Last week, this blog made some suggestions as to the qualities for which an entrepreneur should look when selecting any sort of business adviser.

In the interests of balance, one ought to give equal thought to the qualities that are not essential in an adviser.

It is not just a matter of taking the first list and saying “Avoid the opposite.” It is obviously true that one should not hire anyone without those desirable qualities, but that is only a first step.

It is necessary to take a further step, to distinguish between those qualities which are genuinely desirable and those which are promoted as being desirable but which are, in reality, irrelevant.

Business advice of various types is itself a competitive business. The practitioners attempt to lure the unwary entrepreneur with what appears to be important but is really of no practical utility.

Do not be impressed by any would-be advisers who rely too much on any of the following:

1   Academic qualifications – which are increasingly meaningless in an age when they seem to be thrown around like confetti

2   A Well Known Name – which may well mean that your business ends up being handled by the office boy

3   A Big Organisation – small business clients tend to get a raw deal from major players

4   A Fashionable Reputation – basically means they are living off the fat of last year’s successes

5   High Profile – in the longer run, it is discretion that counts in business  

6   Dynamic Presentation – a sign that they are investing in marketing rather than quality of service to attract clients

7   Fancy Offices – do not forget that you are paying for them.