Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in organizational development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachael Porter, Owner of Colorado Care Consulting, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a consulting firm that specializes in supporting organizations through organizational and program development, billing resources, and grant writing. I specifically work with I/DD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) organizations and/or non-profits because I have a passion for helping neurodivergent individuals. If I can help a business be more efficient and effective through my services, then it can directly correlate to individuals receiving more services, so that’s the core of my mission.
Tell us about yourself
In August of 2012, I moved to Denver from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with four suitcases and a dream of living in Colorado and serving the special needs community. That dream quickly took root after being hired as a behavioral therapist and later promoted to the executive leadership team at a behavioral health/PASA organization. For over 10 years, I have been supporting families with intellectual and developmental differences through developing programs and striving for continuity of care. I started my business over 6 months ago and it’s been successfully growing because of the amazing community members that support me. It motivates me every day to keep working extra hard for this amazing population!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Personally, it’s been getting constant referrals. It is a sense of pride for me to get referrals from my clients because it means they respect and believe in what I can deliver. I have felt really supported during this journey, so I feel like this is an accomplishment to be able to continue to grow my business. Through my referrals, I was able to submit 2.2 million dollars worth of grants since starting which makes me feel like I have made a difference in the community.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Navigating how to support current clients while managing new potential clients. Running my own business means I can only export so much, so I feel a constant battle with needing to say yes to new clients and making sure I show up and show out for my current clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask yourself what you will need to sacrifice to start or grow your business. This is a pivotal question because thinking you will get rich or be immediately successful is likely not going to happen. It takes hard work and sacrifice.
- Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. This is such a true point because social media pressures make it feel like you need to have a million clients and be growing rapidly. Don’t succumb to those feelings; it can cause you to lose your vision and mission.
- Take time to thank those that have helped you through your start or growth phase. It’s important to reflect and appreciate those, so I weekly write down three things I have accomplished (even if they are little) and three people that made a difference in my week (this can be personal or professional)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.coloradocareconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-porter-b118bb56/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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