Three Ways to Get Expert Advice for Your Small Business

Consultants

For tactical challenges -- like setting up accounting systems or unplugging a manufacturing bottleneck -- turn to an outside consultant with specific expertise in the area in question. Consultants typically charge an hourly fee and should be able to tell you upfront what they will charge for the job.

One heating/air conditioning company I know needed a consultant to reorganize the equipment in its service vans. They hired an upfitter to design a shelving and drawer arrangement to squeeze in the maximum amount of gear, as well as ensure that each item was within easy reach. In that case, a business coach identified the need for the upfit and assisted in identifying the best candidate for the task. In other cases, the business owner conducts the hunt himself.

When vetting consultants, get referrals or recommendations from clients with projects similar to yours whenever possible, and get a firm estimate of the time it will take to do the job. Also be sure that the company you hire will supply documentation allowing you to retrace their steps if necessary to solve a problem or duplicate their work at a later date.

High Return on Investment

Getting expert advice at the right time can avoid costly mistakes at start-up, from sales forecasts that are too optimistic to ill-advised marketing strategies. It can also facilitate mid-course corrections necessitated by customer feedback, changing market conditions or problems within your organization itself.

Yes, you have to pay to play. But in the long run, the right guidance can save you from months of poor performance and other budget-busting scenarios. With professional advice, you can often dramatically lessen the amount of nail-biting and red ink you have to endure before the business takes hold. Easy Street might be around the corner after all.