The Curious Case of Business Consultations: Why Some Entrepreneurs Don’t Follow Through
As a consultant for small business owners, I often find myself in an interesting position. Surprisingly, during many of my paid consultations, I feel more like a therapist than a strategist.
Most of the entrepreneurs who seek my expertise in Instagram growth usually express a desire for increased engagement, improved reach, and rapid growth. This is a service I genuinely enjoy providing; when clients embrace the changes I suggest, it can transform their business landscape for the better.
However, there’s a significant portion of clients who walk away from our sessions without implementing any changes at all. Despite the in-depth discussions we have about crucial elements like brand clarity, messaging strategies, content flow, profile enhancements, and audience connection—after our calls, I often find that little, if anything, has been altered in their approach.
It sometimes feels as if they are merely seeking a sounding board rather than actionable strategies. I can’t help but wonder about their motivations. Why invest in professional advice only to ignore it?
Perhaps I approach my business differently; if I were running my own, I would be deeply invested in every detail. Understanding my customers would be a top priority, as they are the lifeblood of any business.
So, I pose this question to fellow entrepreneurs and consultants: Why do some professionals pay for insights yet fail to act on them? Is this a widespread phenomenon or just a peculiar trend I’ve stumbled upon?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
One Comment
This is such a insightful post that touches on a common challenge many consultants and entrepreneurs face. It highlights the emotional side of business coaching—that sometimes clients seek validation or a sounding board more than actionable change.
One thing to consider is that resistance to change often stems from deeper psychological or emotional barriers—fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of implementing new strategies. In these cases, the role of the consultant can extend beyond strategy into behavioral change support, accountability, and even coaching.
Additionally, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and motivation during consultations can help bridge that gap. Asking clients about their ‘why’ and helping them visualize the tangible benefits of implementing recommended changes can spark intrinsic motivation.
Ultimately, encouraging a mindset that values consistency and growth, rather than quick fixes, might be key. Perhaps integrating follow-ups or accountability check-ins could nudge clients toward action.
Thanks for sparking this important discussion—recognizing these dynamics can help us improve how we support clients in transforming insights into impactful results.