CASE STUDIES
Jane gets her groove back
Jane’s Challenge:
Jane started a new business based on her experience working for a large in-house recruiting firm. Yet, Jane was doing too much work for free! “My son just graduated from college; maybe you can help him with his resume?” Jane said “yes” more often than “no.” Other times, she charged too little for her services. Hard to say “no” and hard to charge more—left her feeling scared, meek and anxious versus assured, adept and joyful.
Jane’s Evolution:
Working together, Jane learned how to price her services based on client-value (versus time & materials). I suggested she work with an accountant to achieve her desired & worthy margins. We also discovered how Jane should leverage her recruiting skills to extend her Job Search and HR Consulting services. Jane now knows… How to say “no” to free work—graciously. When to say “yes” to profitable work—assertively. And how to price her services—confidently. Given her recruiting know-how, she’s recognized as an expert (vs a commodity) in her field. Jane’s confidence skyrocketed. She feels like a polished pro. And, she’s having fun with her lucrative business.
Jane’s Words:
“My business would not be this big or successful without the fundamental work Lenora does.”
Lenora’s Words:
“Atta girl, Jane!”
Sam finds (and embraces) his inner CEO
Sam’s Challenge:
Sam started a business to assess & verify the quality of software programs. Why? So clients could determine whether to acquire these programs and/or companies. It’s complicated, and high stakes. Business people, lawyers, and techies—all needing to talk a common language to make a buy-or-walk decision. Sam had the tech chops, for sure. But was too often thinking like a nerd, instead of a CEO. This affected who he hired to perform elaborate, sophisticated and accurate analysis as part of the due diligence. Also, Sam wanted to work from anywhere so he and the Mrs. could travel the globe.
Sam’s Evolution:
We reframed Sam’s brain to think bigger. To focus more on business problems, less on tactics. So that he could grow the business. No more hiring any ole sales reps. Sam learned how to spot & hire people with hybrid skills. Someone able to… Analyze the business. Verify profit margins. Negotiate with attorneys. Mix it up with techies. And, articulate findings—more like Socrates than Homer Simpson. This helped his company be recognized in the market as a specialist, not a commodity. Sam also learned how to get the support of his partners to work remotely. He now enjoys logging in from Peru, Patagonia, Pennsylvania—or wherever. More than just running a profitable business, it’s about getting what Sam wanted and needed from his business.
Sam’s Words:
“Lenora helped me brand the company the way I needed—but couldn’t see myself.”
Lenora’s Words:
“Sam, got room for your business consultant on your next voyage?”
Paige anoints & appoints herself
Paige’s Challenge:
Paige is a change-management expert focused in health care & technology. Paige’s previous employer eliminated her job. Yikes. But then hired her as a consultant. Yay. However… others told her she could earn more on her own. “On my own?”, thought Paige. Yup, Paige suffered from anointed-&-appointed-by-others syndrome. She didn’t believe she could own her own biz, having been a company worker for so long. Yet, she was running her own business. Just with a client of one. For now.
Paige’s Evolution:
Paige felt relaxed & confident about her change management skills. But nervous & anxious about being an entrepreneur. We got to work articulating her business, starting with her LinkedIn profile and other scripts. Quickly, she became self-assured about her services and how to talk about her business. We then worked on establishing boundaries. Meaning… She was a free agent. She owned the client relationship. She controlled her rates. She was the boss of herself. Paige went without a website, for two years. Because she was so busy helping clients achieve their goals in their own ways—”whether by rocket ship or covered wagon.” Relaxed, confident and focused. Paige stepped into (vs. away from) being the business woman she never thought she could be—but did become.
Paige’s Words:
“Without Lenora, I’d still be a pimped-out worker instead of a happy business owner prospering on my own terms.”
Lenora’s Words:
“Way to go and get it, own it and be it, Paige.”
Fred defines ‘selling’—on his own terms
Fred’s Challenge:
Fred knows Personal Wealth Management. He knows how to teach. How to speak about wealth. How to help people achieve wealth. Knowledgable, creative, caring, thoughtful, clear, energetic, personable, specialized… all that. But… His website didn’t convey that. And, he’d been burned with previous business consultants, getting stale advice about selling. “Teaching ain’t selling,” others told him, including his three business partners. Fred kept getting advice to get out there and sell. Ugh. “That’s just not me.” Fred was (more than) ready for a breakthrough.
Fred’s Evolution:
Why in the world should people work on their weaknesses? At the end of the day, or year, or your life—all one has is a strong weakness. Fred knew, loved, and lit up when teaching wealth. We made sure to use the best of him. Learning Labs was born. People paid to attend these seminars. All his best qualities showed up, big time. In. Every. Lab. Attendees were inspired, relieved and enlightened about how to live life as if money wasn’t a factor. Of course, people started hiring Fred to get more. Cool huh? His partners thought so, too. We updated his website to reflect Fred’s unique ways-and-means. Teaching IS selling. Teaching reduces risk, increases trust—allowing people to step into your business. They sure did for Fred.
Fred’s Words:
“Lenora brought out the best version of myself, the team, and the business to achieve the breakthrough I’d been looking for—for years.”
Lenora’s Words:
“Kudos to you and your team, Fred, for being open to new tricks.”
DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR BUSINESS CONSULTANT
“I’m tired of doing things that don’t generate revenue. Tired of speaking too much with too many unqualified buyers. Tired of struggling how to position & market my business. I want someone who’s figured this out, done this for their own business, and for tons of their clients. Show me how, now. I’m willing to do the work and ready to achieve results—fast.”
Well said. Let’s make that happen.
© Copyright 2022 Lenora Edwards | Seattle, WA | 1-206-290-0481 | LinkedIn | lenora@lenoraedwards.com
Most entrepreneurs feel isolated and overwhelmed when starting or growing their business. I’ll guide you step-by-step through all aspects of your company. You’ll confidently know what to do and say to attract leads and convert them to paying clients.