II Steps Ahead, LLC

03/04/2023

Relationship development is essential for the success of a small business owner. I met Kiesha Everett over 15 years ago, when I was a presenter for her AALDP class. Shortly thereafter, she hired me for an event with her organization. Now, over 15 years later, we have reconnected, and she's invited me to be the keynote speaker for her upcoming event. I invite all my local family and friends to consider attending her event and hearing from me how to Renew, Refocus and Recenter YOU.

Event details announced mid-March.

03/02/2023

The development of my new website is coming along nicely. I am pleased to work with Hazel Conti, an amazing website developer. She took the time to get to know me and understand my goals for the project. Below is a snippet of my Speaking Page. I look forward to sharing the website with you soon!

02/24/2023

My updated website is coming along nicely, as are my offerings...stay tuned!

01/06/2023

Loading soon - 2023 new website

05/06/2021

I would encourage entrepreneurs to pay close attention to their advice about "Time is of the essence." As a business coach, I can share nothing aids in the demise of a business faster than an entrepreneur who doesn't understand the value of time relative to services rendered or timely delivery of products. Business 101 - if someone requests your service or product and you can't deliver within "their" time frame, there are plenty of entrepreneurs that can and will do so. That business is now gone forever.

If you want to start your own business, having these qualities can help. Do you have what it takes?

02/11/2021

There are key steps to take BEFORE you start your small business. In addition to your skillset, educating yourself on small business fundamentals is a required first step. I took advantage of a week-long entrepreneur training at the Urban League. It was the best use of $75 and laid the foundation for my business development. I also took advantage of SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer and expert business mentors. It was another smart business decision and helped me steer clear of land mines I surely would have landed on, had I not taken the time to learn what it actually means to be an entrepreneur. It's 12 years later, and the decisions I made prior to starting II Steps Ahead, LLC, has ensured I am still running a successful business today!

Submitted by Greater Rochester SCORE Chapter 23 Rochester NY - II Steps Ahead is a management Consulting Service including:•Leadership Development•Communicat...

03/27/2020

As a small business owner, the Coronavirus has changed the trajectory of my face-to-face business interactions, including revenue associated with those interactions and contracts. During this time, my faith in God is where it's always been - unwavering. He gave me discernment to start "II Steps Ahead, LLC," and He has been my guide for over a decade. I, in turn, was wise enough to acquire and hone transferable skills that will serve me well in the current communication climate.
For my FB family/friends that are small business owners, and feel uneasy and uncertain at this time, know that you are not alone. I am here to offer my support. If you need to talk, vent, or strategize, feel free to reach out to me.

03/20/2020

There's no question that for many, the coronavirus has created a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety. The last three weeks have been overwhelming and exhausting, with emotions running high. As a veteran life skills coach, I am aware of the importance of self-care and the benefits of social interaction. Considering our current reality, I welcome the opportunity to serve as your thought partner while you navigate issues that require clarity. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or 585-395-9230. I am confident, that together, we can focus on your personal goals and make them your reality.

11/03/2017

Small Business Survival: When Friends ask for "Complimentary" Services
You see nothing wrong with approaching your friend and saying, "I know you specialize in __________________. Would you be willing to _______________?" I know I/we can't afford you, but would you be willing to reduce your fee for me/us/our company/organization to __________________.
Friends of entrepreneurs frequently ask for "complimentary," or free services. The good thing is, we want to support our friends and are usually more than willing to oblige the requests. It’s important however, to mindful that when asking a friend to provide complimentary or reduced-fee services, there's a responsibility that goes along with the request. Here are some things to consider:
Just like you, entrepreneurial friends have to pay their bills. So ask yourself this – "Realistically, would I be able and willing to work that amount of time - for free?" If I can’t, why would they be able to?
This is a big one - If you have never supported their business - perhaps you can't afford them or their particular service is of little value to you (ahem, I bet professional development $$$ at your company could be spent at their business) then consider not asking them more than once for a complimentary service.
Finally, the next time you think about asking a friend to work for free, do this exercise. Go to your purse or wallet and take out that amount of money and think about a good friend that you would just “give” it to. Next, ask yourself how many times you would be willing to just “give” your friend your money. Yes, it is something to consider isn’t it?
Entrepreneurs know their friends truly mean no harm when they ask for complimentary services. Just a little consideration is all that's needed for your friend and their livelihood. Just a little consideration.

06/19/2017

While having home improvement work done, I watched the careful coordinated teamwork of the two-man team. Each worked effortlessly in their role and efficiently completed their tasks - both individually and collectively. Just like the home improvement team, workplace teams need collaboration. Understanding the big-picture goal and the elimination of "I," supports team balance and cohesion. The professionals of II Steps Ahead are specialists in team development which results in a productive and satisfying workplace. Give us a call at 585-395-9230 and let us help you build your own collaborative team.

08/12/2016

For us thriving entrepreneurs, a word of mouth recommendation is the best advertising. Thanks Ben!

"I was fortunate enough to have Helen Jae as a coach during my Executive MBA experience at RIT. Initially, I was not sure what to expect from the Leadership Development classes, but her courses were among the most compelling and life-changing, and six years later, I still reflect on what I learned in them. I think the dialogue that she fosters with her students is so critical - while she offers direction and constructive feedback, she also allows participants to engage in a real conversation with her, which facilitates leadership growth in an authentic way. I am still using the strategies I learned in her courses with great success, and I feel lucky to have had her as a professor."

Ben Powers, Headmaster
Eagle Hill Southport School
August 12, 2016