If you own a boutique, you may have considered hiring a management consultant. Do you really need one? Most boutique owners are self-starters who have figured out, largely on their own, how to start up and run a business. However, when unforeseen problems arise, it can be difficult to know what to do. You don't want to waste time or money by making the wrong decision. This guide is to help you decide if you can handle things on your own or if it would actually be worthwhile to hire a professional consultant.
1) Because boutique owners are extremely involved in every aspect of the business, they become personally involved. After all, your boutique is your creation. It says something about you as a person, and you want it to reflect your personality and taste. So, every business decision that you make is also a personal one. It can be hard to remain objective. Hiring a professional management consultant can be valuable if you need an outside opinion. Retail consultants with experience can give you valuable advice, help you to avoid mistakes, and give you that external view that you just don't have.
2) Many people turn to professional consultants to learn more about the industry. It can be helpful to learn about the "best practices" of the boutique world. There may be no need to test your theories of how to best solve a problem if hundreds of other companies have already figured out the best way to do it. This is where professional advice can come in handy. However, boutiques are very specialized and the best practices of the industry may not be the best thing for you. Don't be too afraid to trust your own instincts on certain things.
3) Certain types of software, policy standards, and industry organizations can help you to create a solid foundation for doing business. Keeping track of money, inventory, payroll, and taxes automatically and electronically can help you to avoid mistakes. Investing in the best for your business can help to eliminate the need to hire a professional, even if you don't have a lot of experience.
4) One of the main reasons that retail boutiques hire professional consultants is to try to make more sales. Nothing can drive you to invest in some professional advice like a slump in sales. Professionals can advise you on marketing strategies, merchandising, and even closing sales. The way that your store looks can be almost as important as any strategy or computer system that you have. Create a statement about your store and center the theme around it. Make every display and garment rack an impressive advertisement as to what you stand for. Your garment racks and other retail displays should not be crowded, boring, or under-stocked. Showing your customers exactly what you want them to see can have a big impact and eliminate your need for hiring outside consultants.
