The role of an ISO 9001 consultant spans across differentISO certifications and standards. From quality, environment, occupational health and safety to information security, ISO certification consultants take the forefront of planning and implementing strategies that work for your business.

While there are various ISO standards, all have the same basic purpose of setting out agreed principles in ensuring that present systems are maintained exemplarily well.

To different area and user groups, varying forms and standardization are necessary. In SMEs, more businesses apply for the ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) because of its ability to enact growth, profitability, and cost savings.

Consultants are responsible for providing an effective and strategic plan that is aligned with a business’ values and goals.

As a consultant, you set controls for activities that may influence the products and services’ quality leading to optimum customer satisfaction.

Are you interested to become an ISO 9001 consultant? Here’s what you need to know:

Do you have what it takes?

To become an ISO 9001 consultant, you need more than skills and knowledge to be successful in the business. Before you start this career, ask yourself, “Do I have what it takes to be an ISO 9001 consultant?”

But what does it take to be a consultant? For you to be a successful QMS Consultant, you will need capabilities under three competencies: experience, knowledge and expertise, and personal skills.

Knowledge and Expertise

This is obvious but is one of the most important skills an ISO consultant must possess.

An ISO 9001 consultant must have comprehensive knowledge of the standard to better assess the company’s position.

For companies to be successful in their ISO certification, the consultant should know what is expected and be on top of any changes that need to be done.

Experience

Theoretical knowledge won’t be enough, so you should earn more experience by performing various tasks related to the role. You can acquire experience by working as a certification auditor or quality assurance manager.

This will give you better insights about the methods and implementation processes that are utilised to comply with the certification.

Personal Skills.

Your outlook and attitude towards your work could go a long way as an ISO 9001 consultant. It helps you to stand fast and fight for what you believe in despite the obstacles.

As a consultant, you need more than facts and by-the-book knowledge but more of compassionate professionalism to deal with your clients’ varying requirements.

Tenacity is a critical attitude to develop as a consultant. It allows you to evaluate certain situations without fear of failure.

In discerning and assessing the pain points of any certification process, you need remain to resilient in the face of challenges.

Above all, you will need to be wise in making decisions since you’re perceived as the person who has the solution to the problems in an ISO 9001 project, so the ability to solve problems and give good advice is key.

The 10-Step Process

In general, ISO consultants need to know the internationally recognized standards. While this sounds an intimidatingly overwhelming process, there are ten steps for you to be a successful.

These steps are:

Step 1: Determine your niche by assessing your knowledge and experience.

The first step is always deciding what you want to do. Identify your skillsets and your interest in the different ISO standards.

Make sure to develop these skills and learn the necessary things needed for you to be a certified ISO consultant.

Step 2: Obtain the necessary licenses and professional body memberships.

To cultivate credibility in the industry, you need to acquire licenses and certificates. This helps you build your reputation in the market where you potentially gain more clients. Most clients seek for consultants who have been members of a professional body.

Many companies rely heavily on their consultants when acquiring an ISO certificate that’s why you need to guarantee them the best advice you can offer.

Step 3: Plan for your goals.

Do you envision a long-term goal for your business, or do you want to reap the fruits of your labour in months’ time? Have your goals written and planned out before jumping into your first consultancy task.

Setting a clear goal for your business is helpful for you and your clients. It makes you driven and motivated because you have a deadline to beat.

Step 4: Ascertain your target market.

Identify different organisations in your market sector that can benefit from your services for a short period of time.

Be keen on talking to the right SMEs. Usually, sectors experiencing or about to experience a significant statutory change and quality recall need ISO consultants more than well-established companies.

These disruptive events create an opportunity for you since people are more likely to listen and accept the changes you suggest.

Step 5: Research your clients and competitors.

Addressing the needs of your clients and coming up with solutions that are tailored-fit to their situation make you better than your competitors.

Remember to do your background research and answer your prospects’ questions on why using your service would better their business.

You need to highlight the advantage of hiring your service. To ensure your clients’ get the best of your service, you can talk about an approach on how to reach their business’ objectives.

Step 6: Make a business plan.

This saying is indeed a fact: organisations that fail to plan, plan to fail.

There are setbacks that are unavoidable in any type of business, but having a plan allows you to look closely on where things went wrong. Remember, if you can’t make it work on paper, you won’t be able to make it work.

Preparing a business plan is a huge learning exercise that is critically vital for the business.

Step 7: Minimise your expenditure except where it really matters.

There will be instances when you’d fall short on your monthly revenue. When this happens, you do not want any regular monthly outgoings that can be avoided.

Create a financial strategy on how to level with this issue. You can cut your expense by considering a home office. However, always remember that you need to look and sound professional.

Step 8: Build your network and create connections in the industry.

If no one knows you and you know no one in your field, you’d never reach the peak of in the industry reached.

As an ISO consultant, be sociable and create a strong network that ensures your position in the in business. A well-balanced professional network, coupled with a social network, can help you market your business.

Step 9: Fix your charges and be transparent on fees.

As a starting ISO consultant, you may not have the most lucrative fees, but you’ll eventually get there. Be fair with your fees and keep in mind your credentials and experience, the market conditions, and your target group and your competitors, when you fix your fees.

More importantly, be transparent with the charges and decide how you will bill your clients. Payments and policies should be agreed upon before the start of the project.

Step 10: Build an online presence.

The power of the internet is limitless. Forget about traditional advertising and start focusing on building your social media presence.

Social media and online presence allow your business to be discovered by your prospective clients. Take the time to create a website, a LinkedIn business page, or a Facebook page.

This strategy is free and will even produce results relatively faster than advertising.

ISO Brisbane, Your ISO Partner

Are you looking for an ISO consultant in Queensland who understands your needs as much as you do? ISO Brisbane is your reliable partner.

At ISO Brisbane, our ISO certification consultants will guide you and your staff to tailor-fit your ISO requirements according to your business’ goals. Contact us now and be ISO-ready!