The Curious Case of Business Consultation: Insight or Venting?
As a consultant for small business owners, I often find myself in a unique position during our sessions. Surprisingly, I sometimes feel more like a therapist than a strategic advisor.
When small business owners approach me for Instagram consultations, they usually express a desire for increased engagement, improved reach, and overall growth—a promise of transformation that I genuinely enjoy delivering. It’s fulfilling to see clients who take my insights seriously and implement changes that significantly impact their businesses. Those who do often experience a remarkable shift in their online presence.
However, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: many clients leave our sessions without making any real adjustments. It’s not that my recommendations are superficial; we dive deep into crucial elements like brand clarity, messaging, content strategy, and audience connection. We cover substantial topics that could propel their businesses forward. Yet, after our call, it’s as if the conversation never happened.
I can’t help but ponder this phenomenon. It leaves me questioning the motivations behind seeking professional help. Have they come simply to vent about their challenges rather than to genuinely explore solutions?
Perhaps I’m viewing this through a different lens. If I were managing a business, my commitment to its success would be paramount. Understanding my target audience would be essential since that’s where revenue flows from.
So, it raises an essential question: why invest in expert advice if you’re not going to act on it? Why approach growth with such ambivalence when the desire is ostensibly there?
Is this behavior a widespread issue among small business owners, or am I just encountering a select few who are more interested in voicing their frustrations than pursuing a path to improvement? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this subject—maybe together we can uncover the answers.
