This blog series addresses some common misconceptions about consulting and executive coaching. Visit the CommsLede blog or my LinkedIn page for more…
Misconception 1: Opening my own consulting/coaching practice is a way to “dial back.”
By far, the most common misconception I’ve heard about consultants and executive coaches is that we have less work and more flexibility. “You own your time. You can say ‘no’ to projects or clients. It’s way more flexible,” a colleague once told me.
This might be true in some cases. But I think most folks would agree that being successful at anything – especially something new — rarely involves “dialing back.” Launching and maintaining a successful business requires:
- Intense self-motivation, discipline, and grit
- Ongoing clarity of thought and purpose
- Proactively upskilling and prioritizing both your clients’ work and your business
- Regularly creating processes and tools, and innovating so you can work smarter, not harder
And, don’t forget the significant time and energy you need to bring to the table. From client prospecting, relationship building, and pipeline development to managing the rollercoaster of emotions tied to uncertainty, pivoting or rejection, new business owners definitely need a seatbelt!
Contrary to dialing back, I’d argue that hanging your own shingle requires “ramping up” – with new skills, a growth mindset, and a sense of resilience – all of which might require significantly more work and a perhaps more energy (or at least a different type) than you’re using today. The only thing that might be more flexible is when or where you actually *do* the work – couch, home office or rented space. But that, too, will often be dictated by your clients, not you.
Don’t get me wrong … I’m *all* for dialing back. But if that’s what you’re looking to do, I’d gently suggest a sabbatical or exploring a less intense role at your current company versus starting a new business.
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills brings her passion for communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers strategic solutions and executive coaching for her clients. Visit the CommsLede blog for more tips.
