PICA Member Spotlights
Q&A with independent consultants who successfully “made the leap” and created the consulting career of their dreams
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. Once my son was older and healthy, I realized that I enjoyed the flexibility and variety consulting gave me. That’s why I decided consulting and eventually starting my own business in 2010 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 business development. As a sole business owner, it can be difficult to carve out time to network and market my services while also working on client projects. Keeping a strong prospective client pipeline is something I have to work on all the time even during those weeks when it feels like I don’t have the time. I would say business development continues to be something that I both love and hate at the same time but it’s so important to keeping my business healthy!
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. I’ve developed a variety of case studies to showcase both my HR advisory work as well as the results my executive coaching clients have received. The case studies help prospective clients “see” themselves and provides an understanding of 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: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous challenges to my clients. Many are navigating the complexities as they return their employees to the office or decide to keep a hybrid work environment. In addition, clients are facing a labor shortage as they ramp-up production or grow their companies. As we approach the 4th quarter and wind down 2021, I’m helping my clients with year-end activities and planning for 2022 via my Just in Time Advisory Service. My goal is to expand this offering to more businesses so they can finish the year strong and are prepared for 2022. Also, on the executive coaching front, I want to continue to be the sounding board to executives as they navigate the new world of work. Many leaders are realizing that leadership has to adapt to new approaches because what worked pre-pandemic will not work now or in the future.
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 to me via LinkedIn or my website.
