What to Prepare Before a First Consultation

Most founders I meet in Johannesburg and Cape Town arrive at a first consultation with a vague idea of what they want to discuss. They know they need help, but they haven't decided what kind. That's understandable — running a small business leaves little time for preparation. But the difference between a productive first meeting and a wasted hour often comes down to what you bring with you.

Start with your registration documents. If you're a registered company, bring your CIPC certificate and your latest tax clearance letter. If you're still operating informally, that's fine — but say so clearly. A consultant can't advise on compliance if they don't know your legal status. The same applies to your SARS registration and any industry-specific licences you hold.

Next, prepare a simple financial snapshot. You don't need audited statements. A page with your monthly revenue, your biggest costs, and your current cash position is enough. If you have a bank statement from the last three months, bring it. This gives the consultant a realistic picture of what your business can afford and where the pressure points are.

Think about your customers. Who buys from you now, and who do you want to buy from you next year? Write down three or four customer types. If you have a product or service that's not selling, bring that too. The most useful conversations happen when we can look at a specific problem rather than a general sense of things not working.

Finally, decide what you actually want from the consultation. Is it a funding strategy? A marketing plan? Help with hiring your first employee? You don't need a formal agenda, but a clear question — even a rough one — helps the consultant focus on what matters to you. If you're not sure what to ask, say that. A good consultant will guide the conversation, but they need a starting point.

One more thing: bring a notebook and a willingness to hear things you might not like. The best consultations are honest exchanges, not confirmation sessions. If you're prepared to listen, you'll leave with a clearer sense of what to do next — and that's the whole point.