I meet with a variety of small business owners and am always impressed by the passion these entrepreneurs have for their businesses. As the tax and finance guy, I know how crucial cash flow is to the success of every enterprise. I also know that cash flow issues are among the leading causes of business failure in the United States. A solid financial management strategy is needed.

As a CPA I help many small business owners with tax planning and filing. That means I see the businesses that succeed as well as those who don't. My advice is that if you’re a small business owner, you need a business plan. To write a successful plan you must know everything about your company, your product or service, and the market competition. 

You are ready to dive into your new business venture, but you have one question that is holding you back. Do you need a business advisor? Small business colleagues have differing points of view. Here are some questions to consider that will help you decide if you should hire an advisor for your small business.