I’m always flattered when other aspiring entrepreneurs ask to sit down with me, and I absolutely love hearing about other people’s small businesses (it’s one of my favourite things about my work).
Although, as far as invites to “grab a coffee” go, I much prefer green juice, organic tea, and Dandy Blend – I’ll even provide the tea when meeting at my office! Unfortunately, there are simply not enough hours in the day to sit down with everyone I need and want to (especially since I receive several requests to meet every week!)
Many people asking to “chat” are trying to decide whether Borden Communications can help their business (thank you for your consideration), and many simply want my advice, or to “pick my brain”. Conversations like these are actually a professional service that I offer, which is why (after years of saying “yes”), I no longer agree to unofficial meetings, the exception of course being the pro-bono work I do and the work I put in sitting on multiple boards.
I welcome you to click around the Borden website to help you understand what we do and how we do it, and even connect with me on LinkedIn where clients and collaborators have written about their experience working with me. I answer all my emails and social media messages.
If you have any more questions about what to expect during a consultation with me, hopefully I can help answer them here:
Why spend your time (your most valued resource) with me anyways?
Many people or companies can deliver a logo, give good advice, or help create opportunities. We do it all (and more) with a different attitude, and we’re relentless in the pursuit of success, while ensuring a return on investment. Although our client list might be impressive, it’s our relationships that we value most. It’s the combination of passion, dedication, constant yapping, straight-shooting, ethics, experience and relationships that makes working with us unique (and worth it). I work with clients prior to start-ups and help businesses who have been happy with their results for years — no matter what your story is, we look forward to meeting you.
Your initial consultation – what’s in it for you?
Whether in person, over the phone, or through Skype, speaking with me is the first step regardless of what you want to do, discover, create, accomplish, or learn. Your initial consult is not a coaching session, it’s not a consulting session, and it’s not a concierge service (I refuse to be like anyone else and my approach involves a strategic blend of all these roles).
All you need for your initial consult is YOU – there’s no preparation required. In your initial consult, we’ll talk, and then I’ll prioritize your ideas and create a full plan of attack, all within the hour (seriously!). Even if we’ve never worked with you before, I’ll know how to work with you, within your budget, based on your strengths and realistic goals. I will get to the root of your motivation and point you in the right direction. Sometimes this means moving a few steps back and readjusting, and sometimes this means making plans for the future and figuring out how to get there.
After your initial consultation with me, you will not only leave with an understanding about how I work and what I do; You will leave with tangible, executable ideas while having a new invigorating sense of direction. If you speak to our clients, they will tell you how valuable it has been for them and their business (and how seriously I take my work).
So you’ve had your initial consultation… What’s next?
We hope that after your initial consultation, you choose to continue to work with me and our team. We are passionate, enthusiastic, and love what we do! If you ask, many would tell you that I have a big mouth. Many would tell you that I’m “real” and tell it like it is. I’m not “normal”, but few people who make lasting impressions are conventional. Borden Communications offers superior service, which is the basis by which we conduct all of our business. Our clients receive responsive action to all of their needs and we stand behind everything we do. We put the time and effort into every job to ensure that we deliver on each commitment. The ultimate goal is not just to have a satisfied client, but to have a thrilled client. No matter what the task – we look forward to exceeding your expectations.
Please take a look at our Logical Services for more information on how we can work together. Keep in mind, we offer a holistic approach to all we do, and understand that your needs are different from anyone else’s, we would be happy to customize a plan and suggest how to best proceed as well.
My team and I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully working together! I firmly and proudly stand behind the value I offer new clients during our initial (and ongoing) consultations.
I wish you the best of luck in all of your ventures. Always value yourself and your talents too much to give your services and time away for free. Continue to be fearless, to connect with other entrepreneurs, and know that you are making a difference.
Here’s to doing good work on our own, and together.
If you’re looking for entrepreneurial inspiration, try reading my 25 Big Thoughts for Your Small Business.
