FAQ

What is the difference between Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching?

The easiest way to explain it is that:

Counseling is a short-term assessment and feedback stage.
Consulting is a short- or long-term project-by-project planning/action/get-it-done stage.
Coaching is a longer-term engagement strictly focused on you, your challenges, and your professional development. Remember, every champion has a coach.

Do you work with any other consultants/experts?

I do! They are the “and Co” to my Lorraine Allen. I don’t know all the answers all the time, and I count on some specialists whose “wheels are well greased” (experienced) in their field and are up to date on their information and skillsets.

So, on an as-need basis, if our work calls for an additional expertise, together we will first determine the scope of work that needs to be accomplished. Then, I will either subcontract my sources accordingly, refer you to others you can contact, or leave the hiring of that expertise to you.

What can I expect during my sessions?

As long as you are working and doing your part, I am working on it and doing my part. Whereas we may catch up and have some chatter, we are both investing our time, effort, and dollars, so expect me to keep steering us to keep our work on track to accomplish the objectives.

What is your process?

First, every client, every assignment or project is different, so there is no cookie-cutter formula.

Preliminarily, we have a conversation to see if we are a good fit together to start. Then, our first steps are to complete assessments to identify your strengths and business profile.

After this, we really start in motion with what I call a “dumping the puzzle” session to shake out what the pieces of your challenge are… what you want to accomplish. We sort out what must get done. Then we build an action plan, get to work, and get it done.

Where are you located/How will we meet?

While I am physically located in the Princeton, New Jersey area, I work typically mobile or virtual by phone or online using Zoom, Facetime, or Google Meet.

Site visits or meeting at a convenient, neutral location may be arranged on a case-by-case basis or continue online. I also will travel provided expenses are covered.

What are your hours?

I try to operate with flexibility. My hours are typically workdays, however I am available for online evening appointments. Whereas I do not typically schedule on the weekends; some business owners may only have that time available. I will consider those appointments on a specific case-by-case basis.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Typically, I am responsive and reply and schedule in a timely manner. Depending on the urgency and yours/my schedule, we try to schedule the best time(s) accordingly. . However, from time to time, I establish a waiting list. In those cases, we still schedule an appointment in queue; then if cancellations occur, I try my best to move up clients in the order they entered on the list.

How do I set up an initial session?

Send a message from this website or request your first 45 minute complementary session by calling here.

How long are your sessions?

It depends on YOU and what YOU/YOUR COMPANY need to accomplish. Sample frameworks might look like:

Free Introduction chat – 20-30 min.

First Complimentary Initial Session – 45 min.

Dump the Puzzle session – average 1 – 2 hours

Focus Intensive – 6-7 hours/one day

Coaching call – 1-2 hours weekly, monthly, quarterly on a rotating schedule but flexible depending on YOU and what we are trying to accomplish

Consulting – strictly determined by project/assignment

What is your fee schedule like?

My fixed rates are:

Introduction call:

First Initial 45 minute assessment session:

Dumping the Puzzle session up to 2 hours:

One-Day Foundation Intensive up to 6 hours:

Base counsel rate:

Complimentary

$375 prepaid

$1100 prepaid

$185

Everything else is subject to being customized to the project.

All fees will be predetermined, agreed upon, and typically prepaid. A payment plan may be negotiated depending on the length and breadth of work to be completed.

Do you offer bundles or packages?

YES! They are based on the project or term of assignment.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept check (in advance), cash (local only), PayPal, Zelle, and Venmo.

What if I can’t afford your rate?

Typically, we will try first to break down the project (if it is possible) into smaller affordable phases or segments, so you can pay in stages. Otherwise, I can refer you to your local SBDC, SCORE, or organizations that provide low-to-no cost limited hands-off guidance.

What is your cancellation or late policy?

I prefer a 24-hour notice, so that the time can be rescheduled for another business/project.

Realizing running a business can be a moving target some days, I ask, unless otherwise another arrangement has been agreed upon in writing, that you at least respect my time and let me know you are not coming or will be late and ask if I can accommodate the shift.

To not show up and not notify me is not acceptable and can be subject to nonrefundable termination of our work.

What is your “No Show” Policy?

A business owner’s time is valuable. You want me to honor and respect that. My time is also invested and has value to be respected. I do not respond to no-shows. I reserve time for you. If you cannot make the scheduled appointment time and do not let me know, I will not reschedule. You will be charged the full fee for the missed appointment.

If you “no show” a second time without notice, we will terminate our work together. Any prepayments/retainers will be nonrefundable.

Do you guarantee my success?

Your success depends on how much work you put in and how you respond to whatever challenge or opportunity business life throws your way. While I can’t control what efforts you complete, I can guarantee that I will be honest, forthright, transparent, focused, and will deliver what I am contracted to do. Given that you complete the work as directed and determined, you will experience results.

PS: I feel overwhelmed. Should I wait to schedule a session until I am feeling less emotional?

Even champions feel overwhelmed and sometimes defeated until they let it out, work it out, and get back in the game. Thousands of business owners have sat at my desk, often needing a confidential space/shoulder to freely release their frustrations and anxieties.

It’s ok. If not here, then where? We got this.