As a small business owner, you will wear many hats in running your company. It isn't necessary (nor advisable) to try to wear EVERY hat you will need. By leveraging the expertise of other people, you can focus your efforts on what you do best.
As in every field, there are good suppliers and not-so-good ones as well. In searching for your partners, ask other business owners, particularly those in the software consulting or development industry, for recommendations. Providers that work well for a film production company may not be the best alternative for you. You may find that big corporations, while they have good name recognition and prestige, may not be worth the big-ticket expense. Focus on competent, small business owners.
The kind of professional advisors you may find helpful include an accountant and/or bookkeeper, a payroll service, an attorney, and insurance broker, marketing consultant, and a banker. Interview at least two referrals from each category if possible. While you should definitely ask about their prices, refrain from having price be your only criteria. Included under each professional is a list of potential questions you should ask those you are considering working with. Use the list here or develop a set of your own that will help you determine if he or she is a good match for you, your business and your particular skill set (or lack thereof) in that area.
Finally, make sure you will feel comfortable working with that person on a regular basis. Even if they are brilliant, if you are at all uncomfortable with them, you may be reluctant to ask for what you need from them. Remember, they are working for you; you are their client. As they advise you, ask what the risks are of taking or not taking their advice. Then decide and of course do stay within the law. While they there to provide their expertise and advise you on matters, you are the final decision maker.
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