Could you leverage your expertise to help businesses overcome challenges, improve operations and achieve long-term success? Whether you specialise in strategy, finance, marketing, or operations, business consulting is a rewarding career path.
The Certificate of Business Consulting is a professional development course that equips you with the skills to guide businesses toward strategic success.
In this business consulting course, you will explore business models and financial structures, revenue generation, cash flow management, cost control, profitability and financial forecasting. You will also learn to use data-driven decision-making techniques and apply problem-solving frameworks to address business challenges.
You will explore stakeholder management, building rapport, active listening, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and communicating complex ideas to clients. You will also learn about consulting tools (including Lean Six Sigma, McKinsey’s 7S Model, SWOT Analysis, and Agile Methodologies), marketing a consulting business, and conducting risk management and compliance.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to deliver high-value consulting services, manage client relationships, and grow a successful business consulting practice.
Course Structure
Unit - Business Consulting
Unit 1 – Introduction to Business Consulting
- Introduction to Business Consulting
- Types of Business Consultants
- Key traits of successful Business Consultants
- Business Consulting roles
- Ethical and professional considerations
Unit 2 – Understanding Business Models and Structures
- Choosing the right business structure
- How businesses generate revenue
- Cash flow management
- Profitability
- Revenue diversification
- Cost control and expense management
- Debt management
- Financial forecasting and budgeting
- Return on Investment (ROI)
- Tax compliance and planning
- Industry-specific business models
- Business lifecycle stages and consulting needs
Unit 3 – Strategic Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
- Identifying business challenges
- Problem-solving frameworks
- Critical thinking
- Data-driven decision making
- Implementing effective solutions
- Measuring impact and success
Unit 4 – Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management
- Building rapport with clients
- Active listening and questioning techniques
- Empathetic listening
- Building trust
- Clear and honest communications
- Communicating complex ideas
- Delivering on promises
- Personalised client communications
- Providing value beyond expectations
- Handling difficult conversations
- Effective conflict resolution
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Elevating your emotional intelligence
- Managing expectations and delivering value
Unit 5 – Research, Analysis and Market Trends
- Understanding industry research
- Competitive analysis
- Understanding Financial Statements
- Business Performance Metrics
- Understanding Market Trends
- Understanding Market Shifts
- Trend analysis
- Data analytics
- Presenting findings to clients
Unit 6 – Business Consulting Tools and Frameworks
- Lean Six Sigma
- Design thinking
- McKinsey’s 7S Model
- Porter’s Five Forces
- Balanced Scorecard
- Blue Ocean Strategy
- Agile Methodologies
- Project management
- Project Lifecycle
- SWOT Analysis
- Ansoff Matrix
- Boston Matrix
- PESTLE Analysis
- Value Chain Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
- VRIO Framework
- Building and sustaining competitive advantage
- Portfolio Analysis
- Workflow Automation
- Digital Tools for Business Analysis
Unit 7 – The Client Engagement Process
- How to structure a consulting engagement
- Writing effective proposals
- Drafting effective contracts
- Client meetings and discovery sessions
- Common meeting challenges
- Managing timelines and deliverables
- Client satisfaction and repeat business
Unit 8 – Marketing and Growing a Consulting Business
- Building the foundation of your brand
- Values discovery and alignment
- Building a personal brand
- Creating a marketing strategy
- Aligning social media to your brand
- Pricing your services
- Creating consulting packages
- Networking for lead generation
- Thought leadership
- Content marketing for consultants
- Content creation and curation
- Useful tools for social media
Unit 9 – Managing Risks, Compliance and Ethics in Consulting
- Legal and compliance considerations
- Confidentiality, conflict of interest and ethical dilemmas
- Managing financial risks
- Managing operational risks
- Insurance requirements
- Codes of Conduct
Unit 10 – Scaling and Sustaining a Consulting Business
- Transitioning from solo consulting to a consulting firm
- Managing sub-contractors or employees
- Diversifying revenue streams
- Maintaining work-life balance
- Long-term business planning
- Financial sustainability
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Was a pleasure and I learnt so much from this course.
R. Sgroi, Fisher, NSW | Professional Practice for Consultants
The tutors were great at getting back to me in a timely manner and answering any questions I had.
M. Reading, Darlinghurst, NSW | Professional Practice for Consultants
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Business Consultant
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