Advice from business links and Chambers of commerc

[shirepro]

I needed a bit of 'strategic' advice so called the local COC, who tried to sell me membership, and an 'e' solution to a problem I didn't have (twice). Is this typical or do they have people other than failed business people and manic depressives working at these places?

I just wanted someone with business sense to sit down with me to help me decide whether to be happy at the size we are, or whether to expand (and how to do that safely).

I have a really good consultant guy elsewhere but he will be costly and is a bit mad and off the wall(albeit creative and challenging).


Anybody else have any experience of using COC and Business links?

What would you look for in a consulant to give you important advice on strategy for a small business, and how much should I be paying as a day rate? Should I take the advice of my accountant?

[D-Angle]

Sounds pretty typical tbh, sometimes you'll get good 'un but by and large they are as you describe. Some of them are not just useless, but they can fk your business badly if you end up relying on them for anything. We used our local Business Link for advice and help, and we have had to write off most of 2004 and start again thanks to their 'assistance'.

You get what you pay for with consultancy, hire the guy you know.

[thepeoplespal]

Yep the missus was using Business Link for her startup and they were more interested in what office they were going to move to and petty infighting than actually helping their customers.

I'm not saying they don't have some good people, but they are stiffled by bureaucracy.