*Institute for Independent Business accreditation held by John Burkett, principal of Advicepoint Business Consulting Pty Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions

But you may not know my business or industry?

It’s quite likely that we will have little or no idea about the particular industry you are in – but we genuinely think this can be a strength.  Part of the process will be for us to gain an understanding of your business and therefore your industry, but the very fact that we will come without any pre-conceptions or prior knowledge of your industry actually makes it easier for us to look at it and make unbiased assessments.  Often it takes an outsider looking in without preconceptions to spot things that those already in the business or industry tend to take for granted or simply don’t see.

Moreover our experience from talking to a wide range of businesses in many industries is that there are often remarkable similarities in the ‘phases’ or ‘growing pains’ that owner managed businesses go though as they develop.  Of course no two businesses will ever be identical, but we do tend to see certain trends emerge and this is part of the knowledge and experience that enables us to assist and advise you.

Ultimately, if specialist knowledge of your particular industry is required to assist you, then we can call on an international network of over 3000 accredited business executives via our link with the Institute for Independent Business.  The IIB network comprises senior executives from every conceivable background in business - in short, if we don’t know the answer, then we can almost certainly locate an IIB executive associate who does! 

What about confidentiality?

Trust and commercial confidentiality in our relationship will be critical.  You can take it that what we discuss will remain commercially confidential between us and will not be discussed or disclosed in any way with any third party without your knowledge.

As part of the IIB network we are bound by a strict code of conduct. We also subscribe to the Australian Institute of Management Consultants Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics. 

What if I decide it’s no longer helping me - or just I want to stop?

Our general principal here is simple - we are really not interested in taking your money if you don’t feel you are getting value for money.

If you are signed to us under the IIB Business Support Programme, then all you have to do is write to us and ask for the programme to cease and you can exit without penalty. If we are engaged on any other programme of work for you then there will generally be a one month notice period or we will have otherwise documented and agreed the terms of cancellation.

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