Running a small business, well any business, is not easy and you never really have access to all the answers. As such, there are times when you need to tap into outside experience to help your business make it to the next level. Think of it this way, if you have a workshop, then you probably have a wall full of tools. While having access to the tools is important, it is even more important to know when (and how) to use those tools.
This is where advisers come in as their experience can give you the insight needed to take your business to the next level. With that in mind, here are five advisors every small business needs to grow.
- Copywriters
I bet you thought I would start with a lawyer or an accountant? Don’t worry, we will get to them, but let’s start with the advisers who can help you reach out to your customers as they are the ones who help you keep the lights on.
The reason to start with copywriters is simple – they help you to hone your message by using words to paint a picture. Now this might differ from other ‘advice’ you have read online but the reality is that you need to connect with your customers if you want to grow your business.
As such, you want to start here to craft a message that will help you to connect with your customers in ways you never imagined.
- Graphic Designer
Words are a great start but the right picture, well that changes the entire game. As such, one way to kick-start your growth strategy is to find a brilliant graphic designer who can help to bring your company’s visuals and packaging to life.
Think about it, we rely on our sense of sight every day. As such, working with an experienced professional who can help to tell a compelling visual story is extremely important. Beyond this, the combination of stunning graphics with compelling copy can help your business punch well above its weight.
Don’t take good design for granted, instead find ways to bring design thinking into your everyday processes by finding a great graphic designer and making sure they are available when you need them.
- Growth Strategist/Consultant
You may have noticed that much of the emphasis of this list is on reaching out to your customers. While this should be self-explanatory, there are times when getting it done right can be an uphill struggle.
As such, you want to make sure you have a growth strategist who can come in to help you grow. Sure, you might not want to have them on the payroll full-time – that is why they are an advisor. But the ability to bring on board an experienced professional who have built several businesses from scratch could be invaluable.
What should a growth strategist be doing for you? For starters, they need to be looking at ways you reach your customers and, importantly, how to do it better. Just remember, it is not just the ideas.
For their advice to be valuable, a growth strategist needs to provide a roadmap to make it happen and even some support. Many hands make light work and this is something which the best growth strategists will take to heart.
- Lawyer
Ok, it was inevitable, as it is very hard to run a growing business without having access to a competent lawyer. Maybe you will need one for company formation, or maybe it is review a contract, or even to look over potential business risks and then help you formulate a plan to mitigate these risks – these are all areas where lawyers can help.
As such, the best advice is to get in touch with a good lawyer when you are setting up your company and then foster that relationship over time. Sure, many small businesses can’t keep legal counsel on retainer but developing a relationship make sure you have access to experienced counsel in time of need.
- Accountant
Last, but not least, we have the humble accountant. While these ‘numbers guys’ (and girls) can help you to keep your books in order and your taxes paid, the reality is that a good accountant should be helping you to do much more than.
This includes giving you the strategies needed to manage your cash flow and helping to hold talks with banks – both of which will give you the cash you need to grow. Not only should these professionals be experienced but they should be willing to give you the time and support needed to help you grow. For example, I looked at leading accountants for small businesses in the Denver area and Nguyen CPA stood out as one of the best.
Remember, it takes a village and with these five advisers on your side, you can grow your business.