split_personality

I may be considered a little late to the game by some of you, but I am just now reading Michael E. Gerber's best-selling business book The E Myth – Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It. What a goldmine of small business information that, I think, should be required reading for up and coming grant writing consultants.

You see, the reason that I say I'm late to the game is that I should have read this book before I hung out my shingle as a grant consultant – ten years ago.

Let me explain. When I first began my consulting business, all I concentrated on was writing the best grant application that I possibly could. My business flourished as word of mouth spread about my winning grant record. However, I drove myself crazy with multiple clients, multiple deadlines and the feeling that I was just holding my head above water. I had to even turn away potential clients because I just couldn't keep up the pace. It wasn't until later that I realized that I had to be in control of the business – not the business controlling me. I then learned to embrace the other two important sides of my business which included growing my business (entrepreneurship) and management of my small business. I had to be all three: The Entrepreneur, The Manager and The Technician. Once I figured this out my business exploded and I was happy and not so crazed to enjoy it!

Let me share some of Michael's wisdom with you that I wish someone had shared with me when I was starting out: (I have put my own personal spin on his advice as it relates to grant consulting)

Think about the future of your business and not just the here and now. How many clients are ideal for now and one year and even five years from the present? Learn about processes that can take you from one step to the next.
Know that one day, to continue to grow, you will need some assistance. Proofreaders, fact checkers and your own sub-contractors are possibilities. Don't box yourself in. Allow yourself the opportunity for growth.
Knowledge is key! Familiarize yourself with trends in your business including, but not limited to, grant writing, small business consulting, traditional marketing and social media marketing.
Remember that when your clients are buying your services, it's not your business's ability to give them what they want but your ability to give them what they want. Invest in yourself wisely!

If you're even considering grant consulting as a career, you may be saying “But Betsy, I'm just having a hard enough time even thinking about getting myself started – let alone all these other things you've mentioned.” That's okay because the point is to just start – eventually you'll begin to notice a subtle difference as your business grows and you'll now be prepared to embrace that growth.

Do you now feel more ready to begin your own grant consulting business? Download my f.r.e.e. ebook You Can Become a Grant Consultant. In it, you'll find practical steps to get you started. Remember, with more than 1.8 million nonprofits in the U.S. alone, grant writers are in much higher demand than supply guaranteeing you consistent income if marketed correctly.

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many hats
written by Sherry Truhlar, July 21, 2011

Betsy, you are so right - a business owner has to wear so many hats. And those hats have to change from moment to moment. Your advice is excellent and I would add to #2. Delegate! As you grow your business, only do the things that only you an do. You might really enjoy a certain task, say fact checking, but if someone else can do that but no one else can do the client contact then you'd better delegate fact checking so you have more time for clients.

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...
written by Sandy Rees, June 12, 2011

That's a great book Betsy! What you're talking about is the difference between working ON your business and working IN your business. Sometimes you're the grant writer and sometimes you're the entrpreneur.

Success comes when you learn to balance the two. Ain't it a fun journey? smilies/wink.gif

Sandy Rees

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Owner
written by Richard Thayer, June 10, 2011

I have never thought of consultation for writing grants. I am challenged trying to write anything, when I look at grants I do not understand the process let alone the ability to write one. Just thought of an addition to my business; counseling the counselor that is working in the drug and alcohol field. They need support, stress reduction, nurturing and the motivation to continue. Each one of us face the disease on a massive scale, patients, family, co-workers and executive administration. We must find unity, various treatment facilities can be toxic to the counselor. If at all possible could you point me in the right direction, simplify how to find grants, write them and various other components to this process. Thank You, Richard Thayer CADC I smilies/cry.gif

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Strategic Alliance Manager
written by Kathy Barnes, June 10, 2011

I am just starting to study, practice, and move toward certification, and I'm so glad you reminded me of this book. I listened to in audio version 5 times over and I was hooked!

Thank you for a great article; I look forward to more!

Kathy Barnes

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E-Myth: A Great Read
written by Kirsten Bullock, June 08, 2011

If only someone had shared these with me when I started three years ago - someone recommended that book to me last fall. Definitely a great read for anyone starting a business. The point about being open to hiring subcontractors really hit home for me.