Roger Choudhury

Curious engagement is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about how I add value as a consultant. Being curious about who what where when why and how people interact with work and their lives in general has always fascinated me. We all exist in our self talk, and that self talk exists in language and our relationship within our worldview. Creating the future, especially one that you’ve never experienced before comes from being able to understand, habits, and beliefs that are self limiting. Our experiences shape, our lenses and our lenses interpret our reality. Being aware of our ability to augment this judging mechanism that’s shaped by the past allows us the freedom to create a future. We have never experienced before.

I’ve found that using weighted scoring models are effective in this situation. By assigning weights to different criteria (e.g., impact on revenue, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency), we can objectively compare goals and make data-driven decisions. I believe it's equally crucial to involve stakeholders in the prioritization process itself. By creating a shared understanding of project objectives, we not only build trust but also increase buy-in. On a recent project I had the opportunity to work with both father and son to develop an aspect of the business that was never considered before and the results were outstanding!

Occasionally when this happens it a healthy chance to see how your team performs when the client’s perspective shifts from theirs. Creating consensus takes effort and needs insightful patience. Weighting pros and cons of potential interpretations that everyone has of the clients interests assists everyone’s ability to adjust their approach to the recommendations being presented. You want to create active listening and value the diverse views of you team members while still providing your client with feedback that’s helpful.

Look into government grants, accelerator programs, or competitions that offer non-dilutive capital for businesses, depending on your industry and region. While grants can be competitive, they can offer vital early-stage funding without sacrificing ownership.

Consider utilizing your personal assets as collateral to obtain loans or credit lines if you own significant equipment or real estate. This might give you the necessary capital while keeping total control over your business. However be mindful of the risks associated with using personal assets as collateral.

Most early-stage investors will expect equity in exchange for their capital. Be prepared to offer a reasonable percentage of ownership in your company, considering factors like the investment amount, growth stage, and potential returns. Think strategically about what your investors expectations are for their investment and vice versa. All money isn’t necessarily the “best” fit. Having a clear cap table and understanding of equity distribution is essential.