These are the most common questions business owners ask about consulting & strategy. Every answer is based on our experience working with growth-stage companies doing $1M to $50M in revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a business consultant charge?
Business consultants charge $150-$500 per hour or $5,000-$25,000 per month on retainer. Project-based engagements range from $10,000-$100,000 depending on scope. Fractional executive services (fractional COO, CMO) typically cost $5,000-$15,000 per month. The right consultant should generate at least 3-5x their fee in measurable value.
What does a business consultant do?
A business consultant analyzes your operations, identifies growth constraints, and develops strategies to improve revenue, profitability, and efficiency. This includes go-to-market strategy, revenue operations, pricing optimization, operational efficiency, team structure, and financial modeling. The best consultants implement alongside you, not just advise.
When should I hire a business consultant?
Hire a consultant when you are stuck at a revenue plateau, entering a new market, preparing for fundraising or exit, dealing with operational complexity you have not managed before, or when you need expertise your team does not have. The worst time to hire a consultant is when you are already in crisis - the best time is 6-12 months before you think you need one.
What is a fractional COO?
A fractional COO is a part-time chief operating officer who works with your company 1-3 days per week. They bring executive-level operational expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire ($200K-$400K salary). Fractional COOs are ideal for companies doing $2M-$20M in revenue that need operational leadership but cannot justify or afford a full-time COO.
What is the difference between consulting and coaching?
Consulting delivers expertise, analysis, and implementation. The consultant diagnoses problems, designs solutions, and helps execute them. Coaching develops the leader's own capabilities through questioning, reflection, and accountability. Most growth-stage companies need consulting (someone who has solved this problem before), not coaching (someone who helps you figure it out yourself).
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