necessary facts. Make an outline for yourself that contains
topics important to you as well as your questions and ideas.
Knowing what you want from the consultation will not only
allow you to spend your time wisely but also help you to later
assess the consultant’s effectiveness. Be open and honest. Be
prepared to bare your accounting books as well as your deepest
professional and creative desires, as a good consultant will want
to know your short- and long-term creative, and financial goals.
Do tape the consultation or request notes from the consult-
ant. (Extra fees are often charged for providing notes.) Make
sure you have covered all of the immediate issues during
the initial consult. If another appointment is needed, schedule
it then.
A good consultant should be able to provide you with
answers to general questions immediately. Ultimately, the con-
sultant can help you to achieve short-term goals and long-term
success. “Help” is the key word. The consultant can only supply
you with new ideas, systems, and a different perspective. It is up
to you to make them work!CHAPTER15 / OBJECTIVEHELP FROM THEBUSINESSCONSULTANTChapter 15.qxd 6/25/07 7:20 AM Page 95