Soar to Success July 2016

5 / 52

degree in Social Science, Sociology and Psychology
provided the foundation to become the well-
respected small business consultant and adviser
she is today.
It is a long, hard road to start any business,
especially one in the coaching field, but her strong
business background, as well as, friends and
contacts in Cleveland were a huge help to get her
new endeavor off the ground. Diane admits that
knowing how to sell was a big bonus that made her
start up easier.
Realizing she needed training in how to launch a
coaching practice, Diane enrolled in a certification
program where she learned the basics. Using new
marketing techniques learned in her class work, she
sought out public speaking opportunities, began
writing, networked and informed her friends and
associates of her new career. She is now a sought
after speaker in the area.
She also believes it is extremely important
to volunteer and be involved with charitable
organizations. She started by joining the Council
of Smaller Enterprises and accepted a seat on
the advisory board. That position allowed her to
connect with a cross section of business people
from other business sectors, which was a huge
advantage when growing a business.
Diane has been recognized for her charitable work.
In fact, she was recently named ”Volunteer of the
Year” by the Women’s Business Center of ECDI.
Best Business Read, and she has also received
numerous other honors for her work outside of
her regular business.
Diane said of her passion to help small business
people,
“Small business owners don’t have lawyers, CPA’s and
Harvard MBA’s at their fingertips to guide them. Still
they are out there every day courageously fighting to
make it happen. They have the right to be successful
and access the same expertise that large corporations
have at the ready.”
Dianehaswitnessedsmall businessownersstruggle
and fail due to issues that could be avoided with
proper guidance. That fuels her drive to help small
business owners navigate those bumps and be
successful. She believes small business owners are
many times isolated and simply need an outside
voice to help mentor them and provide assistance.
Diane assists small business owners recognize and
face their challenges and overcome their obstacles.
She monitors their progress and is actively involved
in their journey to grow and improve their business.
She has found that many times, simply answering
questions as a guide or a trusted advisor is what a
struggling client really needs. She strives to be the
person they can count on to tell them the truth, but
also be a mentor and help them achieve their goals.
Diane realizes that every business is different
and has varying needs. That’s why she believes it
is necessary, in an initial conversation, to explore
each client’s needs and learn what concerns,
problems and goals they have. Does the business
SOAR TO SUCCESS / J uly 2016 / Feature Article