Are you about starting a consulting business online? If YES, here is a complete sample business consulting firm business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE.
One of the reasons why the consulting business wouldn’t be too saturated no matter how much people delve into it is the fact that the sky is too large for two birds to collide. This means that there are a myriad of people who want to venture into businesses and other unknown fields, and will require the services of a consultant.
If you are looking to start a consulting business, it is very expedient that you master the areas in which you would want to be known as a veteran. There are several fields which one can look to start out from. From the sports angle, to events management, and to other areas.
It is however no doubt that you will need to first of all have a rich knowledge of the area that you are looking to commence business from. After that has been done, then you have got to make it mandatory to draw up a business plan that you will follow. Below is a sample consulting business plan template.
A Sample Business Consulting Firm Business Plan Template
1. Industry Overview
When we talk about consulting services, we are perhaps talking about getting practical advice from expects. The consulting industry is indeed a broad industry that covers a wide range of services such as management consulting, strategy consulting technological consulting, marketing consulting, human resource consulting, training consulting, tax consulting, and any other business activities that involves giving advice et al.
In essence, consulting firms are hired to proffer solutions to the challenges that organizations faces. Organizations don’t just hire consultants for the sake of hiring consultants, but they do so simply because they expect them to help tackle their business challenges and deliver solutions as required.
As a consulting firm, if you are good at developing coaching skills, process analysis, technology implementation, strategy development, or operational improvement services, then with little push, you will have more jobs than you can handle.
From a recently released statistics, the united states market for management consulting grew 8.5% last year; it translates to about $39.3 billion. Management consulting is growing at a steady rate and the growth rate of the industry far exceeds previous years’ growth.
Although the consulting industry struggled during the 2001–2003 period, but of course it is evident that the industry grew steadily after then except for the period (2009) when we experienced economic downturn. Of course the industry is stable and enjoying steady growth.
The United States companies are spending much less on strategy consulting but the sector is expected to grow just 3.7 percent in the coming year.
The consulting industry is a high-paying industry especially if you have been able to cut your teeth in a particular area of specialization. It gives you the opportunity to work with high and low profile clients and if you are able to proffer solutions to business challenges you will be greatly rewarded.
In most cases, if you are lucky to be among the few experts in the industry, you will have the privilege of choosing who to work for and the amount you want to charge.
Generally, consultants are skilled at conducting research and of course analyzing the results they got from the research. Consultants go as far as gathering any related data that will help them come up with workable solutions for the organization they are working for; they ensure that they identify behavioral patterns, production bottlenecks, the market trends and of course customers preference.
With that and other factors, they will be able to create standard operating processes that can help the organization achieve its goals and objectives.
As a consulting firm, your core responsibility is to improve your client’s business by effecting changes in response to your analysis; you should be able to change the fortune of the business within an agreed time – line. Corporations are willing to pay expensive fees as long as they are going to get results.
No business person will be willing to pay you for a consulting service if you don’t have a track record that shows that you know what you are doing. It is one thing to convince a client to patronize your consulting services and it another thing for you to deliver solutions as agreed.
Lastly, one good thing about the consulting industry is that there are readily available markets for their services simply because organizations naturally would want to improve their performance annually; corporations always seem to want more success. So, if you are well positioned and you know how to deliver results, you will always smile to the bank.
2. Executive Summary
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP is a Human Resource and Capital Development Consulting firm that will be located in New York City, New York. The company will be operated as a standard consulting firm with bias in business consulting and also handle other related aspect of human resources and capital development aspect of consulting as requested by our clients.
We are aware that businesses these days require diverse and sophisticated approaches. This is why we will position our consulting firm to offer a wide range of consulting services as requested by our clients. Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP is a client-focused and result driven business consulting firm that provides broad-based experience at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.
We will offer a complete range of business consulting services to our local, state, national, and multi-national clients and we will ensure that we work hard to provide the required services and business solutions needed by our clients to accomplish their business goals and objectives.
At Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP, our client’s best interest come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire consultants who are well experienced in a wide variety of business consulting and trainings et al.
We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.
- Our Founder
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP is founded by Dr. Denzel Graham – Douglas and his son McPherson Graham – Douglas. The organization will be managed by Dr. Denzel Graham – Douglas, he graduated from University of California – Berkley (First Degree), Brock School of Business at Stamford University (MBA), and University of Harvard (PhD.).
He has extensive experience in a diverse range of business consulting, and his consulting practice is concentrated in the areas of helping both big corporations and start – ups position their business for growth, sustainability and expansion.
3. Our Products and Services
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the consulting industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our consulting firm is to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and ambition.
Our business offering are listed below;
- Recruitment and Training Consulting
- Business Formation and Business Strategies for corporate organization
- Management Consulting
- Strategy Consulting
- Technological Consulting
- Marketing and Sales Consulting
- Human Resource and Capital Development Consulting
- Brand Consulting
- Accounting and Financial Services Consulting
- Tax Consulting
- Insurance Consulting
4. Our Mission and Vision Statement
- Our vision is to provide our clients with skilled consulting and training solutions in a timely and efficient manner.
- We strive to handle each client with accountability and responsiveness, as if we were building our own business.
- We focus our attention on the providing workable business solutions for our clients so that our clients can focus their attention on the success of their business.
- Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
- Our mission is to provide professional and trusted consulting services that assist businesses and non-profit organizations in operating sustainably.
- We provide workable business solutions in combination with our own business backgrounds, and deliver valuable services in a timely and cost-effective way.
Our Business Structure
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our business. We will ensure that we hire competent hands to help us build the business of our dream. Below is the business structure that we will build Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP;
- Chief Executive Officer / Lead Consultant
- Business Consultants
- Training and Development Executive
- Legal Secretary
- Admin and HR Manager
- Business Developer
- Accountant
- Front Desk Officer
5. Job Roles and Responsibilities
Chief Executive Office / Lead Consultant:
- Responsible for providing direction for the firm
- Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
- Responsible for handling high profile clients and deals
- Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
- Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
- Evaluates the success of the organization
- Reports to the board
Legal Secretary
- Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
- Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
- Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics; coordinating case preparation.
- Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems; recording meeting discussions; maintaining transcripts; documenting and maintaining evidence.
- Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
- Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
- Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
- Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
Business Consultant
- Responsible for providing business solutions for clients
- Works with the Business analyst to design workable business plan document for clients
- Works with the Training and Development Consultant to develop training solutions for clients
- Tracks hours and bills to clients.
- Handles any other responsibility as assigned by the Lead Consultant
Training and Development Consultant
- Coordinates training programs facilitated by Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP
- Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
- Identifies training and development needs for staff through job analysis, appraisals and consultation
- Collects briefs from clients in respect of Recruitment exercise, Learning and Development and Advisory services
- Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
- Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
- Facilitates and coordinate strategic sessions.
- Works directly with clients in a non-advising capacity, such as answering questions, scheduling appointments and making sure all training concerns are properly taken care off
- Responsible for handling all trainings both internal and external trainings
Business Analyst
- Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
- Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
- Works with the Business consultant in helping clients develop workable business plan documents
- Handles any other duty as assigned by the business consultant or the lead consultant
Admin and HR Manager
- Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
- Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
- Carries out staff induction for new team members
- Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
- Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
- Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.
Business Developer
- Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
- Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
- Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
- Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
- Documents all customer contact and information
- Represents the company in strategic meetings
- Helps increase sales and growth for the company
Accountant
- Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
- Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
- Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
- Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
- Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
- Responsible for administering payrolls
- Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
- Handles all financial transactions for the company
- Serves as internal auditor for the company
Client Service Executive
- Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In centre, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
- Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
- Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
- Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
Front Desk Officer
- Receives Visitors / clients on behalf of the organization
- Receives parcels / documents for the company
- Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
- Distribute mails in the organization
- Handles any other duties as assigned my the line manager
6. SWOT Analysis
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist the firm in building a solid consulting firm that can favorably compete in the highly competitive consulting industry.
Part of what our team of business consultant did was to work with the management of the firm in conducting a SWOT analysis for Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP;
- Strength:
Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money. We are well positioned and we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.
- Weakness:
As a new business consulting firm, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market; that is perhaps our major weakness.
- Opportunities:
The opportunities in the consulting industry are massive and we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.
- Threat:
Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a consulting firm operating in the United States are unfavorable government policies, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects purchasing power.
There is hardly anything we could do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.
7. MARKET ANALYSIS
- Market Trends
Quite a number of distinct trends have emerged in recent times in the consulting industry which is why consulting firms are positioning their organizations to survive the peaks and troughs of an ailing economy.
As a matter of fact, most of these trends aid consulting firms and organizations to become more creative, competitive, efficient, and productive in a global market. Some other trends in the consulting industry could be attributed to changing demographics, attitudes and work styles.
No doubt, as the cost of consulting services continues to increase and as corporate spending falls, new consulting delivery methods will continue to emerge and gain momentum going forward. In addition, the market for consulting services has shifted from a sellers’ market to a buyers’ market. A market where consultants provide software solutions that will make it easier for their clients to run their businesses.
Lastly, it is now becoming trendy in the consulting industry for smaller consulting firms to merge with bigger consulting firms and for bigger consulting firms to acquire smaller consulting firms; mergers and acquisitions. Many consulting firms all over the United States are coming to the conclusion that the bigger the better for them.
8. Our Target Market
Although Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP will initially serve small to medium sized business, from new ventures to well established businesses, but that does not in any way stop us from growing to be able to compete with the leading consulting firms in the United States.
We hope to someday merge or acquire other smaller consulting firms and expand our consulting services beyond the shores of the United States of America. As a full service business consulting firm, Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP have a variety of practice areas to help startups grow.
While we works with a variety of organizations and industries, Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP will also specialize in working with startups, real estate investors, and contractors, manufacturers and distributors, banks, lending and financial institutions.
Our target market cuts across people of different class and people from all walks of life, local and international organizations as well. We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the highly placed people and companies in the country and at the same with the lowly placed people and smaller businesses.
In other words, our target market is the whole of the United States of America and subsequently other parts of the world. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically design our products and services for;
- Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions
- Businesses and Entrepreneurs
- Blue Chips Companies
- Corporate Organizations
- Manufacturers and Distributors
- Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
- Research and Development Companies
- The Government (Public Sector)
- Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
- Hotels
- Sport Organizations
- Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups
Our competitive advantage
A close study of the business consulting and advisory industry reveals that the market has become much more intensely competitive over the last decade. As a matter of fact, the supply of business consultancy and advisory services has significantly exceeded demand.
In other to position to take on the market, most consulting firms have begun to diversify their services as against restricting their services to just a niche in the industry
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP might be a new entrant into the business consulting industry in the United States of America, but the management staffs and board members are considered gurus. They are people who are core professionals and licensed and highly qualified consultants in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.
Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups consulting firm) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.
9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY
- Sources of Income
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the consulting industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis and sign retainer – ship with most of our clients.
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP will generate income by offering the following consulting services for individuals and for organizations;
- Recruitment and Training Consulting
- Business Formation and Business Strategies for corporate organization
- Management Consulting
- Strategy Consulting
- Technological Consulting
- Marketing and Sales Consulting
- Human Resource and Capital Development Consulting
- Brand Consulting
- Accounting and Financial Services Consulting
- Tax Consulting
- Insurance Consulting
10. Sales Forecast
As long as there are people living in the United States of America and business starting and growing in the U.S., the services of consulting firms will always be needed.
We are well positioned to take on the available market in the U.S. and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond New York City, New York to other states in the U.S. and even the global market.
We have been able to critically examine the business consulting market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in New York.
Below is the sales projection for Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP, it is based on the location of our business consulting firm and the wide range of consulting services that we will be offering;
- First Year-: $100,000
- Second Year-: $500,000
- Third Year-: $1,000,000
N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry.
- Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy
We mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competition amongst consulting firms in the United States of America, hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing. Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.
We will also ensure that our excellent job deliveries speak for us in the marketplace; we want to build a standard consulting business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and organizations).
Our goal is to grow our consulting firm to become one of the top 20 consulting firms in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the U.S but in the world stage as well.
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;
- Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to organizations and key stake holders in New York and other parts of the U.S.
- Promptness in bidding for consulting contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
- Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
- List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
- Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
- Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality consulting services to them
- Leverage on the internet to promote our business
- Engage direct marketing approach
- Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy
We have been able to work with our in house consultants and other brand and publicity specialist to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to take the consulting industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our consulting firm.
Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise our consulting business;
- Place adverts our consulting firm on both print and electronic media platforms
- Sponsor relevant TV shows and radio programs
- Maximize our firm’s website to promote our business
- Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook ,Twitter, LinkedIn, Badoo, Google+ and other platforms (real estate online forums) to promote our business.
- Offer Pro Bono services as part of our community social responsibility
- Brand all our official cars
12. Our Pricing Strategy
Hourly billing for consulting services is a long – time tradition in the industry. However, for some types of consultancy services, flat fees make more sense because they allow clients to better predict consultancy costs. As a result of this, Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP will charge our clients a flat fee for many basic services such as business advisory services and tax consulting et al.
At Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to start – ups, nonprofits, cooperatives, and small social enterprises.
We are aware that there are some clients that would need regular access to consultancy and advisory services and assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.
- Payment Options
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;
- Payment by via bank transfer
- Payment via online bank transfer
- Payment via check
- Payment via bank draft
- Payment with cash
In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.
13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)
Starting a consulting firm can be cost effective; this is so because on the average, you are not expected to acquire expensive machines and equipment.
Basically what you should be concerned about is the amount needed to secure a standard office facility in a good and busy business district, the amount needed to furniture and equip the office, the amount needed to pay bills, promote the business and obtain the appropriate business license and certifications. Basically, this is the area we are looking towards spending our start – up capital on;
- The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in New York – $750.
- The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license – $2,500
- The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Office facility in a business district 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) – $40,000.
- The Cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – $2,000
- The Cost of Launching your official Website – $600
- Budget for paying at least two employees for 3 months and utility bills – $30,000
- Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – $2,500
- Miscellaneous – $1,000
Going by the report from the research and feasibility studies, we will need about $150,000 to set up a small scale but standard consulting firm in the United States of America.
Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP
Denzel and McPherson Consulting, LLP is going to start as a private business that will be solely owned by Dr. Denzel Sander and family. He will be the sole financial of the firm, but may likely welcome partners later which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of his start – up capital to 3 major sources.
These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;
- Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings
- Source for soft loans from family members and friends
- Apply for loan from my Bank
N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (Personal savings $40,000 and soft loan from family members $10,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.
14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy
It is easier for businesses to survive when they have steady flow of business deals / customers patronizing their products and services. We are aware of this which is why we have decided to offer a wide range of consulting and advisory services to both big and small clients.
We know that if we continue to deliver excellent consulting and advisory services, there will be steady flow of income for the organization. Our key sustainability and expansion strategy is to ensure that we only hire competent employees, create a conducive working environment and employee benefits for our staff members.
In the nearest future, we will explore the options of either merging with other consulting firms or acquire one or more consulting firms in order for us to increase our market share. We know that if we implement our business strategies, we will grow our consulting and advisory business beyond New York City, New York to other states in the U.S in record time.
Check List / Milestone
- Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
- Business Incorporation: Completed
- Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
- Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
- Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
- Application for business license and permit: Completed
- Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
- Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
- Generating part of the start – up capital from the founder: Completed
- Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
- Writing of Business Plan: Completed
- Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
- Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
- Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
- Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
- Recruitment of employees: In Progress
- Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
- Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
- Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
- Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
- Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry: In Progress