Business Consultant

NJSBDC Specialty Consultant (Internet Presence)

Proposed title: NJSBDC Consultant

Scope Overview: The consultant will assist small businesses in establishing and/or enhancing their online presence across various aspects including marketing planning, branding and website development, search engine optimization (SEO), content management, social media marketing, and e-commerce. The consultant reports directly to the lead Program Manager, and all consulting will be done virtually.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough assessments of the client's current internet presence across all digital platforms and provide high-level assistance and counseling for topics including website, social media, branding development, and marketing & sales.
• Assist small businesses with setting up technological tools (i.e., Shopify, Hootsuite, Constant Contact, HubSpot, Creative Cloud, Google Analytics, etc.) for an internet presence.
• Educate clients on tips and techniques on how to leverage social media algorithms, mass advertising, and content marketing.
• Inform clients on how to effectively use social media platforms, including platform optimization, customer engagement, content creation, and social media advertising.
• Advise clients in setting up and managing e-commerce platforms, which includes selecting the right platforms, configuring settings, and maintaining product listings.
• Develop a customized roadmap outlining actionable strategies to enhance the client's internet presence.
• Deliver training sessions, workshops, and educational programs on relevant topics.
• Maintain accurate records of consulting activities, including client interactions, progress updates, and outcomes achieved, to track performance and measure the impact of implemented strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Marketing, Digital Marketing, or a related field; Master’s preferred but not required.
• In-depth understanding of digital entrepreneurship, online business management, and operations.
• Recommend prior experience in developing an e-commerce or general website.
• In-depth understanding of technological tools and platforms, such as Hootsuite, Constant Contact, HubSpot, Creative Cloud, Google Analytics, e-commerce platforms, and more.
• Two to three years of work experience in a relevant field.
• Excellent interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in website development languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication, problem-solving, and listening skills.
• Ability to manage a large client portfolio, strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient computer skills and ability to use MIS to enter data and generate reports.
• Dedication to helping small businesses succeed and grow.
• Experience in owning or managing a small online business is preferred but not required.

Timeline: Ongoing; subject to the NJSBDC budget.

NOTE: Contracts will be based on ROI consulting to ensure it factors in NJSBDC metrics and to evaluate consultants' performance based on contract cycle time, missed milestones, and contract value assessments.