The Struggles of small business Consultations: When Strategy Meets Resistance
As a consultant for small business owners, I often find myself in an unexpected role—more of a therapist than a strategist. Many entrepreneurs reach out for assistance with their Instagram strategies, expressing a desire for increased engagement, improved reach, and significant growth. I genuinely enjoy these consultations and have seen undeniable success stories emerge when clients choose to take action based on our recommendations.
However, a notable trend has emerged: while some clients implement changes and see remarkable transformations, a significant number do not act on the insights gained during our sessions. It’s perplexing.
Our discussions delve deep into essential areas—including brand clarity, messaging, content strategy, optimizing bios, and forging genuine connections with their audiences. We cover critical and actionable topics, yet, post-consultation, many seem to revert back to their old ways. It leaves me pondering—what’s the rationale behind this?
From my perspective, if I were running a business, I would invest wholeheartedly in its success. Understanding my customers and their needs would be my top priority, as that’s where the revenue truly stems from. So, I can’t help but ask: why spend money on expert advice only to disregard it? If growth is the objective, why stop short of fully committing to the process?
Is this a common scenario across the board, or am I simply encountering a unique subset of clients? It’s a thought-provoking question that deserves exploration within the entrepreneurial community.
One Comment
This is such an insightful reflection on the challenges consultants face when working with small business owners. It highlights a common but often overlooked aspect of growth—behavioral change and commitment. Sometimes, entrepreneurs may understand the strategies intellectually but struggle with emotional or psychological barriers that prevent full implementation.
One approach that might help bridge this gap is integrating accountability and mindset coaching into the consultation process. Setting clear, measurable goals, along with regular check-ins, can foster a sense of responsibility and progress. Additionally, exploring root causes—such as fear of failure, perfectionism, or overwhelm—may uncover deeper obstacles that hinder action.
Ultimately, combining strategic advice with support around mindset and behavioral change could significantly improve the conversion of insights into tangible results. Engaging clients in a way that addresses both their technical needs and emotional hurdles might be the key to turning good intentions into consistent, ongoing actions.