Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
when to seek professional assistance Financial Planner Once your business is making some money and you need to invest that money in a useful way, it's time for a financial planner. Look for a certified financial planner (CFP). Planners are paid one of two ways. They may state that they are "feebased." That means you will pay for their time as they advise you. The second way is "commission-based." That means you pay them nothing for their time, but the mutual funds will pay them once they enroll you as a client into that mutual fund. Some people believe that it's better to use a fee-based planner, since they will be more objective. Other people believe that if you can trust the planner, it's better and cheaper to use commission-based services. Website Developer/ Graphic Designer If you've decided to start a website for your business, you'll need the help of a website designer. Understand that there are two separate skills involved in creating a website. One role is extremely creative: deciding on the colors, creating a logo, choosing the best layout. This person is called a graphic designer. The second role is extremely technical: writing the computer code to automate the website, adding features, etc. This person is called a website developer. It is possible to find one person who can do both, but that is extremely rare. Pursue both roles. It will not cost you twice as much, but the result will be more than twice as good. Use the referral system again, as with all other professionals. Find someone who has built a website that you like and find out who helped them. Rates for both roles vary from $30/hour to $90/hour. There are services, usually through Internet providers, that will set up websites for much less than this. Write down your objectives of creating a website. Why are you doing it? Do you expect it to bring in new clients? Is it a replacement for a Yellow Pages ad? How will your website be different than other people who do the same thing? Once you have these questions answered, try to determine if the cheaper website setup will give you what you need. If it will, sign up and give it a try. If not, use the professionals. Also, ABMP provides members with a free email and website account. SPH Daryl Kulak is a businessperson and computer consultant. He is the author of Health Insurance Off the Grid.