It's all in the name...

When I decided to start my own consulting business, I never dreamed picking a name would be the first stumbling block I’d face. After all, how difficult would it be to choose a name? I knew I didn’t want to use my last name because “Flash Consulting” would send the message of being hurried through the process and that was the last thing I wanted for a client. After much thought, I decided to call my company Partnership Solutions Consulting. I felt strongly that in order to achieve a client’s goals and find solutions for their challenges, I would need to partner with them. The members of any organization know their company better than I ever could and I’d never want to presume I could solve their challenges in a vacuum. Yes, it would need to be a partnership. Unfortunately, the Secretary of State disagreed and would not allow me to use any part of the word “partner” or “partnership” in my name.

So, I began the process of finding a new name. It seems that any name I thought of was already taken. I thought about using the first letters of my children’s names but unfortunately, that would spell S.A.D. – not the image I want conveyed! I tried a variety of names, but they were all claimed in some form.

 

I realized then I would need to get even more creative than I thought I was being. I thought about my past work experience and remembered the times when I had the most meaningful conversations with people. I recalled when people were able to be honest and vulnerable with their feelings and I reflected on what all those times had in common in addition to a listening and sympathetic ear.  Over the years, I have always had a jar of candy in my office. The jar was placed next to my sitting area where I met with people. I noticed that when people had something to hold and to eat, something sweet and maybe a bit decadent, they felt more at ease. They were more willing to share what they were truly feeling, and they were able to bring their whole selves to the conversation. With that piece of candy in hand, they felt safe.

 

In my consulting, I aim to help organizations find ways to bring that level of safety to their staff and board members. I work with leadership to help them create a working environment where employees and board members feel like an important part of a team, where they are valued and able to share their ideas.

 

This is how Candy Jar Consulting was named. It is with a deep desire to help organizations create an environment where people feel empowered to share their successes and their challenges, where they work together to achieve goals and realize their vision. It would be my honor to work with you and I may just bring the candy!