5 reasons why I might not be a good fit for you (for small business growth)

TL;DR: I’m a straight-talking operations specialist who helps small B2B service businesses (especially consultancies with under 10 employees) get control of their processes, systems, and CRM. If you want low cost, soft-and-fluffy, or hands‑off, I’m probably not for you. If you want a business that runs like clockwork, and you’re ready to act, I may be a good fit for your small business growth plans.

Not every business relationship is made in heaven, but in the early days you take on clients that pay the bills, even when they are incredibly hard work. I’m grateful for them, because they helped me figure out who I could deliver the most value to.

This has helped inform who I work with now. Being selective isn’t about turning people away, it’s about ensuring the best possible experience for everyone involved.

By being upfront about who I’m a great fit for (and who I’m not), it saves everyone’s time and means the people who work with me are most likely to get the results they’re looking for. Because when the partnership is right, the process is smooth, the client gets the results they want and we really enjoy working with each other.

BTW – if you’re not the ideal client today, that doesn’t mean you won’t be in future…

Who I work best with

I work with small businesses who are looking for growth. But while I work with a range of small business owners, the ones who will get the most value from working with me:

• B2B service providers (consultancies are my sweet spot)

• Teams with under 10 employees

• Have been in business a few years and turning over close to, or above, the VAT threshold

• Are ready to break through to the next stage of growth.

I don’t usually work with B2C, product-led companies, manufacturing, retail, MLMs or franchises - not because I can’t help, but because other people are better suited to these models.

Reasons we may not be a good fit

1. You're in start up mode

   Short version: It's not you, it's me! I spent five years as a business coach. I can do it, but it’s not where I’m happiest or most effective. I’m best with established businesses at or above the VAT threshold that need their processes and systems sorted so they can grow profitably and run like clockwork.

   
   

   If you’re a new founder, start with a systems and process mindset. Michael Gerber’s ‘The E-Myth Revisited’ is essential reading for any new business owner. Having applied the foundations you may never need a me later.
   

2. You don't like straight talking I’m direct, not rude, but when god was handing out the soft and fluffy software, I was missed off the list. My clients appreciate my direct approach/accountability and one of the reasons they choose to work with me.

   
   

   If you prefer a more gentle, softly‑softly style, I’m probably not your gal (she said, straight‑talkingly 😉)

   
   

3. You want cheap You know the saying: buy cheap, buy twice? We’ve all been stung by the costly ‘short cut’ that wasn’t – such as the cheap website design that you then have to spend hundreds of pounds fixing.

   
   

   My support is grounded in decades of operational experience, not a weekend course. That expertise saves you time, money and headaches - and it comes at a price.

   If you are looking for a bargain or a discount, I’m definitely not for you. I don’t do either. Equally, I’m not reassuringly expensive. My fees are based on delivering great value, not maximising my profit at any cost.
   

4. Being in control is non-negotiable Most small business owners are control freaks (me included).
   

   Growth requires letting others help otherwise you will hit a capacity ceiling. If you haven’t got it yet, your first hire should be admin support. They may do things differently – and (whispers it) sometimes better. But if it achieves the same outcome, that’s ok.
   

   If you are reluctant to let go of any of the reins of your business, then accept where you are and surround yourself with as many tools and automations as possible to optimise your efficiency. If your business already gives you everything you need, you most certainly don’t need my help (though I’m happy to share what tools work).
   

5. You're not committed to your plans for growth I’ve ‘sacked’ clients before now because I felt they were wasting their money, paying for advice they didn’t follow. I could have kept working with them and taking their money, but that sits uncomfortably with me. It wouldn’t serve their best interests to keep going. So I gently let them down and suggest alternatives that may work better for them.
   

There are always good reasons for not doing things; running a business is massively time consuming and it’s easy to get derailed by ‘urgent’ situations or general ‘busyness’.

Sometimes there are unavoidable, and completely understandable, reasons for needing to change a meeting, or delay taking action. But if they are used as a constant excuse for not doing the work, then it’s possible you’re not ready to make the changes you need to make to grow.

• It will be a waste of your time and money if you:

• Repeatedly don’t prioritise or make the time to take action for what you commit to doing in our sessions.

• Aren’t punctual or consistently want to reschedule our sessions.

• Get distracted by new ‘great ideas’ that you want to follow instead of following the path that (although may be slower) will get you to where you need to be.

• Ignore the plan and wonder why nothing has changed.

  
  

I will support you when obstacles come your way and we adapt – for example I have an accounting client who has limited time to do anything other than manage the year end rush in the last quarter. We minimise action taking and I act more as a pressure valve outlet to help them keep perspective during this phase. But then we have a double session once they’ve recovered from the aftermath and we get back on track.

I like to think we work together in partnership, but you’ve got to be committed to your own success. In summary

Where does that leave us?

Being specific about who I work with ensures the right clients get the best possible results.

If having read this, you’ve realised I’m not the right person for you, great, that's a win too! I’m happy for you ask me for referrals and alternative next steps.

If you want pragmatic, real‑world support focused on what actually works (with a dash of humour), let’s talk about getting your business running like clockwork.

If you think we could work well together and want to chat then book in a call here.

FAQs:

Do you work with start ups?

Not usually. I’m best with established B2B service businesses close to/over the VAT threshold that need systems and processes to grow.

Do you offer discounts?

No. Fees reflect experience and the value delivered - not “reassuringly expensive”.

What exactly do you do?

I design and improve processes and systems so sales and delivery run consistently. I’m also a certified Capsule CRM implementation expert, helping small businesses set up their CRM for them.

I’m a one person consultancy. Can you help?

If you’re staying solo and happy there, you probably don’t need me. If you’re gearing up to grow, we should talk.

I struggle to delegate - will this still work?

Yes, if you’re willing to try. We’ll start small (e.g., admin support) and build your comfort and controls.

What does working together look like?

We clarify goals, map processes, configure CRM to fit, and run a steady cadence of action. For full Capsule CRM setups, I handle implementation and training. For accountability packages, we start with strategy/planning, then monthly accountability calls and quarterly 90 day planning.

What are your core offers?

• Done for You Capsule CRM setup: process mapping, business objective alignment, full implementation and training. Suited to businesses with more complex sales and delivery requirements who don't have the time or skills to do it themselves.

• DIY Capsule group course (coming soon): Online or in person workshop to help get you up and running. Perfect for solopreneurs and smaller businesses wiht a smaller budget.

• Growth Map: gives you a clear view of what’s working, what isn’t, and how to fix it.

• Accountability Package: Perfect if you need some structure and accountability