Small Business Consulting
I want to be my own boss.
Maybe you aren’t looking for a new job at all. You may be thinking that what you’d really like to do is start your own small business, consulting firm, or private practice. I have helped many clients launch or grow a business. I know all about the many fears and anxieties that accompany being in business for yourself, by yourself. I also know it’s possible to get beyond them.
These issues often confront entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs:
• I’ve been thinking about starting my own business for years, but I need help creating a plan.
• I’ve always dreamed of working for myself, but can’t figure out what business to start.
• I fell into a consulting gig, and found I loved it. How do I turn this into a business?
• I have a small consulting business/private practice, but want to make it my full-time job.
• I don’t know how to get clients or increase my client base.
• I don’t know what to do about creating a website.
• I’m not getting the types of clients with whom I really want to work.
• I’m feeling burned out: I’m working really hard, but not making enough money.
The types of businesses I have helped clients start include:
• Career Counseling and Therapy Private Practices
• Coaching and Executive Coaching
• Health and Wellness Consulting
• Non-Profit Management Consulting
• Training
• Home Improvement and Interior Design
• Sales and Marketing Consulting
• Government Relations Consulting
• Human Resources
• Engineering
• Music Instruction
• Researchers, Editors, and Writers
The term “private practice” is used to describe professional services provided by individuals. Therapists, coaches, counselors, lawyers, accountants, and financial planners often describe their businesses as a “private practice” or themselves as “being in private practice.” There are many similarities between private practices and other small consulting businesses, but there are also unique issues that may require modified solutions:
• Many businesses provide testimonials or references from happy customers, but therapists and counselors have to tread carefully in this area because of concerns about the therapeutic alliance.
• Getting referral fees for business sent to another consultant is standard practice in many areas but is not recommended for therapists and counselors.
• Many business owners have close personal relationships with long-time clients, but counselors and therapists may not ethically engage in dual relationships.
• Reducing fees for certain clients may not be legal for therapists and counselors who are on insurance panels.
• Many aggressive marketing techniques are not ethical for therapists and counselors.
Most therapists, counselors, and coaches go into practice because we love helping people, not because we want to run a business. But, as the saying goes, if we don’t run our business, it will run us — usually into the ground. We can work together to make sure that business issues don’t sap the joy, vitality, and profit from your private practice.
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