Picking the right help

I've not much to report on the business plan front.  I downloaded some business plan software, but its very Americanised and not that straight forward.  I do have a template for a business plan that I got from the enterprise shows, So I will look at using this one I think unless anyone recommends any good software.

I have been in contact with a company that has quoted me for the web design, and they run a business start up practice where they give you £25k worth of start up support in exchange for a stake in the company.  I'm waiting for a call with the main person to find out the ins and outs.  They will get it so your start up company is investor ready.  I'm quite interested to learn more about this as it could be the perfect help that I need.

I have received a few quotes for my website from different companies and they range from around 13k up to 80k, so im going to get this business plan 100% when I get all of the quotes back.

This week i'm going to push forward with finding out more details on this company and also look at forecasting for my business.  I have downloaded some accounts from similiar companies so that I can try and accurately try and get the best figures.

People you meet on the way to starting a new business

So today I want to talk about the various people that you come across when you start a new business and generally in everyday business.  I've put together a few relevant nicknames so what they do sounds more apt.

1. The Chastity Belt - This is someone that will do what ever they can to block your hard efforts, they are kind of like a gatekeeper when you make a sales call.  They often think they are more important than they are.  However they think they can stop your plans they try, often (like with gatekeepers) these can be swerved and easily bypassed by speaking with more relevant and informed people.  The Chastity belt will always try to stop your access to the promised land!
2. The Brutus/The Messenger Pidgeon - This is someone that will stab you in the back if you let them but can also be used to send drips of important information to relevant people when needed.  The Brutus is someone that wants to be in an important place and will do whatever they can to get to this position no matter how unethical.  They are often found fairly closely behind the chastity belt (see above)
3. The Mourinho - These guys are important and very useful people to know,  they know all the business tactics to use and are often very successful.  They will often be high up in a company with having self importance.  They genuinely want people to succeed and will help with planning and guidance.  An example of these would be business advisors such as the business link advisors.  They have generally been there, seen that, done that. They are brilliant at plans and tactics.
4. The Font (Of all knowledge) - These people are guys that you would assume had written the book.  These are the big doggs, the lynchpins.  They have succeeded in business and can pass down valuable advice and often don't mind sharing this advice.  They can generally inform or guide you on stuff such as Finance, Marketing Options or other valuable business tips.  These guys are brilliant and will help you all the way.
5. The Samaritans - These are the people that are willing to help you no matter what.  They may not have the relevant skills or experience but they are willing to put their time in often for free.  They are usually likeable people and workers.
6. The Sukubus - These people will latch onto your business and try and claim all they can from it.

Used in the right game plan all of these resources can be used in the right way.  You meet them all the time, you just might label them differently.