan before tackling any problem. What’s the issue? What do you want to achieve? List out the steps and make a roadmap to follow. Structure alone can remove much of the chaos and point you in the right direction.

2. Work Backwards from the Goal

Small businesses can’t afford to waste time. You’ll need to ask yourself, What’s the end goal? What does success look like? Begin with the end in mind. Whether you’re trying to fix a product issue or cut costs or dealing with staff issues, start by defining the goal and work backward to figure out how to get there. Doing so saves time and keeps you focused on what really matters.