The Practical and Profitable Truth of 2020 for Small Business Owners

I’ve been an entrepreneur since 2006. I survived the "impact" of 2008 with a program called The Power Session and I’m going to tell you how I did it, why I did it and why it’s important to you in (2) very distinct ways.

So let’s get to it.

2006 was a banner year for me. I was 28 years old, I had been a top selling sales director at a dance media outlet and I knew my clients so well. I sold them advertising in print magazines for THOUSANDS of dollars and after taking such great meetings with them, something wasn’t right. It all started to not make sense anymore. I woke up in cold sweats. I was getting my mojo as a young executive. Their ads were ok… their websites were… well, hmmm, ok, let’s not talk about that. It was 2006 but it wasn’t good and their ads didn’t really reflect what they were selling or who they were. Their brand story was missing!

So I left corporate America and started a strategic marketing agency to help clients invest in smarter, better solutions to communicate their business to the masses. Instead of me selling them ads, they hired me as a marketing consultant to give them a brand overview and to work with them to provide solutions to their greatest obstacles. Which to them, were huge, but to me, I saw all the holes and filled them. Just like I can host and curate, market and sell 17 TEDx events like cake, I do the same for fixing marketing holes and I love doing it for clients. I do it in two weeks and it's a brilliant collaboration that makes clients smile from ear to ear. Finally! Finally, they get honest awesome marketing ideas.

2008 hit all my retainers as they were slowly going away. So I got smart. I created a valuable session, The Power Session, where I hosted a questionarre, listened to obstacles and then went to town writing the new strategic business and marketing plans that would fill any gaps and would help clients feel unstuck. I launched and relaunched hundreds of brands from this program.

I presented the plans to the client and some of them cried in happiness! They were overwhelmed in a good way, no a fucking great way, and then we had an ending call to go over any questions. At that point, I would be hired to build their marketing campaigns, websites, email campaigns, social, PR, event strategies etc. 

The practical and profitable answers here for 2020: Piece meal, or should I say, peace meal. They got peace from this program. They got HELP! It was bite sized, not overhwhelming and they could afford it and then they just kept investing in more because it worked. 

I’ve always been the consultant that gives it to clients in a real and raw way. There’s no sugar coating on the coaching but there’s a hell of a lotta love that comes from me and they do love that part.

My WHY: I needed to keep my business afloat, so I revisited my programs, made them honest, understantable, bite sized and affordable and it has been my winning business model since.

WHAT: The power session is still hot and available. It's a 2 week program including a questionnaire, coaching call, a huge brand strategy (some 5-8 pages) presented to the client to fill their holes and give them loads of ideas to take and use for years to come, and an ending conversation to discuss next steps. They can choose to take it and run or they can use me to help them execute. And while I don’t build websites anymore, I am a coach and consultant, an oz behind their curtain to be hired thereafter to help them understand and execute thereafter.

Having a leader like myself that will empower and push them, but more so tell them the TRUTH about how to proceed truly helps. We can’t rely on our families to tell us if things sound ok, because they are not experts and in this Covid time, we really need to be smart and tactical wearing NEW HATS every day. Everyday!!!! If it doesn’t work, tweak it, keep tweaking until it hits. It will!

Your take away:

You can hire me to help you with a power session of your own for only $1750 and in two weeks, you’ll have a master marketing plan and business strategy to keep.

Or you can be inspired by this article to create new bite sized opportunities for you clients so that they can afford and continue to work with you. Tone it down and then peace meal it, piece meal... both work, dear friends. Tone it down and then again and again and try, try, try.

This is the practicality and the profitability advice of 2020 for all small business owners, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. You CAN DO THIS. You don’t have to do it alone.

Love

EB

Testimonials

Launch it off the ground - Right!

I was told by a reference that Elizabeth Barry helped entrepreneurs "brainstorm ideas" during a power session. That sounded absolutely perfect for my needs at the time so I signed on for a session. In addition to the brainstorming structure of each of the meetings being a perfect fit, I received so much more out of the session than I had anticipated. Elizabeth's enthusiasm was contagious. She immediately took a vested interest in my ideas. With her high energy personality and strategic "train of thought" she ensured continued forward momentum for each subsequent meeting. Most valuable was her ability to help with contingency planning and filling in any strategic marketing gaps so that the business plan became solid. After the session I was able to feel confident before taking the next (and most important) step of launching my business. 

Since the Power Session, Elizabeth has guided me with additional consulting and business coaching.

Dory Kurowski, My Conscience, My Choice

Realize The Power of Your Brand’s Worth

“Elizabeth Barry is a highly creative and dedicated professional. I recently hired her in The Power Session to evaluate my needs for social media and web site revisions in order to increase my consumer and wholesale business. She is “one stop consultative shopping” and can handle everything that we need – web site revisions, social media planning, videos, writing copy. Elizabeth is very quick and passionate about what she does and it is always worthwhile and productive to meet with her and brainstorm. Her feedback is always prompt, comprehensive and specific.”

Vali Bennis, Essence of Vali

Simplify Your Business

It's almost alarming how much transformation my company has experienced simply with their Power Session. Elizabeth Barry evaluated my website and targeted discrepancies between what I was presenting and what I wanted to say. I was amazed how painless the whole process was. Over that brief period of time, EB refined the pages of notes I supplied - simplifying my life! My team was too close to see what Elizabeth Barry's objective eye could and I will be forever grateful for the resolve I feel in moving forward with my company.”

Amber Moelter, ALM Talkies.

Go from Average to Cutting Edge

“I had no idea where to begin! Elizabeth and I sat down together for her Power Session. Amazingly with her analysis of my business and well thought-out suggestions for improvement managed to open my eyes to a strategic, chic and effective marketing plan. Before our Power Session was over, I already knew I was going to hire her again. My company branding went from average to cutting edge. Most importantly, my confidence in the success of my business has sky rocketed! Way to go EB!!”

Ian McHugh, NJ Photo Party

We’ll hold You Accountable for Goals

"Since my Power Session meetings with Elizabeth, I have accomplished more than I expected. I needed organization and I finally have a 'Marketing Department' that I can count on. To have someone hold me accountable for my goals, that's amazing! Since I've met with Elizabeth, I've created a website, purchased business cards, and organized and managed my business. Elizabeth is a creative genius with patience who generates ideas from scratch! She's got me thinking outside the box. I'm so inspired."

Blanca Vasquez, CartoonGirl

Get The Kick You Need

"I came to EB because I felt lost in all of my ideas. I wasn't sure how to make the next move. EB took my ideas, found the through line, and gave me exactly what I needed. I am on my way. EB’s like your best friend who happens to be brilliant strategic marketer. Elizabeth pushes hard while guiding you with the love and understanding of a family member. She gets it fast and gives you the kick you need. I am thrilled to work with EB and excited about the possibilities that now lay before me. For good ideas, love, support, inspiration, and a kick, check her out. Be ready to leap!"

Aubrey Lynch, dancer, choreographer, Ailey, Disney

Change How You Perceive Yourself

“The Power Session has given me focus and understanding of who I am as an artist. She asks soul searching questions about what you do, where you have been and where you would like to go. Elizabeth has amazing skills for listening and learning, and then she takes your ideas and makes sense of who you are and what you have to do to get noticed. Elizabeth has given me a clear plan and step by step instructions on how to execute our new ideas. Since implementing Elizabeth’s plan I have been reaching goals, (within the first week) that I didn’t even know I had, until our collaboration. She has changed how I perceive myself as an artist, and more importantly, how people perceive me.”

Desiree Rose, Fine Artist

Stop Procrastinating!

“I decided to do The Power Session which gave me the impetus to STOP procrastinating, and move forward with my website and career. After viewing some of my work, and taking the time to watch me “in action”, the savvy, Elizabeth Barry, validated my worth. Elizabeth’s engaging mind and positive energy is infectious.” Elizabeth Barry is a woman with creative prowess.”

Roberta Mathes, Choreographer

Look at the big Picture and Think BIG

“The EB Power Session results in the knowledge of how to keep a brand pure, potent and on point. Prioritizing key goals, eliminating waste, and focusing on the brand's big picture, along with creative risk-taking, are the strengths of Elizabeth Barry. Taking a brand to the next level requires a commitment to innovation and the courage to think BIG. The positive, generous, and yes, loving approach of EB, is the surest investment to help transform one's brand to this next level.”

Daniel Gwirtzman, Dancer, Choreographer

Develop More Than You’d Expect

“Words cannot begin to describe how Elizabeth has helped me grow my business. I was a first-time author and clueless, in desperate need of some guidance. My book was about 25 successful women entrepreneurs, Elizabeth happened to be one of those successful women. One phone call and she immediately flew into action generating a press release that the other 24 women could implement to promote. In addition, she had multiple ideas for my upcoming book tour and how to spread the word virally. At the same time, Elizabeth developed an entire branding and marketing package for my coaching business- which totally rocked! Simply put, she “got me” - understanding my needs.”

Sherry Sexton, Entrepreneurial Coach for Women, Author of “The T-shirt to Prove it!”

Lean towards MORE

I am delighted that I was a Power Session client. Elizabeth’s ideation skills and client relationship techniques are superb. She does outstanding work and her enthusiasm is contagious. When results matter -- and they always do -- Elizabeth delivers. After our initial Power Session, we’ve hired her several times and our email database of subscribers increased dramatically.”

Tasha Norman, FitEngine Media, NDW NYC

Think Outside the Box

“We got so much done in our Power Session including so many new ideas that were perfect for Cliche Cosmetics. EB makes you think outside of the box and come up with fabulous ideas that you wouldn't have otherwise thought of. She keeps you focused on the big picture and the important issues. I’ve hired her several times thereafter and continue to do so.”

Jessica Lighter, Cliche Cosmetics

Get the Objective Point of View You Need

“The Power Session is a huge part of my growth. Elizabeth’s sharp and realistic point of view, not to mention an amazing marketing sense was what I needed to expand my company and let other people know about it. NYC moves very fast but Elizabeth moves faster. If you need results you MUST do business with EB.”

Edwin Fion, Founder / Teaching Artist NY Dance Residency

Position Your Brand

“Elizabeth is invaluable to the positioning and branding of Prissy Pahley. Our Power Session allowed parameters for creativity to flow. Miss Barry's enthusiasm and energy merges with her intelligence and expertise in order to create a very productive and powerful Power Session. I recommend her to everyone.”

Nancy DeMarchi, Founder, Prissy Pahley

Get Much Needed Advice to Grow

"Elizabeth is an absolute pleasure to work with. Our Power Breakthrough Session helped me to better understand the issues and opportunities that are available to Shashi. Creative and smart, Elizabeth is a dedicated professional whose passion and flare will be evident in your business with every step you make."

Natalie Lerch, Shashi

Position Your Brand

“I contacted Elizabeth Barry because I needed fresh and cutting edge marketing counseling. I recently had all my of my marketing collateral created along with a new website but felt there was something still missing. The Power Session was just what I needed. In that session, Elizabeth carefully and competently reviewed my website, all my marketing collateral and gave me helpful and innovative marketing feedback. She quickly identified the missing marketing link I was looking for and formulated an ideal plan of action.”

Lynn Hoffman, Sustainable Interior Designer 

Learning how to speak and act in new ways as an adult can be aspirational, yet challenging. Elizabeth Barry is an inspirational speaker, business coach and author that helps career driven professionals develop a kinder demeanor, especially when faced with stress. Her methodologies are practical and her zest for life is contagious. Gain self belief and become an influence to everyone around you, including yourself. The courage that lives behind your fear is the bravery you never knew you had- until it arrives. Challenge habits, create boundaries, and nurture relationships as you learn to surrender to what is… and become who you wish to be. www.elizabethbarryconsulting.com