Advisors
Why are advisors useful for executives?
Over a year ago I was moving into COVID management mode which meant more frequent communications with direct reports and our team. As I was crafting the words to be used, I was simultaneously seeking advice from my CEO peers - what were they saying, what did they think was coming in the months ahead, how far out were they planning? Advice from everywhere was helpful at that moment. But as time went on, I reached out a little less frequently. I found reliable sources for information that I needed in real-time, and I used my informal advisors a lot less. Then my career changed, and I went back into searching for advice and I emerged with Hardin Partners, a strategic advisory firm focused on helping early and growth-stage companies increase shareholder value.
The need for advisory help fluctuates like normal business seasons. I have personally found advisors most useful in periods of transition or massive changes (growth and retraction). If you are an early-stage company or founder, you are in a constant state of change and might find advisory help of particular interest.
One of my favorite quotes is that more companies die of indigestion than starvation - it is often attributed to David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett Packard. It has been many times repeated because of its truthfulness. CEOs and founders don’t want doors of opportunities closed - understandable, but small (and busy) teams, your customers, and other stakeholders all want clarity about your vision. So practicing your no muscle while simultaneously clarifying and staying aligned to your vision becomes a really important skill, and this is an area that an independent advisor can help with both articulation and staying accountable to the vision.
Other areas that advisors can help:
Pressure test a growth plan’s assumptions
Co-create a go to market strategy
Build your first leadership team by identifying the skills need and helping interview
Evaluating financial models and looking at various growth scenarios
Make introductions to other critical resources like finance, 3PL, marketing agencies, lawyers
Want to find out more, drop us a note at inquiries@hardinpartners.com
