In various stages of life, people look out for advice, either on personal life, relationships, businesses, and even careers. Different personalities can be used, based on the type of advice one is looking for, with the most being coaches, strategists, and consultants. While these terms are used interchangeably, they are different. 

Strategist

This is a person who is tasked with the formulation and implementation of a strategy through setting goals, setting actions to achieve set goals and executing the set plans. A strategist uses the provided resources to achieve the set objectives. Strategists are used in fields such as design, sales, economics, careers, banking, politics, education, military, trading, and personal life, just to name a few.

In a business setting, strategists:

• Manage business opportunities and provide resource allocation, sales and profitability forecasts
• Draw strategy maps in the decision-making process through the identification of the stakeholders and business needs
• Identify and execute the best competitive strategy that is in line with the business goals and structure
• Craft tailored messages and follow up on the impact of the messages

Strategists are used in fields such as design, sales, economics, careers, banking, politics, education, military, trading, and personal life, just to name a few.

Consultant

This is a person who is used to provide expert advice in specific areas. A consultant can be used in instances such as getting expertise on how to do something and learning new concepts.

In a business setting, a consultant helps in:

• Constantly aligning the business priorities with the market needs
• Understanding and aligning the buying process with the consumers
• Devising measures to create and maintain relationships with customers
• Improving the business process for both the producer and the consumer

A consultant can be an;

• Internal consultant- This is a person who operates within a company to provide expert advice
• External consultant- This is a person who provides consulting services in an organization but is based outside the organization, such as consulting firms.

Common consultants include engineering, finance, travel, education, marketing, property, process and sales consultants, among others.

Similarities between Strategist and Consultant

• Both provide expertise value in the area of work

Differences between Strategist and Consultant

Definition

A strategist is a person who is tasked with the formulation and implementation of a strategy through setting goals, actions to achieve the goals and executing the set plans. On the other hand, a consultant is a person who is used to provide expert advice in specific areas.

Scope of work

While strategists analyze situations and come up with ways to improve said situations, consultants share their experience and knowledge in specific areas.

Stages of work

A strategist is used at the initial stages of a project, during changes, at certain touchups and when difficulties arise. On the other hand, a consultant can be used at any stage of a project. 

Strategist vs. Consultant: Comparison Table

Summary of Strategist vs. Consultant

Although the roles of strategists and consultants can be conflicting, a strategist is tasked with the formulation and implementation of a strategy through setting goals, actions to achieve the goals and executing the set plans while a consultant is used to provide expert advice in specific areas.

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