PICA Member Spotlights

Q&A with independent consultants who have successfully “made the leap” to launch and grow the consulting career of their dreams.

Michelle Mendoza

Founder of Connect to HR. Independent 12 years

Q: Why did you go independent?

A: Flexibility. In 2007, I became a mom after many years of trying to have a child. In the first year of my son’s life, he was very sick. At that time, I didn't feel my career path in corporate America was going to allow me the flexibility or the time I needed to be with my son while he was dealing with his illness. That’s why I decided consulting and eventually starting my own business would be a better path for my career and family.

Q: So what's been your biggest challenge?

A: The biggest challenge as a business owner continues to be how to best market my services. Over time, as I continue to refine who I want to work with or what I'm passionate about, the marketing then has to be in line with it. This way, I can attract the right people into my pipeline. I would say marketing continues to be something that I both love and hate at the same time.

Q: I know that last year you put together some collateral, like sample case studies. How did you come up with the idea to do that and how do you use those?

A: The idea came from a colleague who had created case studies to help her redefine her market and to better communicate what type of work she was doing. She was gracious enough to let me copy that idea. The case studies help prospective clients understand whether or not they're a good fit for working with me. Also, I use them with prospective clients either before a consulting conversation or after to show examples of the type of work that I've done. Colleagues have also used them to refer people to me.

Q: So what's next for you and Connect to HR?

A: From a client survey I conducted it became obvious that business owners often feel lonely. There aren't very many places where they feel safe being vulnerable and sharing the ups and downs of what it takes to run a business. My clients encouraged me to continue to develop my HR advisory services and to develop executive coaching programs. Therefore, I want to continue to grow that side of my business.

Q: What’s the best way for fellow PICA members to connect with you, and are you willing to share your case study collateral?

A: Of course, I’m happy to! Just reach out via my website or LinkedIn. ↓

Website: https://connecttohr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemendozaconnecttohr