A practice consultant generally focuses on the business and operational aspects of your practice, such as staffing, financial performance, workflow, leadership, and growth strategies. A start-up project consultant will generally provide you with advise and refer you to companies to help you manage the project yourself.  A Start-Up Project Manager focuses on the development process itself, including real estate, financing coordination, feasibility, design, construction, equipment, technology, and opening preparations. Both can be valuable, but they serve different purposes. A good PM helps you save time by doing your leg-work and help direct you in making good decisions.