Before a Big Decision, Consult a Consultant

Yesterday I asked my 18-year old son “If I gave you $80,000 to start a business tomorrow, what’s the first thing you would do”?

His answer surprised me.

He said he would hire a consultant. He continued to explain that he had an idea of opening a used car dealership, and although he’s gifted at picking out great cars to flip, he lacked actual business management knowledge.  He says he’d pay someone who has done it before to tell him what to do correctly.

He’s smart.  That’s why he’s my son ????

Back in 2005 when I started my business, I had someone invest that much into my business.  It was all gone in less than a year with no record of a return on that investment.

Why wasn’t I as smart as my son back when I was given this money?

I think we tend to think we don’t need consulting. Its like how there’s a stereotype that men don’t ask for directions. We, as business owners, almost feel like we’re not worthy to be entrepreneurs if we ask for counsel.

Then we find ourselves hitting the same walls, distracted, starting over, or worst…shutting down.

But God didn’t design business to be done alone.  He didn’t design for anything to be done apart from counsel.

Proverbs 24:5-6 says

The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.

God also talks about a multitude of counselors in earlier proverbs. Not just one consultant…but MANY!

Not good with your accounting?  Consult an accountant.

Not good with marketing?  Consult a marketer.

Everyone you need for your business to succeed is around you already. God has already lined them up.  Imagine if you had everyone in a board of director type setting, everyone giving you wise counsel.  How could you go wrong?!?!

Godpreneur Rule #73:  always seek counsel before making your big business decisions.

#SharpenLeadership