What to Expect When Working with an Advisory Firm

For many entrepreneurs and business leaders, the term advisory firm can feel abstract - often associated with large corporates, high fees and complex reports. But advisory is not just for multinational companies. It is a strategic partnership that helps businesses of all sizes unlock growth, manage risk and make confident decisions. Knowing what to expect from this relationship can turn advisory into one of your most valuable investments.

Demystifying Advisory Services

Advisory firms provide independent, expert guidance across governance, strategy, finance, risk and transformation. At its heart, advisory means:

• Helping you see the bigger picture while still making tactical day-to-day decisions.

• Bringing an outside perspective to spot risks and opportunities that insiders might miss.

• Equipping leaders with the tools, structures and frameworks to scale sustainably.

For SMEs, this often looks like designing governance systems, unlocking procurement opportunities or structuring compliance to win corporate or government contracts. For corporates, it may mean embedding ESG, strengthening boards or re-aligning business strategy with stakeholder expectations.

What a Healthy Advisory Relationship Looks Like

When you engage an advisory firm, you can expect:

1. Transparency - Clear communication about scope, outcomes and fees.

2. Collaboration - Advisors work with your leadership team and not over them.

3. Objectivity - Independent insights that challenge assumptions without hidden agendas.

4. Accountability - Clear deliverables, milestones and measurable results.

5. Confidentiality - Trusted handling of sensitive information.

Common Myths vs Reality

Myth: Advisory is only for corporates.

Reality: SMEs benefit most as advisory bridges the gaps between growth ambitions and governance requirements.

Myth: Advisory is just theory.

Reality: A good advisor provides practical and implementable solutions tailored to your context.

Myth: Advisory is too expensive.

Reality: Advisory is an investment - the cost of poor governance, missed opportunities or unmanaged risk is far higher.

Why Advisory Adds Value

1. Clarity: Advisors help leaders cut through complexity and focus on priorities.

2. Risk Management: By identifying blind spots, advisory saves money and reputation.

3. Growth Enablement: Advisors unlock pathways to funding, procurement and partnerships.

4. Sustainability: Strong advisory support ensures that growth is not short-lived but resilient.

My Perspective

Many businesses wait until a crisis to seek advisory - when contracts are at risk, governance is failing or financial sustainability is threatened. I believe advisory should be proactive, not reactive. Engaging early means you gain clarity, avoid costly mistakes and position your business for opportunities that others cannot access.

Working with an advisory firm is about more than compliance or crisis management. It is about building a partnership that strengthens your decision-making, reduces risk and positions your business for sustainable growth.

At Kulima Capital, I specialise in governance, growth strategy and inclusive business transformation for SMEs and corporates alike. As a world-class African millennial, Masters-level, entrepreneurially experienced female advisor, I bring deep insights from working across diverse industries to help your business make confident, future-ready decisions.