Top 4 Topics I Discuss in Consulting Conversations, Part 1

Recently, I shared an article titled the Top 4 Topics I Discuss in Coaching Conversations. Curious to know the most commonly discussed topics of my Consulting conversations?

In this (2 part) article, I'll be sharing the Top 4 Topics I Discuss in Consulting Conversations, because I'm equally passionate about the Consulting work I do with Clients.

1. Employee Management

For most Business Owners, it's probably no surprise this is the #1 Consulting topic I discuss with Clients. If you want to grow your business, you're going to need to lead others and delegate. Both require people management.

In conversations related to this topic, I hear about challenges such as being confident in asking for help, holding people accountable, setting clear expectations, lack of time for training, giving effective feedback and letting go of people pleasing tendencies (i.e. worrying about hurting other people's feelings).

To help provide support, knowledge and ultimately relief in this area, I share what I've experienced and learned as a Business Owner myself over the past 20yrs. I share stories about various approaches I've taken and the conversations and outcomes that unfolded as a result (what worked and what didn't work). I'm an open book about the good, the not-so-good and the ugly moments I've had as a Business Owner.

I also guide Clients to outline a foundational structure that can make employee management so much easier. I'm talking about a ROOT of a solid business foundation- the Staffing Structure. A foundational Staffing Structure clearly defines who does what in each department within the Company. Once the "seats" in each department are defined, I guide my Clients to identify the key responsibilities that must be fulfilled by each role, aka: each seat.   

I'm always amazed how far Business Owners get AND how successful they can become without this clarity. It's totally possible to have a successful, revenue-generating business without a staffing structure, however it's likely the day-to-day operations are more of a struggle (messy, unclear, chaotic, hair on fire, lack of accountability, sub-parr performance). 

After this "work" is complete, Clients always say it's time well spent! 

2. Company Vision

Most Business Owners are hustling in the daily grind and trying to keep up with the demands of a growing and successful business. Many are focused on what they "should" be doing, rather than slowing down to consider what they want most for their future. Enter Company Vision...

A Company Vision is the foundation from which everything else in a business is built upon. No, it's not a traditional Business Plan- it's more purposeful and impactful than a document you'd present to a bank for funding. This is for YOU, your business partners and for your Team. A Company Vision helps you get off the hamster wheel of the daily grind so you can become more intentional in your decision-making and action-taking.

Most Clients have no idea what I mean by Company Vision, therefore, I share the pieces of the Company Vision puzzle and the potential impact of defining each: Core Values, a Purpose/Mission Statement, a Niche and 1yr/3yr/10yr goals.

When I help Clients define these pieces and get clear about where they want to go, they can then create a 90 Day Action Plan (see Topic #4 in Part 2) to get there more efficiently and smoothly. The ultimate results are:

• they're able to design the day/week around doing things that will move the needle closer to their ultimate goals
• they can more easily discern and prioritize how to spend their time/energy (making it easier to say "no") and
• they start getting the results they want sooner than expected, with less stress and feelings of overwhelm

I am SUPER PASSIONATE about helping Clients slow down and get clear on their Company Vision, so their entire entrepreneurial journey and the daily grind for everyone involved is just easier and more enjoyable (thus, as a secondary benefit- an inspiring Company Vision plays a significant role in building a positive culture within the company: see Topic #1).

Have you found VALUE in exploring the Top 2 Topics?

Check back next week for Part 2, to read about how I approach Consulting conversations related to Topic #3: systems and processes and Topic #4: time management.