Why Hire a Consultant?

Original Article by Debra Chandler, ACCA member, Chandler Consulting January 26, 2015

Re-written by Sue Edworthy 2024

Looking to level up your nonprofit arts organization? Sometimes, you need fresh ideas and outside expertise to push your mission forward or tackle a big project.

Sure, your team’s got the power to make changes, but bringing in a consultant can take things to the next level. Consultants bring specialized skills, experience, and a fresh perspective that you might not have in-house. They can be the strategic or operational boost you need, offering insights that internal teams might be too close to see.

Imagine you’re thinking about a new fundraising strategy or eyeing a new ticketing system. But is anyone on your team really the expert you need? Or maybe you need a new strategic plan and someone to give you an outside perspective. Consultants can step in, free up your team’s time, and bring in the expertise you’re missing.

Here’s why your organization might want to hire a consultant:

  • Dive into new trends or challenges and assess how they might impact your work.
  • Help your team hit those marketing and audience development goals.
  • Kickstart or revamp your fundraising campaigns.
  • Solve communication issues and train new board members.
  • Develop a fresh strategic plan or roadmap.

Consultants are like a secret weapon for nonprofits. Whether you need research, cultural analysis, or just a hand with a big organizational project, they’ve got you covered.

Take Arts Consultants Canada (ACCA), for example. They’re all about promoting excellence and professionalism in consulting, making sure Canada’s arts sector stays strong and vibrant. ACCA connects nonprofits with experienced consultants who follow top-notch ethics and best practices, ensuring your organization thrives.

According to consulting.ca, a consultant ‘provides expertise that a client lacks or support that a client is unable to provide internally. In return for his/her professional services, the consultant charges a fee. A consultant operates independently from the client, implying that there is no conflict of interest between the client’s issue and the services provided. A consultant operates in a professional manner, which ranges from having the right qualifications to ensuring high quality service delivery and a solid internal operation.’  They’re there to guide, advise, and set the stage for your staff or volunteers to take action.

Consultants are all about enhancing your organization, giving it that extra push to keep creating amazing cultural, social, and educational experiences for your community. Most of them have years of senior leadership experience in arts and culture or specialize in managing arts institutions.

I love this quote from Metris Arts Consulting: ‘Consultants interview lots of different people and run focus groups. We listen deeply. We analyze impacts and lessons learned. We articulate policy trends. We ask good questions. We develop tools to help monitor progress towards reaching project goals. We share ideas. We advance the conversation.‘

Consider this wisdom from Canadian Bruce Thibodeau of the Arts Consulting Group:  ‘Arts and culture institutions have reverberating effects in the communities they serve. Although it would be ideal if internal resources could provide solutions to every organizational challenge, there are times when outside expertise is the wisest and most cost-effective choice.‘

So, if your goal is to boost community impact with your art, or you need both strategic and tactical advice, a consultant can help. Whether it’s getting your new staff up to speed on fundraising or breaking through a plateau in audience growth, consultants can make it happen.

Start by defining your project. Know exactly what your problem or opportunity is, discuss it internally, and then chat with a few consultants. Do your research on both your situation and potential consultants. Make sure the issue or opportunity you’re tackling aligns with a strategic priority or goal for your organization—no one’s got time for distractions.

Once you’re clear on your needs, gather your reasons and expectations, and get ready to start writing that RFP (Request for Proposal)!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Arts Consultants Canada / Consultants canadiens en arts
Metris Arts Consulting
What is a Consultant?, Consulting.ca
Engaging an Arts and Culture Consultant or Consulting Firm: Advantages and Challenges to Finding the Right Match, Dr. Bruce D. Thibodeau, Arts Consulting Group