5 Things to Avoid When Hiring a Business Plan Consultant

5 Things to Avoid When Hiring a Business Plan Consultant 

Congratulations, you’ve made the decision to grow your business! You know you need a business plan to beat the odds, but pinning down all of your moving pieces isn’t as easy as it sounds. 

You may be asking yourself, should I hire a business plan consultant? And, if you do what should you look for? What should you avoid?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Today we’re going to detail red flags to look out for when hiring a professional to help you plan your business and what to look for instead. 

5 Red flags in a business plan consultant

1. Gives you unclear answers to your questions.

Is your potential business plan consultant beating around the bush and continuously selling their services rather than listening to you? 

If you don’t feel like you are getting answers to your questions, they may not be as experienced as they seem. 

A skilled and accomplished business plan consultant will take the time to answer every one of your questions so you feel confident and comfortable with the process. 

2. Doesn’t offer a chance for your input.

Time and money will be wasted if your business plan is written without a chance for your input. 

Your business is unique, and smoothing out the finer details of your business plan should be a partnership. 

A professional business plan consultant will work with you every step of the way, offering drafts for your feedback in case there are adjustments to be made. 

3. Lacks interest in your success.

A business plan should always center around your success as a business. If your consultant isn’t offering ideas and improving your chance of success, it’s a major red flag. 

Find someone who genuinely cares about the worth of your ideas. Knowledgeable consultants will have a successful track record and be able to show you portfolio filled with plenty of references.

4. Wants to work solo. 

If you come across consultants that want to take on your project alone, just remember that one business plan consultant can’t be perfect at filling in the gaps.

There should be a team with a project manager supported by two, or even three other consultants with different skill sets. 

Look for a business with a highly skilled team of professionals capable of tackling all of your business needs.

5. Not willing to sign a contract.

Your last test for securing trust with your chosen business plan consultant will be putting every agreement in writing. 

If your business plan consultant refuses a contract, or the contract only benefits their side of the agreement, consider this a red flag. 

A contract should be a two-way agreement, protecting both parties while clarifying goals, a time gram, and any other expectations that need to be met. 

If you’re request is denied for a signed contract, run!

Find the right business plan consultant

Choosing the right business plan consultant can make or break the impression of your new company to potential investors. 

If you’re tired of consultants not hitting the mark or have noticed any of the red flags above, save time spent searching and connect our experts at Bargain Business Plan. 

With a team of skilled professionals, a successful track record, and a variety of business plan packages, we offer flexible choices for businesses of every size to ensure their business plan success.