Recruit independent advisors

Who this is for

Founder led lower-middle market companies with 5 to 50 million in annual revenue that want targeted help without a full fiduciary board.

The quick answer

Start with a skills map that names gaps in go to market, operations, finance, or sector insight. Write a clear mandate and expected time. Target operators who have built at your stage. Run references and conflict checks. Offer simple terms with a retainer or small equity and clear outcomes. Review fit each year.

The method in eight steps

Create the skills map
List the outcomes you need and the gaps by function and by sector.
Write the mandate
State why you want the advisor, what success looks like, and the expected time per month.
Source stage fit operators
Look for people who have built at your scale and in your type of work. Prioritise practical builders over famous names.
Screen with real work
Ask candidates to review your one page plan or to role play a hard decision.
Run references and conflict checks
Speak with prior CEOs or founders at a similar stage. Confirm there are no conflicts with competitors or suppliers.
Offer simple terms
Set a small monthly retainer or a small equity grant with vesting tied to time and impact. Keep paperwork light.
Onboard with clarity
Share the plan, the dashboard, and the meeting rhythm. Book the first ninety days of touch points now.
Review value each year
Confirm fit and outcomes. Refresh the skills map and rotate advisors when needs change.

Example

A company added two advisors. one with pricing depth and one with channel experience. A clear mandate and a monthly rhythm produced quick wins in the first quarter.

Pitfalls and fixes

Vague mandates. Write outcomes and time expectations.
Big names without stage fit. Choose operators who have built at your size.
Open ended terms. Use annual reviews.

Checklist

Skills map
Written mandate
Stage fit shortlist
Reference and conflict checks
Simple term sheet
Onboarding pack and schedule
Annual review date