Many new enterprises fail because they entered the field with insufficient knowledge of their market. In fact, the number one difficulty that entrepreneurs cite in getting a business of the ground is subject matter knowledge — who, what, where, when, and why of their business. A great idea can only go so far if the market itself isn’t ready for it.

The key to orienting a new business toward the demands of the market can often be start up consulting. Many entrepreneurs, some of which who have started dozens of successful enterprises, sell their expertise in the form of start up consulting to help new business owners make the most of their time, money, and intellectual capital. Even the most sound business ideas can fail without proper direction, and nothing is more beneficial to a new business owner than the expertise of having launched a successful venture. Greg Shenkman

Unlike other business consulting services, such as management consulting, start up consulting is not always prohibitively expensive. Start-up consultants realize that new businesses are often strapped for cash and generally can’t afford the high fees charged by many strategy consultants. In some cases, a strategy consultant might even take equity in the company in lieu of cash, allowing the start-up to conserve much-needed cash and also ensuring that the consultant gives the best, most appropriate advice.

Some entrepreneurs think that soliciting advice from a start up consultant could be seen as an indictment of their own ability to run the company. But start up consulting isn’t babysitting or hand-holding; generally, it focuses on the operational aspects of running a company, from hiring to lease agreements to payment and bonus structure. These are the aspects of business that no newcomer would be expected to know — they can only be gained through experience. Start-up consulting is not a substitute for intelligence, instinct, or motivation.

Given that start-ups and new ventures are one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, start up consulting can be the advantage that a new venture needs to outpace its competition. The business world can be a murky, troublesome frontier to navigate, and the assistance that a start up consultant provides can sometimes be the difference between early success, or a long, protracted start-up phase.

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