Have you ever met someone who is truly invigorated by their job? When you ask them a question about their line of work, their eyes light up, and the passion they exude is practically contagious?
As a management consultant, I can truthfully say this calling snuck up on me, more than it being anything that I pursued. For over nine years, the fascinating journey of owning my management consulting firm, Flowing Brooks Enterprises, LLC ™, has taught me that there are three sure signs that you have chosen the correct career path.
Sign #1: It’s Something You Like To Do
I have always had a passion for learning both how businesses run and what can be done to make them operate at peak performance.
To fuel that fire, I went to undergrad for business management, and then graduate school, where I earned my MBA with a concentration in marketing.
From my studies to real-world experiences, I fell in love with the teachings, opportunities, and tools that equipped me to make strategic decisions on behalf of brands. Cross-silo leadership (spearheading collaboration across organizational departments) is the management style that I have adopted, and I use that holistic approach for brand development with my firm’s diverse clientele.
I am sharing this because it’s important to enjoy what you do. Sometimes the smallest things, like wanting to know how a business works, can turn into something big. In my case, my curiosity turned into starting my own company, Flowing Brooks™, which helps clients define, strengthen, and promote™ their brands. And if I can turn my passion into the profession of my dreams, you can, too.
Sign #2: Your Patience Is In Great Supply
No job is perfect. But when you are actually in a career that is the right fit for you, the highs will always outweigh any lows.
For example, when you are a management consultant, it is ultimately up to the client if, how, and when they want to implement your advice.
This requires a great deal of patience throughout the lifetime of each client relationship. I have often encountered three types of clients, all of whom I am extremely grateful for.
Borderline Bob/Barbara: In theory, this client likes “the idea” of hiring a management consultant, but in reality, they only want a hired hand to do as they say. This can be a challenge, because Borderline Bob or Barbara does not always give the necessary support for a metrics-based approach towards meeting marketing goals. They are right on the border. He or she wants the glitz and glam of a great outcome, but does not want to be bothered with the nitty gritty details to get there.
When faced with this type of client, I have to balance the risks and benefits of the impact to my work style and professional reputation. Short-term, one-off projects with a very limited scope tend to be the only acceptable arrangement. Otherwise, I enable Bob or Barbara to harbor unrealistic expectations of me being able to do the impossible. Where’s the fun in that?
Just Enough Jennifer/Joe: A distant cousin of Borderline Bob/Barbara, this client needs a bit of coaxing to create a marketing plan. Unfortunately, once they do, Jennifer or Joe pick apart the strategy to determine what they want to adopt. He or she wants to do just enough, which is often not enough, to get optimal results. You have to love them for their desire to launch or improve their brand, but when it comes to accepting advice, wins come slowly. But just one of these wins makes working with this client worth the crazy ride.
Perfect Pierson/Patty: It’s time to sing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Throw the party confetti and light the fireworks. Landing this type of client is pure gold. Pierson or Patty may have their quirks, but for the most part, they are receptive to new ideas and are willing to buckle down and work to get things done. Although no client is actually perfect, this one comes pretty close in my book, and is the main reason I stay in business.
The great thing is that overtime, with a little love and care, my “borderline” and “just enough” clients can grow into a Perfect Pierson or Patty. Patience is the key.
Sign #3: You Can’t Live Without It
How do you view the world? What ignites your fire? From a business perspective, I look at how technological advancements make it possible for individuals and organizations to leverage traditional and digital marketing techniques to get the word out about their brands. I literally get giddy with excitement when I see a business roll out an integrated marketing campaign across multiple media platforms that effectively converts its target demographics into customers.
Most importantly, management consulting is one way that I can better support brands whose missions are to make the world a better place. I cannot imagine my life without the joy of being a part of that process.
With the innovative, tailor-made marketing plans that I create through Flowing Brooks™, my clients are ready to set the world on fire.
Are you?