| Starting a business in Australia can be tough enough | | | | 4. Who are their partners? Have they ever partnered |
| without worrying about some of the unsavoury | | | | with government? Are they recognised as experts in |
| 'players' in the game. For most people starting a | | | | starting a business by leading business people or the |
| business in Australia, their first step for information is an | | | | media? |
| online search. | | | | 5. Do they have any testimonials? With real names |
| And this can often be where the problem starts. There | | | | and business names? If they don't you may be their |
| are all sorts of hucksters and shysters hiding behind | | | | first client! Nothing wrong with that, everyone must |
| web sites pretending they have the skills and | | | | start somewhere. |
| capabilities to start a business properly. | | | | How can you check into their expertise? Here are a |
| So what should you look for? Here are some key | | | | few hints. |
| factors to consider: | | | | - Google the founder's name. Or check them out on |
| | | | Linked In. No track record of successful business start |
| 1. Do they have a real world address listed on their | | | | up, mark them down the list. |
| website? There is nothing wrong with someone | | | | - Check out the pages Page Rank, the higher the rank |
| working from their bedroom at home. Many people do. | | | | the better. |
| However, if they are not game to put their real world | | | | - Do a Google Map search of the business address. |
| address it increases the risk that the outcome will be | | | | No address, be careful! |
| negative. | | | | - Do a Google image search will also often deliver a |
| 2. Do they list the principals? Who is running the show? | | | | few secrets |
| Who is the founder? Does the founder have a track | | | | - Look for testimonials on their webpage. |
| record in business, including starting multiple | | | | - Look for partnerships they have formed with other |
| businesses? Or is he/she fresh out of uni and looking | | | | organizations |
| to earn a few bucks? Nothing wrong with earning a | | | | - Look for any media coverage of the business or its |
| few bucks. However if they don't have the | | | | principals. |
| experience, don't engage. | | | | Remember, businesses that have been operating for a |
| 3. How big is the team? Is it one guy pretending to be | | | | while and are professional tend to leave a decent |
| everything to everyone. Or do they have depth of | | | | online footprint. |
| experience? | | | | |