Sue Pressman, 69th President of ACA
“Everyone has a calling. And your real job in life is to find out what it is who you should be as soon as possible and to honor it for yourself in the best possible way. " – Oprah Winfrey
As a consultant, have you ever thought about starting your own business?
* I developed transferable skills on how to read a request for quotation, write a proposal, review and understand a contract / task agreement, build and negotiate business relationships. These transferable skills became drivers that turned into action and started my business. My business grew from a consulting practice to training, curriculum design and organizational studies using quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Today the impact of COVID-19 affects how we work and how we will do business in the future. The age of digitization has changed the way we provide services. Providing these services requires creativity, determination, planning, the development of new skills and the use of different technologies (e.g. search engine optimization, online learning, accessible and targeted websites). In other words, the new normal.
Get started and grow into the future. Balancing your needs and requirements is different for everyone. When I decided to start my business, I had a part-time job so I could still count on a stable income. This created multiple sources of income and gave me the flexibility to volunteer, network, and write suggestions. The business grew and became sustainable.
To go beyond the dream, a plan and structure are required. These will be your guiding lights. Various business structures and certifications are available to you in the USA. Here are three: sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), and registered company (Inc.). Your business goals and objectives are your starting point in deciding which one is right for you. If you are unsure which structure is best for you, I strongly recommend consulting an auditor and your state's corporate board.
Establish your brand. Branding provides an identity and becomes an integral part of your business statement. Know your niche! What distinguishes you
When I see the ACA logo I can easily identify the "C" which represents the advice and is enclosed in the blue circle against the white background. This tells me a story without words.
Be consistent with all of your marketing materials. Your logo and graphics should be easily recognizable on all of your communication and marketing materials (website, social media, brochures, emails, etc.).
Communicate your services with passion. When you align your personal values and passion with your business vision and mission, you can run your practice. As consultants, we understand that open and honest communication with our "customers" creates trust. The same applies to business with your "customers". This will help establish your reputation, which is essential to success.
Build your legacy. Building a business and your legacy starts with a vision – or starts with a goal. What do you want people to remember about you and your company?
You need a network of people and resources, including family, friends and colleagues, to build your legacy. Additionally, you need to know your sources of recommendation: people who love what you do. It is also useful to volunteer or take leadership roles. Identify professional associations, organizations, and agencies in which you can attend or otherwise benefit from your skills.
The easiest business to source is "legacy business" or "repeat business" as a result of the success of your clients and customers.
"You have to know what kindles the light in you so that you can illuminate the world in your own way." – Oprah Winfrey
