Why hiring a marketing consultant with experience outside of your industry might be best for your business

If you are thinking about hiring a marketing consultant, you’ve probably noticed there are a lot of options out there. Every consultant brings something different to the table, from their background to their expertise. You might think the best bet is to hire someone with deep experience in your specific industry, right? Well, not so fast.

It turns out that hiring a consultant with a mix of experiences across different industries could be a better business decision. Let’s break down why that might be the case.

Steering Clear of the Industry Bubble.

On the surface, industry-specific experience sounds like a safe bet. After all, you want someone who understands the ins and outs of your field. But there’s a hidden downside: consultants who have been working in the same industry for too long might fall into the trap of recycled strategies and “we’ve always done it this way” thinking.

Here’s why that can be risky:

1.     Playing it Safe: Industry insiders often stick to the playbook they know, which can mean playing it safe and missing out on some of the more exciting or creative ideas that lie outside the norm.

2.     Stuck in the Past: If a consultant relies on what worked years ago, they might miss out on today’s trends and innovations. Marketing evolves quickly, and being stuck in the past can be a major drawback.

3.     Tunnel Vision: Focusing too much on one industry can create a bubble, where new ideas get overlooked simply because they’re not what’s traditionally done in that field.

Embracing a Consultant with Diverse Experience.

Now, let’s talk about why hiring a consultant who has worked across different industries could be the better move.

1.     Thinking Outside the Box: A consultant with diverse experience is bringing a fresh set of ideas. Because they’ve seen what works in multiple industries, they’re able to think outside the box and suggest strategies you might not have considered.

2.     Picking Up Tricks: Working in different industries exposes a consultant to a wide range of trends and tactics. They’ve likely picked up tricks that your competitors may have never heard of—and that can give you a competitive edge.

3.     Rolling with the Punches: Consultants with varied experience tend to be more adaptable. They’re used to adjusting to different markets and industries, which means they can handle changes and challenges without getting stuck in the same old routine.

4.     Jack of All Trades: A consultant who has tackled challenges in different industries is usually great at problem-solving. They’ve seen it all and can bring those skills to the table for your business, finding creative solutions when things get tough.

The Bottom Line.

Hiring a consultant with deep experience in your industry might seem like the obvious choice, but it’s not the only path to success. A consultant with diverse experience across different industries can bring fresh ideas, new strategies, and a different perspective that could be just what your business needs.

So, when you’re on the hunt for a marketing consultant, think beyond the usual suspects. Be open to someone who’s been around the block in various industries. Success might just be a different perspective away.

Looking for a consultant who can bring that fresh perspective to your business? Let’s chat!