What prospects are thinking but often fail to ask

She asked each person to complete the sentence:

If you were about to engage… (I put Business Strategist)

Then we passed our sheets to the left, letting them circulate as each person wrote down the top question they would consider before hiring me.

Here are the questions that were posed and my answers.

What ideas do you have that I don’t already?

Maybe none, maybe some, maybe a lot, but that’s not really the point. My job isn’t to turn up with a magic bullet. It’s to fully understand where you are today, your goals, challenges, and roadblocks. That means listening – not just hearing – to truly understand not just to respond. Once I have that insight, I can help you uncover gaps, which we can then fill together, whether they’re small refinements or game-changing shifts. It’s my role to provide help and advice; it’s your choice to act on it. And yes, there’s a cost, because nothing of lasting value is free. Which leads to…

How much does this cost?

It depends. Not as a way to dodge the question, but because cost reflects value, engagement style, and desired outcomes. Some clients need a single intervention to reset their thinking; others need a long-term relationship to embed strategy over time.

A single day with me is typically £1,500. Some clients invest £4,500 to get started, while others invest upwards of £50k to go deep, work with my wider team and get activation underway. You can choose a project price if there’s a defined scope or a training process if the goal is to embed strategic thinking in your team.

But the real question isn’t how much does it cost? but what’s the cost of not doing it?

What does a “standard” strategy look like? Do you have a base strategy that works for all?

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy, but there is a framework, which is tailored to each client’s needs. It’s built around five core areas:

1. Uncovering what makes your brand remarkable
2. Defining a value proposition that reflects your true worth
3. Crafting messaging and stories that embed that value
4. Developing a business strategy that simplifies goals and ensures buy-in across all stakeholders
5. Creating a roadmap to deliver on this – from prospect to loyal customer – optimising processes, tech, and tools

Some businesses need help in all areas; some just in one or two. But that’s why the first question matters.

What value can you add to my process?

That depends on where the gaps are. Together, we identify them. You decide where you need help and what you want to invest in solving them.

Do you typically work on a one-off basis or ongoing?

Either. Each client is different. Strategy isn’t static, it evolves with new data, insights, and market changes. The destination may stay the same, but the route often shifts.

Do I need this?

If you’re asking, the answer is almost certainly yes. The best in any field (from elite athletes to CEOs) work with people who challenge their thinking and help them see what they can’t. You might not need a full strategy overhaul, but having an external lens to spot gaps, refine your approach, and see around corners? That’s invaluable.

Strategy is a constant. Where does your work end?

It ends when you’re confident moving forward without support. It’s always there if you need it again, but it doesn’t have to be an ongoing commitment, unless you want accountability. As Sun Tzu said, “Strategy without tactics is the long road to victory, tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” From the question it sounds like you are already focused on the long road, you just need to ensure you have the right support in place for when you need it.

There is nothing wrong!

That’s great, for now. But what about tomorrow? If your goal is to grow (or even just survive), you need to think ahead. Chess grandmasters don’t just plan their next move; they anticipate future threats and have counter-moves ready. So should you.

Why should I choose you? Do you know my business intimately?

You’d only choose me once trust has been established. It’s my job to earn that trust by understanding your challenges and goals and helping you navigate the best way forward. But knowing your business as intimately as you do would be a mistake. A business strategist’s value lies in objectivity—seeing the big picture, not getting lost in the minutiae. Knowing too much can create complexity. What you get from me, once trust is earned, is simplicity and clarity. And that’s where the real value lies.

Why you? What qualifies you?

I’m a chartered accountant by training, with years in marketing and strategic consultancy and decades of experience running businesses. I’ve had successes, but more importantly, failures and the scars and learnings that come with them. Business isn’t linear, nor is it easy. My experience helps me guide clients not just towards what they should do, but also what pitfalls to avoid.

How will this engagement benefit me/my business?

You’ll gain clarity and focus. Your confidence in decision-making will increase. Your business will have a stronger foundation for growth, or survival, depending on where you are today. There are no guarantees. But you’ll significantly increase your odds of success.

I would love to hear your thoughts. What question would you ask before hiring a strategist?

You can contact David at david.finch@purplefrog.co.uk