Does my organization need the assistance of a consultant

There are many reasons you may need a consultant.   First, for advice and resolution of some smaller issues you may be fortunate to have a skilled friend who will share their expertise with you.   Then again, even what seems like a small problem may require much research and thought and be beyond the time capabilities of a friend.

One major reason consultants are hired is the business has explored various alternatives for expansion, resolution of problems, downsizing, new products, acquisitions, etc. and needs independent support and validation for decision making. 

Maybe your organization doesn't have someone with the knowledge and skills that are needed.   If you need these skills permanently you may want to hire someone.  If it is a one-time project taking weeks or months, the consultant can do the job and then leave.   Along the same lines your business may just need assistance to supplement existing staff to get caught up on work.

If the organization seems like it is stuck in its ways and needs to generate fresh new ideas and solutions, a consultant can bring new perspectives.  

An organization may need an expert's assistance to help it operate more efficiently. 

Particularly in international business dealings local contacts are instrumental in facilitating a project.  A consultant may have developed such business and government contacts for over the years. 

Consultants can present new perspectives for the staff, provide training and implement new ideas and state-of-the-art procedures.

Consultants can analyze, diagnose, supplement or evaluate planning that the organization is conducting.

A company needs a better insight into market trends or what the competition is doing.

If your organization is unsure about hiring a consultant for a major project, it is recommended that you bring one on for a minor project to see if you can work well together and if you are satisfied with the results.

ZG Worldwide offers a wide variety of business expertise, including media and healthcare solutions, locally, nationally and globally.  ZG Worldwide works with large and small organizations in the private and public sectors.  Small projects are welcome. Go to zgworldwide.com for more information.

ZG Worldwide at Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Business Development Breakfast

On May 14 Lothar Soliwon of ZG Worldwide attended a business development breakfast sponsored by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.  ZG Worldwide is a member of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in order to stay in touch with economic developments in commercial center of the country's heartland, the international business activities with which the chamber is engaged and the networking opportunities.  In attendance were representatives of a wide diversity of businesses, from start-ups to mature organizations. 

ZG Worldwide at the Conference on Energy-Efficient Transportation Systems

On May 13 Lothar Soliwon of ZG Worldwide attended a conference on Energy-Efficient Transportation Systems at the University of Chicago sponsored by the German-American Chambers of Commerce.  There were several German manufacturers and consultants who gave presentations that included alternative energy propulsion systems for buses, green cars, photon laser manufacturing, IT solutions to enhance transportation efficiency and fuel cell systems.

Current projections in the U.S. transportation sector are that America's love affair with the car will continue to decline, particularly in major metropolitan areas.  Extensive bike lane networks and demand for walkable neighborhoods are now a major element in city planning projects.

ZG Worldwide and the 6th annual International Trade Night.

Lothar Soliwon of ZG Worldwide attended the 6th annual International Trade Night event On May 7, 2014 at the Busch Student Center at St. Louis University.   This event was sponsored by the St. Louis Regional International Partnership, an alliance of internationally focused organizations in the region that support efforts to increase understanding to improve the socio-economic and cultural well-being of the greater St. Louis region.

This well-attended event included networking and exhibits.   There  were representatives from a wide variety of companies, universities and the public sector.  Presentations on the importance of international trade to their businesses were made by Michael Kelly, Vice President of Metal Exchange Corporation and Mark Baxa, Director, Global Procurement Strategy, Monsanto Company. 

ZG Worldwide at The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Conference.

On May 1 Lothar Soliwon of ZG Worldwide attended The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership conference sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America and International Trade Center at Bradley University in Peoria.   In attendance were the consul general of Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, UK, Poland and France.  The TTIP was proposed to lower barriers to trade between the US and EU.  Investments and services are particular areas of interests as well as goods because of the sheer volume of investments.  The TTIP would seek trade harmonization, and trade negotiations must distinguish between activities that will benefit the US economy by supporting US jobs, domestic growth and economic activity and those that only benefit shareholder value for certain corporations.  For example, in the auto industry, standards for safety would be harmonized or recognized on both sides of the Atlantic.  GMOs and hormone treated foods are a point of contention in Europe.