Accessing the right advice at the right time is crucial to a small business succeeding. Invariably the fees for professional advice prohibit smaller companies and start-ups seeking expertise but a new pay-by-the-minute service is enabling access for small companies, by only paying for the time they actually need.
Real Time Minds, a new Australian platform, provides an innovative solution that aims to overcome the issue of professional guidance and connects small businesses and start-ups with experienced and qualified experts to provide specific advice and help guide them with their enterprise.
“We recognised that many small and emerging businesses often don’t have the capacity to engage the specialist professionals that larger organisations can, and wanted to find a way to overcome this challenge – affordably and conveniently,” explained Geoff Nix, Founder and CEO of Real Time Minds.
“As with any enterprise, SMEs and start-ups can encounter a broad range of challenges and issues and Real Time Minds can help them access the necessary experts, conveniently, and yet only pay for the actual time required – whether it’s five minutes or fifty.”
This new online offering means users can choose from a pool of specialists, providing advice, coaching and mentorship across areas including legal, marketing, strategic planning, IT support, HR, sales, project management, finance and personal effectiveness.
The connection is made in real time, by either video, voice or text, and users can opt for a monthly subscription or pay-as-you-go.
The platform is particularly valuable for regional or rural organisations too as it enables access to specialist knowledge nationally, that may otherwise not have been possible.
“Having the convenience of online access to a range of specific expertise has been crucial to the evolution of my business,” explained Brenda Janschek, Health Coach, Sydney.
“From strategic planning to mentoring from an online marketing expert, I’ve been able to clarify the direction and priorities for my business and ensure my web presence is aligned with that to achieve my goals.”
“My next session will be with a Real Time Minds’ Finance expert to define and explore enhanced profitability and optimal revenue growth strategies – and without needing to leave my office and traipse across the city. Having access to such knowledge, as and when I need it, has been a revelation and a turning point for me and my business.”
Each of the experts on Real Time Minds’ experts has their credentials, knowledge, values and skills validated before being accepted onto the panel and after each session with a client, the client is encouraged to leave a short review, affirming their expertise.