A distinct lack of commercial realism

I was approached by a “start up” company operating in the field of renewable energy.

 The initial telephone conversation sounded promising so I arranged to have a preliminary meeting. I met the “management” at their offices in a prestigious block in The City – so far so good. 

We then got down to discussions and it all went rapidly downhill – these people had a vision of being the London HQ of a large energy trading company. The only problem was they hadn’t thought through exactly what they were trying to do, far from seeking an assessment /appraisal of their business they were in fact looking for someone to turn up and present them with a business plan for a niche role in an industry in which they had no previous experience, product or usp. 

As a Consultant I am quite used to explaining the harsh realities of the business world to companies that are already operating and finding it tough. However this was quite a different case – these people though that by putting a name board on an office building in The City this would fast track them to a listing on the FTSE 100.

 

Needless to say apart from providing me with an insight into a commercial Never Never Land this particular assignment was not one to fly.

However I am still on board for serious projects!