A consultant is someone who saves his client almost enough to pay his fee.

The quote by Arnold H. Glasow offers a humorous and somewhat skeptical view of the role of a consultant. Glasow suggests that consultants often save their clients money or resources, but just barely enough to cover the consultant’s own fee. This wry observation highlights the delicate balance between the value consultants provide and the cost of their services, sometimes implying that clients might feel the savings are only marginal after paying for expert advice.

The origin of this quote comes from Glasow’s work as a humorist and businessman, known for his witty and insightful commentary on business and human nature. His remark reflects a common skepticism about consulting services, questioning whether the benefits truly outweigh the expenses. At the same time, it acknowledges that consultants do offer real value by helping clients identify inefficiencies and improve operations.

By stating that a consultant “saves his client almost enough,” Glasow pokes fun at the perceived cost-benefit ratio of consulting. This implies that while consultants can be helpful, their fees must be justified by tangible savings or improvements, which might not always be obvious or substantial.

Ultimately, this quote encourages clients to carefully evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of consulting services. It also serves as a lighthearted reminder for consultants to ensure that their contributions clearly outweigh their fees, building trust and demonstrating real value.