The journey of finding the right business planning consulting firm can be long and arduous. Most entrepreneurs do not have the time or resources to craft a business plan that is both detailed and professional. The SBA states that it takes approximately 400 hours to create a document that properly entails the critical elements of a successful business plan. It is no wonder that first-time and serial entrepreneurs rely on the skill set and expertise of a company to aid them in the business planning process. However, many clients do not realize that they are being taken advantage of by hiring certain firms. Creating a streamlined business plan should be a step-by-step process that is never rushed or forced.

Today, a myriad of firms in the business planning niche exist to capitalize on the high-speed expedition of delivering business plans. Every entrepreneur must know prior to working with a business planning consulting firm that a document of the highest caliber cannot be hurried; it takes time to digest the concept and understand the most effective approach prior to writing the content and developing a sound financial model. It is extremely important for entrepreneurs to carefully read and understand the philosophy behind every business planning consulting firm. Questions one should ask him or herself prior to retaining the company’s services include:

• How will my business plan be created and what approach is used to create it?
• Who will write my business plan and what is their experience in this field?
• What is turnaround time in completing the first draft of my business plan?
• Who will oversee my business plan (i.e. a project manager or business planning consultant)?
• Will I have fill out a questionnaire to begin the process?
• Will the company provide real-world critique and suggestions during the process?
• Does the company employ a large team of writers and financial modelers to write my plan or are a select few involved in the process?

The answers to the aforementioned questions will help the client (the entrepreneur) make an informed decision when it is time to hire. Ethos 360, for example, has founded an ideology that is based on growing and sustaining the entrepreneur. The company was formed to provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with a single point of contact to receive honest, objective answers and next-step coaching. Anyone purchasing a business plan should focus on hiring a firm that values integrity, honesty, and cultivating strong client relationships.

It is unfortunate that a lot of businesses look past the actual concept of a business, and instead focus on the end-result: a “finished” business plan and a profit. Rather than taking the time to really understand the business itself and the creator behind it, business planning companies have utilized a team model approach that is impersonalized and lacks consistency. Companies like Ethos 360, have first handedly seen and experienced the result of imperfect business planning models and their impact on not only the document, but the client. Ethos 360 has chosen to infiltrate this niche industry by ultimately putting the client first; throwing out antiquated strategies that rush the process; and leading clients forward to prepare for anticipated growth in their own business.

A business plan is more than a product or service, but a collaboration of the client and lead consultant that results in a seamless, organically crafted tool that will essentially serve as one of the most valuable documents in the origin, operational, and growth stages of a business.