Payton Hughes Consulting

An article written for Our Big Earth on whether self-employment is for you.

A link to an article written for Our Big Earth on organizing an office for mompreneurs.

In my work as a business consultant, I have met a number of unique individuals successfully running businesses, doing the things they love. Some don’t necessarily love the “running the business” part (they hire me and others for that part), they love doing the things the business does (baking the cakes, selling the equipment or being a counsellor). Others get a thrill from “being the boss” and managing the business. Read the rest of this entry »

Having mentors in our lives can make a significant difference in our quest to find our true potential, especially if our goals include self-employment. Mentors come to us in all kinds of ways – whether we ask for them or they happen by accident. Mentorship arrangements can be formal (written agreement, set meeting times and strict agendas) or informal (irregular meeting times, more casual environment). Here are some tips for finding your mentor(s).

At one time I was employed as a Business Manager in an import/export company. The senior management team was working with a business coach who asked me what I needed to do my job better. Because our staff team was small and I felt I had maxed out the knowledge and skills I had access to, I said, “I need a mentor”. Working with our coach I successfully negotiated an informal mentorship arrangement with a prominent business owner in our community. We met for lunch monthly. We each set goals for the following year and held each other accountable for them. I was able to talk to my mentor about being stuck and he helped me to problem solve. Read the rest of this entry »

I am excited to be working with Dave Pinel, owner of West Coast Expeditions. This amazing company invites you to share in the joy, wonder, and discovery of the best kayaking that Vancouver Island offers – a luxurious base camp or expedition kayaking vacation in Kyuquot Sound.

Leanne Zdebiak-Eni started Island Pilates and Fitness in 2003. Motivating people to move with a mind body connection has been the driving force behind her passion for fitness. I am pleased to be helping Michelle grow her business.

As a potential entrepreneur, information gathering is crucial. I have seen many people start a business without appropriate information and it has almost always landed them in trouble – I know because I am often hired to help fix the problems later on. There are many types of information that you need to gather before starting a business, however, due to space limitations I will focus on one: Market Information (not to be confused with Marketing Plans). Read the rest of this entry »

Thinking of turning your passion into a fruitful enterprise? Want to do what you love all day long, get paid for it and be the boss?

While starting a business may not be for everyone, it does provide some people the avenue to fulfill their dreams and meet their true potential. Many people who go into business for themselves, do so to pursue a hobby full-time (such as a canoe maker), do something they are good at and have been paid by others to do (such as a bookkeeper), or they want to try something completely different (start a doggie bakery). They may like the idea of having flexible work hours, accountability to themselves and being in control. These are all valid reasons for going into business and, if the business is thought out and planned properly, starting a business can lead to long term satisfaction and realization of life-long dreams. Read the rest of this entry »

Being self-employed or starting a business takes hard work, patience and determination, but it is more than that. It takes entrepreneurship, dedication and commitment, but it is more than that. It takes someone who is organized, willing to learn from mistakes and keep going, even in the tough times. Read the rest of this entry »

I would like to welcome Dr. Michelle Hughes, owner of Comox Valley Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine as a new client. Michelle specializes in acupuncture for fertility, pregnancy, menstruation and menopausal concerns as well as offering accupuncture for cosmetic reasons and sports injuries.