Consulting
The question I’m asked most often is, “How did you even see that?”
And clients and associates frequently tell me things like, “I like how you always seem to come at a problem from some different angle.”
My response is this — When you’re working with a coach or a consultant… Shouldn’t they notice things you miss? Shouldn’t they attack challenges differently?
It’s kind of the point, isn’t it?
So, I’ve adopted the word, Parallax.
“The word parallax, broadly interpreted, means ‘new insights gained from the addition of a second vantage point’—a metaphor with powerful meaning.”
Stephen Bohannon, writer
In my world, It means seeing challenges from a completely different point in space… completely removed from the problem itself. That’s what makes it work.
Usually, the goal in hiring an outside consultant or expert is to receive an actionable answer to a specific issue, or a solution to a specific problem. Essentially, that’s what consulting is, right? Well, maybe.
I believe it’s more than that…
What if you could see trends and patterns where others don’t? Sometimes finding a solution involves seeing between the lines—other times, it’s the classic second set of eyes, usually from outside an organization that notices it.
I thrive on finding those elusive, not-so-obvious solutions to thorny problems.
Help for accidental and reluctant entrepreneurs…
Were you downsized or forced-out by the COVID-19 crisis? Had you started your second act or encore business only to have it derailed right out from under you?
Do you feel lost, overwhelmed, going in circles, or just spinning your wheels? These are all completely normal symptoms in an entrepreneurial journey—one compounded by the crisis.
Running your own business can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. It can also be frustrating, stressful, and even lonely at times. Then this happens! When you can’t turn to your team or those close to you, who do you turn to for advice and guidance?
How do you respond? How will you know what’s next (for you)?
How do I work with clients?
I am a consultant who coaches.
Some say that consultants should tell the client what they need to do. How effective can that be? We’ll follow a “Done-WITH-You” path instead of a traditional “done-for-you” approach. That way we don’t develop a co-dependency—you know, that consultant who never goes away! My goal is always to work myself out of a job.
What is it?
- I’ll guide you through the process while we develop it further and tailor it to your specific situation.
- We’ll explore options and possibilities and develop strategies based on our collective knowledge and experience.
Why?
- Clients want to be part of the solution. When you have skin in the game, your commitment is higher. You’re more likely to implement the solution.
- Traditional done-for-you services usually don’t result in much learning. I want to teach you, that’s why I use a done-with-you model.
- Programs are in ‘Permanent Beta’ which means they’re always improving under critical eyes (yours and mine).
I’ve worked with Jeff in both a corporate setting and through his consulting firm, and several aspects stand out. First, his ability to do critical listening and capture the vital few challenges or issues a firm is experiencing. Jeff does a great job of getting to the root cause and finding options that may bring resolution or a breakthrough that often times company leadership can’t see. Another aspect is his sincere honesty. In our times of working together I could always count on Jeff to be straightforward and trustworthy in a time when these attributes can be hard to find in the business world.”
John Vukich, Product Development Strategist and Founder of iZum, LLC
How Do We Do It?
This is a collaborative process…
- First, it is all about the PARTNERSHIP we create
- Second, in a series of conversations we will discover what is happening and why from many different PERSPECTIVES
- Third, COLLABORATE to define the desired outcomes
- Fourth, PERSISTENCE… the fact that something is possible does not mean it will happen
- Fifth, RESOLUTION… we revisit fundamental assumptions about your businesses, tie it all together into a simple roadmap, and determine next steps
Programs
Do you believe big companies have all the advantages? As a small business, you have more leverage than you may realize!
There are distinct advantages that small businesses have over big corporates.
Let’s discover yours and start using them!
“Life’s not fair, but not necessarily to your disadvantage.”—John F. Kennedy
Are you getting business, but not repeat business? Are your prospects kicking the tires, but not buying?
If you aren’t getting repeat business, or quality of business you would like…
Then it sounds like you’ve got a sales prevention program that’s working against you.
Let’s find it and fix it!
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur who’s landed a major corporate client? Would you like more big wins?
Many small businesses struggle with all the hoops they have to jump through when contracting with big companies.
Let’s zero in on what matters and forget about what doesn’t, so you can avoid the do-overs and win more business.
“Most problems don’t require more data. They require more insight, more innovation and better eyes.”
Seth Godin