Newsletter
5 Year Anniversary!
(December 22, 2005)
SIA Consulting officially came into being on February 1, 2001 so I am about to celebrate 5 years! Here are some of the questions I am most frequently asked about being a coach, consultant and sole practitioner, as well as my answers.
Do you ever miss being in the corporate world? Would you ever consider going back?
No and not if I have a choice. One of the things I enjoy most about being a coach and consultant is that I can see and address issues so much more easily from the outside looking in. When you are part of an organization you see things very differently than an outsider does, generally less objectively and dispassionately. One of the real values I am able to bring to organizational different viewpoint along with the separation from organizational structure and politics. And I get to observe and learn about so many different companies and types of business!
What do you enjoy the most?
Being able to focus on helping people be the best they can be on the job (the positive). When I was in corporate HR I had to spend so much time on disciplinary and employment law issues the dark side of how employees behave at work. Now I can be committed to helping my clients be successful and I get so much satisfaction out of making a difference for a client. When a client has an Ah Hah! moment or tells me how Ive helped them, its fantastic!
What do you like the least?
Marketing and business development! Like most of us, Im not very comfortable selling myself. Its like doing continuous job search! I was told early on that consultants need to spend about 30% of their time doing business development and networking, and I think thats very true. If you dont keep the flow coming into the pipeline it dries up!
What are your main sources of business/clients?
Fortunately, I have gotten to the point where most of my business comes from referrals or repeat business! It takes time to have the track record to arrive at this point and its great when you get here! I belong to many professional associations for increasing the number of people who know me and what I do, and I make presentations on coaching, teamwork, leadership development and HR Strategy whenever possible. I also subscribe to coach and consultant referral listings (search locations) and do subcontracted engagements through bigger consulting firms or other consultants as opportunities arise.
Whats a perfect client for you?
A small to medium sized organization of any type that wants to improve overall organization performance through improved use of leadership, communication and interpersonal skills (soft skills), where I can work with multiple members of the management team, both individually and together.
Previous newsletters:
Year in Review (December 9, 2004)
New Directions (November 19, 2003)
Perfect Customers (August 18, 2003)
Doing your best (April 17, 2003)
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