FAQs
Just to be clear
I’m not sure if I need a consultant, or interim manager
The roles can be blurred at times but, in principle a consultant will provide an additional role, usually short-term, that supports or delivers a specific piece of work or advises on it. An interim manager generally fills a vacant role that is part of the normal organisational structure. Basically, a consultant works with an organisation, an IM works in it. In practice, consultants are sometimes called upon to fulfil an organisational role and interims often provide consultancy as an outcome of their work because they can look at the organisation with a fresh pair of eyes. My experience means I can customise the solution to your exact needs.
I need some practical help, don’t consultancies just offer advice at great expense?
Not this one. If I work with you as a business consultant I will properly integrate into your organisation on a short-term or part-time basis to address a particular problem or opportunity. Engaging Greenhill Consulting will ensure that you get an experienced external perspective that will enhance your business, but you will also get someone able to implement the recommendations. Similarly, you may require someone quickly to work with your staff on a particular project or to fill a gap in your management capability.
I will always work to a price that is commensurate with the job and that you will feel is good value for money. Many assignments are best delivered by me spending regular small amounts of time rather than devoting entire days. Therefore, I’m happy to invoice by the hour* or day/half-day as appropiate.
As a business advisor and mentor my rates are highly competitive.
*Please note that there is a minimum charge of 2 hours for interventions that only require a single meeting.
Isn’t marketing about getting our brochures right and looking for opportunities to promote ourselves?
These things are important but marketing is much more than just promotion. The Chartered Institute of Marketing defines it like this: ‘Marketing is the management process which identifies, anticipates and supplies customer requirements efficiently and profitably’.
Many business managers know intuitively that they have to promote their businesses but, without an understanding of who and where their customers are and a proper plan of how to reach them, valuable time and resources can be wasted. I can help you identify profitable customer segments and develop an effective marketing mix by establishing a properly researched and implementable marketing plan. I believe you know your own business best, but you may not yet know where the best business is!
Why do I need communications?
Communications are a vital part of executing an organisation’s marketing plan – whatever the organisation’s size. Successful business depends on the relation between the organisation and people (their ‘publics’) – whether they are customers, employees, the local community, governments or other influencer groups. Managing that interaction by employing a communications professional will ensure that marketing goals are supported and your organisation is properly and consistently presented.