|
Steve -
With all due respect, since your post follows when dwhite "suggested" me as a consultant, let me hope that you are not insuating that I am not qualified to be a Business Consultant since I've been doing that for 20 years. However, out of respect to this board, I'll resist the urge to write a long post "spamming" my services and instead suggest that if anyone is interested in learning more, they may feel free to send me a PM and I would be more than happy to speak to them in detail.
Some consultants inflate the price of equipment to pay for their "free" consulting. Others offer a proposal matched to actual services desired/needed and an associated cost along with assistance in then negotiating the best possible equipment costs for the BEST equipment that fits in a particular salon environment. Different strokes for different folks. Which one is "better" or "cheaper" will depend on your particular circumstances. I have enough connections that I can go either way although I prefer the latter.
In addition, Howardtheduck offers useful feedback. There is plenty of other "free" advice out there besides that provided by named "consultants". These on-line sites, manufacturers, industry trade mags and more. Keep in mind - anytime you are getting help for "free", what is the motivation? Doesn't mean free is BAD - it just sometimes comes with an "agenda". Or - the quality reflects "you get what you pay for". The question is - can you tell the difference?
Consultants can be very helpful to help you avoid some of the pitfalls and get you on the road to success faster. Some are more than content to fumble along and "figure it out as they go". Others look at it as "time is money" and want to utilize the known shortcuts to success. Your philosophy, as well as your own personal experience and qualifications in opening and running a business, will dictate if a consultant makes sense for you.
|