32 NZB JUNE 2018
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nourworkwithbusinessowners,we’vefoundthatmanymake
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consideration.
Deciding to engage a professional advisor is actually a big
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This could be due to time constraints, a looming deadline, a tricky
issuethatneedstobequicklyresolved,orsimplyaresultofpentup
frustrationthatledtodecidingtodosomething.
Indeed, a few of our clients shared their negative experiences with
professional advisors and unfortunately, the impact on them and their
businesses were not small.
So,webelieveit’sworthtakingsometimeoutandputtingsome
thoughtintowhattolookforwhenengagingtheprofessionals.
We have three simple suggestions that we hope will save you a
lotoftime,money,andmostimportantly,willhelpyougetthebest
outcome for you and your business.- INVEST TIME TO ACHIEVE CLARITY UPFRONT
First, ask yourself why you’re seeking advice? What’s the situation
you’reinandwhatisyouractualneed?Understandclearlythetypeof
adviceyouneedandwhyyouneedit.
Achieving clarity about why you are seeking advice will ensure
you develop a clear brief and engage the advisor you actually need.
Thismayseemobviousbutifyoutakethetimetodrilldownonyour
needs,youmaybesurprisedatwhattheneedreallyis.
Forexample,youmayhavebeenlookingforagoodcommercial
real estate agent because you’re thinking about shifting and need
relocation support. But did you stop to consider why you’re shifting?
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Wewouldchallengeyoutoaskyourselfwhetheryouneed
relocation support, or whether what you actually need may be a
specialistinspacedesigntoworkoutifyourexistingspacecanbe
reworkedsoyoudon’tneedtomoveatall–savingtimeandmoneyin
the process.
Once you’ve got clarity on the advice you seek, are you clear about
what would constitute a successful outcome? Are you clear about the
servicethatthey’llbeprovidingyou?Theservicesthatyou’llbehappy
to pay for?
Forexample,itisimportantthatyouareclearwhetheryouare
seeking directive recommendations that would give you the ability
tomakeacleardecisiononaproblem,orwhetheryouwantthem
to present different options and leave it for you to decide which way
to go.
Then,tomakesureyoumakethemostofyouradvisor,you’llneed
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document. It only needs to be something simple, but by doing this it
will clarify your thinking and help you make the most of the people
you engage.
:HEHOLHYHDEULH¿QJGRFXPHQWVKRXOGLQFOXGHWKHIROORZLQJ - The problem that needs solving is... or,
- I need information about...
•Asuccessfuloutcomeis... - I’d like to be kept in touch with progress on a daily/weekly/monthly
basis.
•Whatdoyouneedfrommetogivemetheoptimumoutcome? - The key milestones for progress are...
- ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT COMMUNICATION IS
A TWO-WAY STREET
All successful relationships are based on clear communication and
setting clear expectations. It’s as much your responsibility to provide
a clear brief as it is for them to meet that brief.
ABOUT TO SEEK DIRECTION FROM A
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS ADVISOR?
MARISA FONG AND
GALIA BARHAVA-MONTEITH
REVEAL WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN
ADVISOR TO ACHIEVE THE BEST OUTCOME.DIRECTION
FINDING