| >>
Main News Page
News
June 2006
Ten top tips on how to get the best out of a business adviser.
All businesses will need to use an adviser at some stage in their
lives. Perhaps the adviser will be an accountant, perhaps a lawyer,
an expert to help with a particular business issue, perhaps a web
designer. Who ever and what ever they title themselves, advisers
charge for their time on a fee based system.
Terry Forrester was one of the founders of the Initiatives in Business Development
Group Ltd, www.ibd-uk.com,
in 2002. Now ibd is an organisation of 320 independent
business advisers who specialise in helping smaller firms to grow.
Terry and his team have years of experience of advising owner managers
and Terry is keen to share his experience to help others get the
best out of the business advisers they use. These are Terry’s
top tips which will help you get the best out of your business advisers.
Step 1
Decide exactly what you want your adviser to do. Develop a
brief. The clearer you are about what it is you want, the more likely
you are to get it and the lower the cost will be.
Step 2
Write the brief down and share it with your adviser. This will minimise any confusion,
ensure focus and enable your adviser to give you an accurate cost.
Step 3
Understand the difference between a quote and an estimate. An estimate
is only an informed guess and unless you are very careful, charges
will spiral. A quote is a firm price and will enable you to stay
in control.
Step 4
Look for ‘value for money’. If you allocate too little
budget you risk not getting what you need. This will waste cash
and, more importantly, your time. Be realistic in terms of what
you want and how much it will cost.
Step 5
Ensure you allocate enough time to manage the work properly. You
need to be involved and give your adviser the appropriate inputs
they need to get the job done for you.
Step 6
Plan regular progress meetings and make sure each has an agenda.
Share the agenda with your adviser so he is properly prepared
when he meets you.
Step 8
Make sure you meet the person who will do the work. Some advisers,
particularly those in larger firms,, have principals who meet clients
and juniors who actually do the work. Ensure you get on with your
adviser, this is vital if you are to successfully work through things
together. If you don’t like the first adviser you meet, look
for someone else.
Step 9
At the end of every meeting agree an action plan. Review this at
the start of the next session to maintain focus and progress.
Step 10
Enjoy the process. Use the time with your expert to learn as well
as to support the business. If you manage your adviser well you
will have bought yourself the best possible opportunity to grow
yourself and your company profits.
ENDS
|
