Deann Butler had it all. She had worked her way up the corporate ladder and looked just as good on paper as she did in the workplace. But when she no longer felt valued with her company, she packed up her expertise and knowledge and started her own. As the founder of Connected Consultants she helps individuals and businesses “build and transform learning programs” and provides a network of professionals to find solutions and more. Let’s meet her.
Tell us about your professional career prior to starting Connected Consultants.
In a nutshell, I was the epitome of a corporate ladder climber. I came out of graduate school and worked with nonprofit organizations for a while. While I loved the mission, I couldn’t believe the pay after getting a graduate degree. So, I moved into working for one of the big 5 health insurance companies. I started very entry-level and put in overtime to get recognized. After 12 years and two more degrees, I finally made it to the Director level in the company. I loved my time there and it definitely paid the bills. When I left, I was heading a team that is responsible for the learning and development of their national care management division. I loved the work but often felt undervalued and underpaid. I left there and went to work for a healthcare startup and began working on my doctoral degree. All around me I saw the entrepreneurial spirit. After 9 months I left that company and decided there wasn’t anything stopping me from starting my own business.
Why did I decide to leave corporate and try entrepreneurship?
I was really tired of feeling undervalued. I was always the employee that jumped on the hardest projects and had the most education. I was often called in to solve problems. But when it came time for a promotion I was sometimes looked over. I remember one year applying for about 25 internal jobs and not even getting an interview. I also began to really feel the emotional/mental ramifications of having to be a part of reductions in force. I finally decided to trust that my knowledge and expertise could be monetized. The final push was when I saw how much an outside consultant was paid for a job I could do in my sleep. At that point, I said it’s time to go. I put together a plan and haven’t looked back.
Who is your ideal client?
For my B2C business, my ideal client is a woman professional who wants to either leave corporate or have an additional stream of income through consulting services. This is often someone who has professional degrees, corporate experience, and they are now ready to monetize their expertise. This client need helps to create and to launch their own consulting business.
For my B2B clients, we work with small and medium-sized businesses to create and implement business solutions. We currently specialize in healthcare organizations.
What problem are solving and how did you identify it?
I take the guesswork out of starting a consulting business. For me and several women in my network, I noticed we all had the “smarts” but we didn’t know what the next steps are if you want to start the company. I talked with friends, colleagues, focus groups, and other market research. This allowed me to identify the areas where women would need help.
What is your most popular program?
Creating a Consulting Business that Connects. This is a 12 week 1:1 program where I guide professional women through the process to launch a consulting program. We cover everything from starting the business, crafting the offer, sales/marketing, and so much more.
How do you nurture your professional network?
I am consistent and continue to show up with valuable information. I am also a current doctoral student at MUSC. I bring all of the information I am learning to my network. I shouldn’t be the only person to benefit from this knowledge. I additionally have a free FB group, Women Entrepreneurs Building a Legacy, where we nurture and training individuals. Lastly, I recently developed lower-cost options because I want to make sure all women entrepreneurs have access to information to launch grow and scale their business.
Lastly, where do you see your business in five years?
In my five years, my consulting business will be a consulting firm. Right now we are slowly bringing on additional consultants (focus on women and people of color). My company helps to locate and negotiate contracts for these consultants. We have grown to about 8 independent consultants at this time. Their expertise ranges from sales, marketing, operations, training, and behavioral health.
Want more information on Deann, her business and the services she offers? Reach her here:
www.connected-consultants.com (B2B services)
www.cccoursecreations.com (B2C services)
IG: Connected_Consultants
FB: Women Entrepreneurs Building a Legacy
LinkedIn: Deann Butler and Connected Consultants
Upcoming Programs:
The Mastermind Connect – a subscription cost for women entrepreneurs starting, growing, and scaling their business. Each month we bring 1-2 experts in to do a live virtual presentation and live Q&A. The sessions are about 1.5 hr. Subscribers also receive access to a monthly newsletter and all resources bank. The subscription level is $35 and comes with a free 30-day trial.
The Resource Connect – unlimited access to resources developed by Connected Consultants for women entrepreneurs. Each month we drop 2-3 new resources. This subscription level is $15 and comes with a free 14-day trial.
Contact Deann at Connected Consultants and sign up today!
