Lynne Butler - The People Person
I am the Director of Lynne Butler Associates Ltd, a small human resources management consultancy based in Eastbourne, which works with organisations to improve their business performance across the UK. We specialise in people management consultancy (e.g. advising on staff training and development, workforce planning, improving services and running learning events) and also offer a one to one coaching service. I have recently published a book written with a colleague called Action Learning for Change: a practical guide for managers.
I set up in business in 2006 because I wanted more flexibility and the opportunity to focus on specialist projects. I had already been employed as a consultant for a large national body for some time and this was a great help when going ‘independent’.
My advice to anyone considering setting up a business is to work in something you are really passionate about. I find this makes selling to clients much easier and keeps me very motivated. Research your idea well to see how it would work in practice. Also talk through your ideas with others (family, friends, and other business owners) and think about the personal, business and financial support you will need. If, after doing this you believe your business idea will work, then go for it. Eventually I came to the conclusion that I was much more likely to regret not ‘taking the plunge’ than to keep on doing what I was already doing.
Although I do some work on my own I thoroughly enjoy working with other consultants as part of a project team to bounce around ideas and just chat about day to day issues. I have developed a network of associate consultants for my business and I also work as an associate with other complementary businesses. This means I have extra support when I need it and it helps me draw on a wider range of expertise.
My work tends to come through personal recommendation so I make a very conscious effort to try out networks locally (so far this has included Brighton Business School, BNI, Women in Business, Women’s Networking Co) as well as those in London such as ‘Eye Contact’ to find new contacts, meet other business owners and hear from interesting speakers. Someone I met before I started up said that she always tries to talk to at least one new contact a week about her business however busy she is and this was a useful tip which I do try to keep to.
I have no regrets about setting up my own business. It’s hard work and inevitably there are ups and downs but I have learnt so much and enjoy what I do most of the time. There is plenty of variety and I meet some very interesting people. I really want to grow my business so this trend continues and to ensure I have a fulfilling career and a good lifestyle.
