In response to growing demands on livestock, cereal zone, natural resource management and farm business consultants, the SA Livestock Consultants, in association with Ag Institute SA Division, hosted an inaugural one-day workshop this month.
This workshop aimed to assist consultants to develop their own plan to survive, thrive and expand.
More than 75 per cent of the consultants attending the workshop plan to expand in some format over the next two to five years, and valued the chance to stop, reflect and work on their own business with an eye to the future.
The workshop was delivered by renowned Adelaide-based consultant and trainer Steve Ibbotson, chair of the SA chapter of the Institute of Management Consultants and the national coordinator for Professional Development.
The course had three areas of focus: "survive" to bring the work:life back into balance for the health and well-being of the consultant (and their families), as the consultants must look after their own health to be of value to others; "thrive" was all about developing a robust business model with adequate processes and management to optimise time with producers, and; "expand" was on the table for more than 75pc of the consultants, with sole traders considering the employment of admin/finance support, joint ventures, partnerships, companies, franchises and cooperatives to give the consultant more time with current clients and or new clients.
Also discussed was the employment of graduates or early career professionals with a bit of experience under their belt, and for some businesses there is an eye for succession to ensure clients can access a continuation of high quality services.
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As a new consultant, Ashlee Carslake-Hunt from Tailored Livestock Consulting, Robe, said the workshop answered many questions.
"It allowed insight and inputs into every consultant's business in a way that was fostering and really constructive," she said.
"I left feeling confident about the strategies I can implement immediately, but also direction to work on long-term goals of my business."
Also new to consulting was Judd Smith, ProAdvice, Murray Bridge, who had many years of agri-banking under his belt.
"I found the workshop had something for everyone, no matter what business or career stage you are in," he said.
Independent consultant Craig Davis of Salters Springs said workshop was "informative, engaging and highly beneficial".
"It has allowed me to evaluate my own offering and the potential for expansion and succession," he said.
