The Right Advice at the Right Time: Why Every Startup Needs an Advisor (and How to Choose One)
Startups don’t fail because the founders aren’t smart or hardworking.
They fail because they’re solving new problems… with no one in the room who’s seen them before.
That’s where great advisors come in — not to tell you what to do, but to help you ask better questions, avoid common traps, and make sharper decisions faster. But not all advisors are created equal — and the best ones won’t just agree with you. They’ll challenge your thinking, spot blind spots, and raise your standards.
So when is the right time to bring one in? And how do you choose someone who actually adds value?
🤝 Why Advisors Matter
Startups operate in high-stakes, fast-paced environments. Founders are often wearing five hats and making decisions with limited information. Having the right advisor beside you can be a game-changer.
Here’s why:
Perspective: They’ve seen the movie before — and know how it ends.
Speed: Help you cut through noise and avoid trial-and-error decision-making.
Credibility: Their backing adds weight with investors, partners, and even your internal team.
Accountability: They help you stay sharp, focused, and moving forward.
Most founders are figuring it out as they go. An advisor gives you the cheat codes.
🧩 When Should You Bring in an Advisor?
It’s never too early to surround yourself with smart people — but there are a few inflection points where having an advisor makes a clear difference:
Pre-launch: Validating your idea, product, or market.
Post-launch: Fine-tuning your go-to-market, pricing, or ops.
Fundraising: Building your deck, refining your pitch, or preparing for diligence.
Market Expansion: Especially useful when entering new regions like the Middle East.
Scaling: Structuring your team, org chart, and internal processes.
If you’re regularly asking yourself, “Have we done this the right way?” — you’re probably ready for one.
🔍 What Makes a Great Advisor?
A great advisor brings more than just experience. They bring clarity, challenge, and confidence.
Here’s what to look for:
Specific expertise: Someone who has done exactly what you’re trying to do — not just a generalist.
Constructive friction: They challenge your thinking, not just nod along. You’re not paying for validation — you’re paying for better decisions.
Hands-on support: Strategy is great, but practical guidance is better. The best advisors roll up their sleeves when needed.
No ego: You don’t need to be impressed. You need someone who listens, understands, and adds value.
Availability: A name on your deck is pointless if they never show up.
Chemistry and trust: You’ll be sharing the messy middle — you need to be comfortable being honest.
A great advisor won’t tell you what you want to hear — they’ll tell you what you need to hear.
🛠️ How to Find One
Good advisors are out there — you just need to know where to look:
Tap your network: Ask other founders who they trust.
Get active in the ecosystem: Pitch nights, accelerators, and panels are fertile ground.
Use platforms: LinkedIn, AngelList, and even your current investor base can be helpful.
Reach out directly: Many experienced operators are happy to share their time — if you’re clear on what you need.
💬 What to Ask When You’re Choosing One
Treat it like a key hire — because it is. Ask:
“Have you worked with companies at our stage before?”
“What types of support do you usually provide?”
“What mistakes do you most often see founders make — and how can we avoid them?”
“Can we start with a 30-day or project-based advisory period?”
If they’re vague, overpromise, or aren’t curious about your business — move on.
✅ Final Thoughts
Startups don’t need to know everything. They just need to know who to ask.
The right advisor doesn’t just make you feel better — they make you better. They help you zoom out, think sharper, act faster, and lead more confidently.
At troop, we advise early-stage and growth-focused businesses across the Middle East — helping founders structure, scale, and succeed with less stress and more clarity.
Looking for a sounding board, a growth partner, or just someone to challenge your thinking? Let’s talk
