The Paradox of Consulting: When Advice Goes Unused
As a consultant for small business owners, I’ve often found myself in a position that feels more akin to that of a therapist than a strategist. During our sessions, many business owners express a desire for greater engagement, improved reach, and notable growth on platforms like Instagram. I genuinely enjoy these consultations, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see those who take the insights to heart—transforming their approach into a game-changing strategy.
However, there are numerous instances where the enthusiasm fades after our call, and I’m left wondering about the disconnect. Despite the in-depth discussions we have—covering essential topics like brand clarity, messaging, content strategy, and audience connection—some clients seem to make little, if any, changes.
It can feel disheartening, almost as if they’ve come just to share their frustrations rather than seeking actionable solutions. This has led me to ponder: why invest in a consultation if the insights won’t be applied?
Perhaps my perspective is unique, but I believe that as business owners, we should be more invested in our success than anyone else. Understanding our customers and adapting our strategies accordingly is crucial, as they are the foundation of our revenue.
This raises an important question for discussion: Why do some entrepreneurs pay for expert advice yet hesitate to implement it? Are these scenarios more widespread than I realize, or am I simply encountering a few outliers?
Understanding this phenomenon might help us all strategize better and, ultimately, foster the growth we desire. I’m curious to hear your thoughts or experiences on this topic.
One Comment
This post highlights a very common, yet often overlooked, challenge in consulting: the implementation gap. It’s insightful to recognize that many entrepreneurs seek guidance not just for knowledge but for motivation and accountability. The analogy of feeling more like a therapist underscores the emotional aspect of small business ownership—stress, uncertainty, and sometimes a need for reassurance rather than a straightforward advice fix.
From my perspective, understanding the root causes behind hesitation to implement strategies can be transformative. Common barriers include fear of failure, overwhelm, lack of clarity on next steps, or even misalignment of priorities. As consultants, perhaps we can augment our value by incorporating ongoing accountability support, tailored action plans, and addressing mindset hurdles directly.
Ultimately, fostering a collaborative partnership where entrepreneurs feel both empowered and committed to action may bridge this gap. Encouraging small wins early on and celebrating progress can re-energize their motivation. It’s also worth exploring whether more pre-consultation groundwork around goal-setting and expectations might set clearer intentions for both sides.
Thanks for opening this important conversation — it’s a reminder that our role often extends beyond advice to being catalysts for sustained change.