Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Harrington.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began working in leadership roles within small businesses after studying business and graduating from university in 2012. I absolutely loved working for local organizations because I could be part of something that brought a positive impact to my community. To work with individuals and organizations that inspired creativity, contribution and growth meant and still means the world to me.
Although I enjoyed working for small businesses and its owners, I knew I wanted to expand my reach. So, in 2019 I began looking into business consulting and at the end of the year, I started my own firm, Your Story Consulting. At the time, I didn’t completely understand what I was going after, but I knew it would allow me to offer my services to multiple businesses around Sacramento and beyond and thus, give me the opportunity to make a bigger impact.
In 2019, I also studied an MBA and got offered a position in a consulting firm called LeadershipOne. I am so grateful for both experiences because they have helped me gain the skills and knowledge that I needed to serve my clients at a higher level. I earned my MBA in 2020 and am still working as a consultant with LeadershipOne.
Since 2019, through Your Story Consulting, I have worked with over 25 small businesses on their strategic planning and have started a leadership program for small business owners and managers. My mission is to help small businesses and its leaders gain the skills, knowledge and strategies they need to build solid foundations and ultimately grow even stronger businesses.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As more of an introverted person, having to speak about and share my offerings to an audience has been challenging. It has always been much more natural for me to be behind the scenes accomplishing tasks for or with a small team. However, as the founder of a business, I know it is important for me to be engaging with other people on a consistent basis. Therefore, I have had to push myself outside of my comfort zone in order to meet people and give them the opportunity to experience what it would be like to work with me as a consultant.
What has helped me the most is presenting to small groups on topics I feel most comfortable with explaining. This practice has helped me build my confidence as a speaker and develop my skills as a leader. Now, I feel more excited and prepared when in front of a larger audience.
We’ve been impressed with Your Story Consulting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Your Story Consulting was founded as a way to support small business owners and entrepreneurs in my community of Sacramento and beyond. YSC is a firm that specializes in strategic planning and leadership develop to help small business owners find clarity, direction, and growth.
My main program for small businesses is called, Leading with Strategy. It is a 6–8-week program that focuses on financial planning, marketing, and strategy. Together with the business owner, we develop a business plan of action to build a stronger foundation. With a stronger foundation, the business is prepared and ready for long-term growth.
I also offer Leadership Coaching for small business owners and managers who are interested in developing their leadership confidence and skills. We focus on strengthening the individual’s communication, relationships, and strategic thinking.
I am different than other consultants because I bring coaching into the mix. Coaching helps the business owner learn and understand the material instead of just being told what to execute. I want each business owner to develop the right mindset and be able to do strategic planning without me. I am also different than other coaches because my background includes a B.S. in Business Entrepreneurship, an MBA and experience working for a consulting firm. With this knowledge and experience, I am able to dive into several parts of a business at a deeper level.
As a consultant, I am known for my high level of trust and clear effective guidance. I am most proud of the kind of people I have attracted. I have worked and am working with individuals who are not only incredibly talented at what they do they are also honest, kind, and passionate. They truly want to positively impact their communities and make a better life for their families. It has been such a pleasure being part of their entrepreneurial journeys and to have also built such great friendships.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Trust is a quality that is most important to my success. Trust is always my focus – it leads me through my decision-making process. So far, with trust I have built strong relationships, effective programs and an authentic message.
Contact Info:
- Email: elizabeth@yourstoryconsulting.com
- Website: yourstoryconsulting.com
- Instagram: yourstoryconsulting
Image Credits
Stacey Doyle and Meg Priley
