What Does a Consultant Do? (And Why It Could Be Your Next Best Move)
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Thinking about starting a consulting business but not sure what consultants actually do? You’re not alone. The consulting industry in South Africa is growing, with more professionals realizing they can leverage their expertise to build a profitable and flexible business.
So, what exactly does a consultant do? And why do businesses pay for consulting services? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Consultant?
A consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and strategic guidance in a specific field. Unlike coaches, who focus on personal development and guiding individuals to find their own answers, consultants analyze business problems, offer solutions, and sometimes implement those solutions.
Consultants work across industries like:
✔️ Business Strategy
✔️ Marketing & Branding
✔️ Human Resources
✔️ Finance & Tax Consulting
✔️ IT & Cybersecurity
✔️ Food Safety & Compliance (Yes, this includes me!)
What Does a Consultant Actually Do?
The work of a consultant depends on their niche, but in general, consultants:
1. Identify and Solve Problems
Companies bring in consultants when they’re stuck. Maybe their marketing isn’t working, their operations are inefficient, or they’re struggling with compliance issues. Consultants step in to diagnose the problem and provide solutions.
📌 Example: A restaurant might hire a food safety consultant to help them pass an audit and avoid legal trouble.
2. Develop and Implement Strategies
Consultants don’t just point out problems—they create strategic solutions. Some consultants strictly advise, while others help businesses implement changes.
📌 Example: A business consultant might design a new pricing model to improve profitability and then guide the team on how to roll it out.
3. Provide Training & Support
Many consultants offer training sessions, workshops, or ongoing support to help teams adopt new systems, tools, or processes.
📌 Example: An HR consultant could train a company’s managers on hiring best practices to reduce employee turnover.
4. Offer an Outside Perspective
Sometimes businesses are too close to their own problems to see the best solution. Consultants provide an objective view and fresh insights.
📌 Example: A branding consultant might notice that a company’s messaging doesn’t align with its target audience and recommend a brand refresh.
Who Do Consultants Work With?
In South Africa, consultants work with a range of clients, including:
💼 Small Businesses & Startups – Helping entrepreneurs set up and scale.
🏢 Corporates & Big Brands – Providing high-level strategy and operational improvements.
📊 Government & NGOs – Assisting with compliance, policy development, and project implementation.
Some consultants work independently, while others join consulting firms.
Why Do Businesses Hire Consultants?
Here’s why businesses are willing to pay for consulting services:
✅ Specialized Expertise – Businesses need solutions from experts who have “been there, done that.”
✅ Efficiency & Problem-Solving – Consultants save businesses time by quickly diagnosing and fixing problems.
✅ Short-Term, High-Impact Work – Companies don’t have to hire full-time employees for expertise they only need occasionally.
✅ Unbiased Insights – An external consultant provides fresh, objective advice.
How to Become a Consultant in South Africa
If consulting sounds like something you’d be great at, here’s how to get started:
1. Choose Your Niche
Start by defining what you want to consult on. This should align with:
✔️ Your expertise (What do you know inside out?)
✔️ Market demand (Are businesses actually looking for help in this area?)
✔️ Your passion (Will you enjoy working in this space long-term?)
2. Build Your Skills & Experience
You don’t need a formal qualification to be a consultant, but you do need proven expertise. If you’re coming from corporate, highlight your experience. If you’re starting fresh, consider working with a few clients at a discounted rate to build case studies.
📌 Example: If you want to be a business consultant, start by helping a few small businesses for free or at a lower rate to refine your methods.
3. Get the Legal Stuff Sorted
To operate professionally, you’ll need to register your business. In South Africa, that means:
✔️ Registering a sole proprietorship, (Pty) Ltd, or another structure.
✔️ Getting a business bank account.
✔️ Understanding tax obligations with SARS.
4. Start Finding Clients
Your first clients will likely come from:
🔹 Your network – Reach out to former colleagues and connections.
🔹 Social media & content marketing – Share insights on LinkedIn or Instagram to attract the right audience.
🔹 Cold outreach – Offer free strategy calls to potential clients.
5. Price Your Services Correctly
Many new consultants undercharge. Consider:
💰 Hourly vs. project-based pricing – Hourly is great for flexibility, but project-based pricing ensures stable income.
💰 Competitive rates – Research what others in your niche charge.
💰 Value-based pricing – Charge based on the transformation you provide, not just the time spent.
📌 Example: A consultant who helps businesses generate an extra R500,000 a year can easily justify charging R50,000 for their services.
Final Thoughts: Is Consulting Right for You?
If you enjoy problem-solving, strategy, and working with businesses, consulting can be a lucrative and fulfilling career. It offers:
✔️ Flexibility – You control your schedule and workload.
✔️ Unlimited Income Potential – Charge based on expertise, not just time.
✔️ The Ability to Make an Impact – Help businesses succeed and thrive.
🚀 Ready to start your consulting business? Download my free Consulting Business Checklist to get started today!
Want More Guidance?
📌 Need help refining your niche or pricing? Let’s chat! Book a free 15-minute strategy session to get clarity on your consulting journey.