The Gap in Services for Small Business Owners

I am a third-generation entrepreneur.  Both my parents were small business owners, and so were both sets of my grandparents.  My childhood was deeply engrained with the entrepreneur experience (you can read my entrepreneurial journey here).  I opened my first business in 2002, and I've owned and operated 4 small businesses since that time.  I have also served as the Executive Director of a Business Association and worked with hundreds of small business owners, helping them navigate their challenges and celebrate their wins.  

During my lifetime of working with small businesses, I have noticed a gap in services.  This gap has grown larger in the last decade as marketing has dramatically changed.  This gap is a lack of marketing & support services for small businesses.  Larger companies and firms offer these services, but they usually aren't a good fit for the small, growing businesses.  That's why I've decided to offer business services specifically for small businesses, mom and pop shops, and solopreneur​s.  I am able to provide flexibility, affordable pricing, and the ability to shape my services and prices to the exact fit and needs of a particular business.  ​

Most small business owners feel like they are barely keeping their heads above water.  There is never enough time to do everything that needs to be done.  Just when you think you're going to reach a stage where you can sit back and breathe a bit, an employee quits, a pipe breaks, the computer crashes, or your largest order of the year gets delayed.  It's always something.  As a small business owner, you often think, "Now, if I could just clone myself, or grow another set of arms, then maybe...."

This is where I come in, I'm your extra set of arms.  Need to develop your social media, no problem.  Looking to start a newsletter?  I've got your back.  Finally decided to put together a business plan and 5-year budget forecast?  Let's do this thing.  Desperate to have that poster created that you kept meaning to make, and now you need to email to the printer by the end of the day?  I know how that is.  I've been there, and I can help.  

Here are the biggest gaps in support services that I've identified:

• Social Media Marketing
• Content Creation
• Professional Writing Services
• Website Development
• Design Services & Asset Creation 
• Business Plans
• Budgets, Forecasts & Planning
• Staff Management Tools for Small Teams (HR)

Here are the reasons these gaps exist:

• Small business owners need services that are affordable
• Small business owners need one person who can help in multiple areas (instead of hiring a different vendor for each of these services)
• Small business owners need flexibility
• Small business owners need teamwork
• Small business owners need ownership
• Small business owners need someone who in the arena (and getting their hands dirty)

Here is how I fill in these gaps:

• I offer sliding scale rates and work with each business owner to create a win/win situation for both of us.
• I offer a wide range of services, and because I'm experienced in all aspects of business development, we can add on whatever kind of support you need.
• I am completely flexible.  I can offer set services on an annual contract, or I can jump in last minute and offer assistance where you need it.  
• I work intimately with the owners/staff/teams of businesses to assure that we're getting the results we need to get for your unique business. 
• 100% of the ownership stays with my clients.  This means that anytime you want to take over your social media calendar or your website updates - it's already set up for you to own and operate.  
• I don't work for you, I work with you.  I'm in the arena and I know what it is like to be a small business owner.  My face is also marred by the dust, sweat and blood of entrepreneurship. 

I believe that small business matters in big ways.  I hope that you will allow me to help you and your business be the best that it can be.  Contact me today, and let's talk about where you are, where you want to go, and how I can assist you in getting there.