In this discussion, Miriam Dicks, an operations management consultant with a focus on nonprofits, reveals her journey from freelancing to building a successful consulting business. She emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and systems as the backbone of any organization. Miriam shares the secrets behind balancing the roles of an employee and an entrepreneur, along with personal insights on resilience in the face of challenges. Tune in for strategic advice on transforming your skills into a thriving business!
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Consultant vs. Business Owner
Consultants should evaluate if they desire business ownership or simply want to practice their skillset.
Business ownership requires additional skills beyond consulting, such as marketing and management.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Healthcare Consulting Pivot
Miriam Dicks initially focused on healthcare consulting, aiming to help physicians start their own practices.
However, this market proved fickle, leading her to explore other healthcare areas before the pandemic prompted a business reset.
insights INSIGHT
Transferable Skills
Identifying transferable skills is crucial for adapting to market changes, as Miriam Dicks did during the pandemic.
Repackaging existing skills to meet current demands can lead to business growth, especially when the market timing is right.
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why most small businesses don't work and what to do about it
Michael E. Gerber
The E-Myth Revisited challenges the common assumption that most businesses are started by entrepreneurs. Instead, Gerber argues that most businesses are started by technicians who understand the technical work but not the business itself. The book introduces the concept of the E-Myth and explains that successful business owners must balance three roles: the Entrepreneur (the visionary), the Manager (the planner and organizer), and the Technician (the one who performs the technical work). Gerber emphasizes the distinction between working 'in' your business and working 'on' your business, and he provides strategies for systemizing and scaling businesses, including the concept of the Franchise Prototype.
Atomic Habits
James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].
Today’s episode is a goldmine for anyone in the nonprofit space ready to shift from freelancer to bona fide business visionary. We sit down with the brilliant Miriam Dicks of 180 Management Group, who shares her evolution and the strategic pivot that transformed her consulting. She'll unravel the often misunderstood fabric of operations, revealing how it's the backbone of every successful organization—and yes, it can be as sexy as it is essential. You’ll learn about the real grind behind turning your skillset into a systematized powerhouse, the truth about balancing the roles of employee and entrepreneur and building a brand that resonates with your values and expertise. Prepare for an episode rich with insights, and don't forget to connect with us after the show to continue the conversation. Let's transform your drive into a thriving, operational engine.
Key Highlights:
Build Your Business Strong: Miriam started just like many of us, working gig to gig. But she had bigger dreams. She wanted a business that didn't just pay the bills but made a real difference. Like putting together a puzzle, she put systems in place that helped her business grow bigger than she ever imagined.
The Magic of Good Management: You might think talking about systems and operations is a snooze fest. But not for Miriam! She says that’s the secret sauce for keeping everything running smoothly. Let's remember that a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.
Juggling Jobs and Dreams: It’s tough sometimes, isn’t it? Miriam gets real about the struggle of holding down a day job while building her dream. It’s like having two full-time jobs. She was tired, but guess what? She never gave up. And that’s a big lesson for all of us. 🎢
Business Partnerships and Collaboration: It examines the dynamic of business partnerships and collaboration with insights on how Miriam and her husband balance their roles in their church with their business responsibilities.
Navigating Career Transitions: Transition from healthcare operations to consulting and the pivot that took place due to shifts in the industry and market demands, especially during the pandemic.
Confessions with Jess and Cindy 
