Let me preface by saying that I do not wish failure on anyone (OK, except the Tea Party and GOP generally). I am happy for my friends who are successful doing what they love.
But.
It seems to me that it is somewhat (OK, a lot) easier to set up a business selling something that people want, rather than something they need.
Folks are more willing to part with dollars to acquire a fun, attractive, interesting objet, than they are to acquire knowledge, skills or expertise.
At about the same time as I began my self-employment adventure, others began their own forays into entrepreneurship. Their endeavors offer tangible, feel good products – pictures to hang on the wall, clothing to wear.
My services provide no such visual, tactile stimuli. I can help organizations become more effective at achieving their missions, which in the long run, provides incalculable feel good results. But it begins by acknowledging a lack or problem, seeking out assistance to overcome the obstacle, and implementing the recommendations and templates I provide. Then, months or years later, they see improvements in their capacity, visibility, efficiency, and/or creativity.
But it requires vision and work. Hiring me to consult means that I will push you to stretch beyond your comfort zone, to take risks and to allow for failure. It does not mean that I will provide you with a warm fuzzy feeling. You will spend money to be challenged and put to work.
Maybe I need to provide stuffed animals or baked goods as part of the package.
Two words: iPad Giveaways.
😉
Hah!