How many of us remember being asked “What do you want to be when you’re grown up?” I don’t know about you, but I hated being asked that question. The answer wasn’t simple. I wanted to be a teacher, a businesswoman, a salesperson, an entrepreneur, and so much more. The truth was I wanted to do it all, be it all. 

Years later I was asked that again, and this time I had 25 years of employment under my belt to help me figure that out. This time I knew exactly what I wanted to do: I wanted to help people. And solve problems. I’ve always loved puzzles of all sorts-crosswords, jigsaws, even the math word problems we all know are designed to trip us up on that math final.

Becoming a business consultant and sales trainer requires a blend of expertise, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills. Aspiring consultants must first gain comprehensive knowledge of business operations, market dynamics, and sales strategies, often through formal education and extensive professional experience. Building a solid foundation in these areas enables them to analyze organizations effectively, identify growth opportunities, and develop tailored solutions that drive results. As sales trainers, they focus on empowering employees with practical skills and techniques to enhance their performance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Success in this field hinges on the ability to adapt methods to diverse business environments while maintaining a results-oriented approach that aligns with client objectives.

I had my first “real job” at sixteen, working at a library. To my naive teenage self, it was a chance to have access to my favorite thing: books. In reality, it allowed me to meet and talk to people from all walks of life: families, retirees, the homeless, students, and professionals…they all came in seeking knowledge, and I had the pleasure of helping them and learning alongside them.

After that I transitioned to customer service management which showed me a different side of people: the unhappy side. It was my job to listen to the complaints and find a solution that made the customer happy and the powers that be a profit. From there I went on to work in an office, for a Fortune 500 organization, several small businesses where my boss was also the owner, and everything in between. I’ve done administration, real estate, insurance, board member, founding member, sales, and marketing…there is little I have not done at this point. Along the way, I found I liked solving problems, which led to being put in the sales and marketing side of things and I found my approach to helping people meant I sold more. Win-win for all!

Hiring a consultant can significantly enhance your organization’s effectiveness by providing specialized expertise and fresh perspectives. Consultants possess in-depth knowledge of industry trends and best practices that can help identify inefficiencies or gaps in your operations. I will design tailored strategies to address specific challenges, optimize processes, and improve overall performance. Moreover, her objective viewpoint allows for unbiased assessments, enabling decision-makers to implement solutions rooted in data-driven insights. By leveraging my skills, businesses can accelerate growth, navigate complex situations, and ensure that they remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring trails with my daughter, attending concerts, reading, and working on our family’s non-profit organization.