10 ways an Enterprise Nation adviser can help your small business

Do you need support with your business but don't know where to start? Knowing how a business adviser can benefit your business can really help.

In this blog, Enterprise Nation's community manager Ryan Tindall shares how a fresh pair of eyes can bring a new perspective to the business.

"I can show how my business has grown from being just me to a team of 15, thanks in part to the support I got from Enterprise Nation." – Peter Franklin

Here are 10 things a qualified business adviser can help with to make sure your business not only survives but thrives:

1. Create a business plan to drive your strategy

A clear business plan keeps your focus on the future instead of just reacting to what’s happening day-to-day.

An adviser helps you define where you want to go, how to get there and what steps to take along the way.

They can guide you through setting practical goals, mapping your audience and identifying opportunities and risks – so your plan feels less like homework and more like a roadmap you're actually excited to follow.

VIDEO: How to write a business plan, and why you need one

Marketer Sophie Eglin explains which key elements you should include in your business plan, and shares practical tips for developing a plan that works for your unique business needs.

2. Understand your key performance indicators

Your key performance indicators (KPIs) are the pulse of your business – the handful of numbers that show whether things are on track. But figuring out what to measure and how to interpret it can be tricky.

A business adviser helps you choose the metrics that matter most, whether that's customer acquisition, conversion rates, average order value or something completely unique to your business.

You'll learn how to use those numbers to make confident, informed decisions rather than relying on gut feel alone.

3. Control your gross margin rate

It's easy to lose sight of profit when you're busy chasing sales. Your adviser can show you how each discount or pricing change affects your bottom line.

They'll walk you through how to calculate your gross margin rate – the difference between your sales and the cost of producing what you sell – and how to protect it.

You'll see where small tweaks in pricing, supplier costs or efficiency can make a big difference over time.

VIDEO: How to maintain your profit in an era of rising prices

Watch this webinar on how to increase your bottom line and avoid losing money.

4. Keep cash flowing smoothly

Cash flow can make or break a small business. Even profitable companies can run into trouble if money isn't coming in when bills are due.

An adviser helps you forecast your cash flow, plan for lean months and identify potential shortfalls before they happen.

They'll also guide you on managing working capital – the money tied up in stock, invoices and daily costs – so you can stay flexible and avoid nasty surprises.

5. Manage costs and find savings

Every business has places where money quietly slips away. Advisers have a knack for spotting them.

They'll review your expenses, supplier agreements and operational costs to highlight where you can save without cutting quality.

Sometimes, that might mean negotiating better terms with suppliers. Other times, it's about refining processes or automating repetitive tasks.

Even small savings add up – and that extra cash can fuel your next stage of growth.

6. Understand customer value and risk

Not all customers are equal. Some bring in steady income, others take more time and resources than they're worth.

A business adviser helps you understand where your most valuable customers come from and how to nurture them.

They'll also show you where customer "risk" lies – for example, relying too heavily on one or two major clients. With that insight, you can diversify your customer base and create a more stable foundation for growth.

VIDEO: Know your customers and grow your business

Marketing specialist Heather Westgate guides you through the process of segmenting and understanding your customer base, and improving your marketing strategy to achieve your goals.

7. Forecast your future with confidence

Planning ahead is easier when you know what's realistic. Advisers use your current numbers –like sales trends, costs and market data – to build a picture of where your business could be in six months or two years.

Good forecasting isn't about predicting the future perfectly. It's about preparing for it.

You'll come away with a clear, data-backed view of your likely revenue, profit and business value – and a plan for how to reach the next milestone.

8. Track what really drives your business

Every business has a few core "drivers" that make the biggest impact – things like conversion rate, repeat customers or the efficiency of production. The challenge is knowing which ones matter most to you.

An adviser helps you find those levers and track them consistently. By focusing on what truly moves the needle, you'll spend less time reacting and more time improving. Continuous tracking means continuous progress.

9. Find the right funding and support

From managing working capital to securing grants and loans, navigating finance can be daunting.

Advisers know the landscape – what's available, where to apply and how to make your business more appealing to funders.

They can point you towards local, regional or national schemes and help you decide whether external funding is the right move for your stage of growth. Having a guide who's been there before makes the process much less intimidating.

VIDEO: How to raise capital for your business

Watch this webinar to learn more about the different funding sources available to you right now as the owner of a small and growing business.

10. Grow sales from your existing clients

Sometimes, the best opportunities are right in front of you. A business adviser can help you identify ways to increase sales with your current customers – through repeat business, cross-selling, loyalty programmes or improved service.

They’ll help you understand what your clients really value and how to build stronger relationships that lead to consistent revenue, not just one-off sales.

“Meeting Jarmila with her amazing energy was a gift from Enterprise Nation. I really enjoyed our online one-to-one consultation meeting.

"She has recommended great launching strategies for Nutri Beauties. Really enjoyed our meeting and I do recommend her counselling sessions to all startups and corporate companies. — Dina Bahrami

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