Consultant Must Tell the Truth
Good or Bad
By Lloyd M. Gordon, President
GEC Consultants, Inc.
Skokie, IL 60076
"Ouch, that hurts!" or "No, no, don't tell me that, I don't want to hear it!" These are phrases we consultants often here from our clients. A good consultant must spell out what is best for the client, even if it hurts. It's important in dealing with clients that we allay fears and concerns, demonstrate leadership and stick to our guns even when the client wants to do something we believe might not be in his or her best interest. I have repeated that theme in every seminar I have conducted for adult education programs at community colleges.
A good consultant must have expertise in his client's field, and should like people and enjoy solving problems. My specialty is helping new restaurant owners improve their restaurants' efficiency. People are fascinated by the restaurant business.
It's a fantasy they can't shake. It's creative and allows people to be independent. The people who dream of opening restaurants love to handle food, enjoy one-to-one contact with others and are willing to take risks to enjoy the freedom of being independent.
Often, busy chain executives don't have time to examine and improve key areas of their business, and therein lies the consultant's worth for larger clients. Sometimes, business people also lack expertise in a particular area. They run their businesses well but may not be able to set up an efficient computer system, so they bring in a consultant to do it. Consultants may also be useful in providing an outsider's perspective. A consultant can often cut through company politics to implement new processes or procedures.
The biggest downfall of people who enter the restaurant or catering business is that they don't adequately determine their money requirements and are under funded. That's why so many restaurants go under. Last year I advised more than twenty would-be restaurateurs to avoid making the race as they were doomed to failure from the start. Many of them weren't happy with the news but I'm satisfied that a little pain then saved them big heart aches in the long run.
My goal is to give my clients the helping hand from the start and the experience to develop trust in my opinions. GEC's motto is "Your success is our best asset." I take pride in a wall full of assets produced by the successes of our valuable clients.
Mr. Lloyd M. Gordon, President of GEC Consultants, Inc. has an MBA from the University of Chicago. He has concepted more than 390 restaurants and has been consulting for over 44 years. He helps people enter the restaurant industry, points the way to profitability, and helps keep them successful. To discuss "Consultant Must Tell the Truth, Good or Bad" he can be reached at 847-674-6310.
To Top |
