Understanding Business Consultations: A Therapist or a Strategist?

As a consultant specializing in helping small businesses grow their presence on platforms like Instagram, I often find myself in a unique position. Many of my clients come seeking advice on enhancing engagement, increasing reach, and ultimately achieving better growth. I genuinely enjoy these consultations—when clients take the insights we discuss seriously, the results can be transformative.

However, there’s a curious trend I’ve observed. Despite diving deep into strategies including brand clarity, effective messaging, content planning, and audience engagement, many clients leave our sessions and make little to no changes to their approach. It often feels as if they are seeking a sounding board more than a strategist.

This raises an important question: Why would someone invest in professional guidance yet fail to implement the recommendations provided? From my perspective, if I were running a business, I would be fully committed to understanding my customers and their needs. After all, the success of my venture relies on this understanding.

Is it common for business owners to hesitate in applying the advice they receive? Am I simply encountering a niche group of individuals who use consultations as a way to vent their frustrations rather than a step towards tangible growth?

I’m eager to explore this phenomenon and would love to hear from fellow professionals or business owners. What do you think? Are some people drawn to consultations primarily for validation, or is there a deeper reason for this behavior? Your insights could shed light on this interesting dynamic in the world of business consulting.