The Paradox of Paid Consultations: Why Some Business Owners Don’t Take Action
In my experience providing paid consultations to small business owners, I’ve found myself in an unexpected role—one that sometimes resembles that of a therapist rather than a strategist. While I genuinely enjoy these sessions and often engage deeply with my clients, I’ve noticed a recurring theme that leaves me pondering.
Many of the entrepreneurs who come to me seeking advice on improving their Instagram presence express goals like increased engagement, enhanced reach, and overall growth. These are admirable aspirations, and I fully commit to helping them achieve these objectives. For some clients, my advice sparks significant changes in their approach, transforming their businesses for the better—a truly rewarding outcome.
However, a noticeable number of clients seem to walk away from our sessions without implementing any of the strategies we discuss. Despite thorough conversations that delve into essential aspects such as brand clarity, messaging, content distribution, bio optimization, and audience engagement, there often appears to be a disconnect. It leaves me wondering why they sought out guidance in the first place if they aren’t willing to take the next step.
As someone deeply invested in my work, I am perplexed by this phenomenon. If I were in their shoes, running my own business, I would naturally prioritize understanding my customers and actively pursuing growth. It seems counterintuitive to pay for assistance yet choose to ignore it.
This brings me to a question that I’d like to explore: Why invest in professional guidance only to disregard it? Is this a common occurrence, or am I merely encountering an unusual subset of clients?
As I reflect on these experiences, I invite fellow entrepreneurs, consultants, and business enthusiasts to share their insights. Let’s foster a discussion on the importance of accountability and action in achieving business growth. Perhaps together we can uncover the reasons behind this paradox and encourage more effective implementation of valuable strategies.
