FAQ page - frequent answers to questions page

 When I retired as a fee-paid consultant, I aimed to assist businesses that might not typically engage consultants for initial advice. Whenever you encounter a need or problem, simply reach out to me for assistance, and I will offer initial advice or direct you to the appropriate resources.

While I may recommend a service, product, or supplier, it will be the right choice for you based on your needs and my 30+ years of experience as a management consultant.

I wanted to provide my initial assistance without requesting a consultancy fee.

Limited engagement

I aimed to assist SME businesses that might not typically engage consultants for initial advice by offering a free virtual guidance service. Initial contact is made via email, and contact details will be provided after the initial enquiry.

Dedicated Managers

Many SME businesses do not have dedicated managers for IT, Telecom, Facilities, Environment, HR, or Finance. Each would be with finding information or business options, while owners focus on running the business.  I wanted to offer a simple service that allows SME managers and owners to ask any question, and I would try to provide answers based on experience and business network.

Time and staff resources sourcing options

Many SME businesses do not have the time or staff resources to source potential options and evaluate suppliers when fulfilling a business need.  Consequently, they often rely on salespersons to provide a solution or quote. This is not ideal and frequently results in poor after service once payment has been made.  

Quotes - Time and money

I have witnessed first-hand the wasted time and money that companies can incur during the sourcing and evaluation of suppliers and products, and the additional costs that arise over time when decisions are not ideal and the aftercare is non existent once the purchase has been made.   In the future, when purchasing and communicating with suppliers, please at least seek a 'managed recommendation' from me for a company.  You are not obligated to use them but I would feel that I tried to help save time and money.

Yes, I basically become your XaaS (everything as a service)

If your business had a IT Manager, Facility Manager, Environmental Manager, HR Manager, or Finance Manager, each would be instructed to find you business options, while you get on and run your business.  

Now ask me ANYTHING as your business resource. 

NO.  You have no commitment or obligation to use any business or product we suggest.

We offer options for you to review based on your need and our experience and contacts.  You are in control its your decision.

As a consultant I had a broad knowledge of skills, but a consultant cannot know everything, so when a fee-paying client asked me to source a service, product, information, or a specialist, I evaluated options and suppliers then made recommendations.  I kept in-touch with many that I felt offered the best value and customer service.

If you request a 'managed introduction,' it will be to a business that I trust to deliver the service I desire for my clients.  In addition, as part of this managed recommendation, and regardless of your new relationship with any business or individual that I may introduce, I will always be available to you as your 'virtual' consultant and you can contact me at any time, free of charge.

I ask for initial contact this way to discourage unsolicited phone calls from suppliers that I have never worked with requesting to become a managed partner for my client's.   In addition, I am retired and do want endless calls, I only want calls from customers that have made initial contact.

No.  I offer a free Virtual consultancy service.  I will simply offer you guidance based on your provisions of the facts, your possible need, and the question you ask.

Can you offer on-site consultancy, help or meetings?

I do visit legacy clients from my consultancy days but do not wish to grow a base of businesses that I attend.  However, if your need requires site attendance it can arranged dependent distance and need.

I do visit legacy clients from my consultancy days that I still visit periodically, but do not wish to grow a base of businesses that I attend.  However, if your need requires site attendance it can arranged but is chargeable based on dependent time, distance, and need.