Kim Dougherty's Page

What is your name?

Kim Dougherty

Are you currently heading a woman-owned business?

Yes

If you are in business, what is the name of your business?

Birch Advisory Services International

Where did you get your idea for your business or the business you'd like to start?

I knew that small business owners don't have the resources or advantages of a large corporation available to them, so I decided that my many years of experience in the corporate world and running a nonprofit should be made available to them to allow them to grow and flourish even if their resources are limited. I became a certified Associate of the Institute for Independent Business so that I could provide small businesses with practical advice that works.

Where is (will) your business located? (City and State)

Wilmette, IL

How long have you been in business? (Or when do you plan to open?)

3 years

How many employees do you have, if any?

1-5

What is your annual revenue?

$100K-$250K

Describe your product or service, or the product you plan to introduce to the market.

Business planning and strategic development
Business process improvement
Marketing and sales planning and implementation (including market research & surveys)
Advisory boards and executive round table facilitation
Business and executive coaching

How did you (or plan to) fund your business startup?

Credit cards, personal savings

What was (is) the biggest hurdle in getting your business off the ground?

Learning how to promote myself in such a way that business owners recognize the value of having a trusted business advisor and invited me in to their confidence and business space

What would you advise other women interested in starting a similar business?

Make sure you have (1) the ability to think about business in a comprehensive and innovative way and (2) that you either have the necessary skills to do the work or a robust network of other providers who will work at your level of professionalism and competence with your clients.

What has been your biggest mistake?

Not devoting enough time (and patience) in the beginning to marketing the new business

What has been your smartest move?

Networking in a variety of venues - business groups, civic leadership, church, freinds, etc.

Are you willing to answer questions from other women business owners about your business?

Yes

What is your email address?

kim@birchadvisoryservices.com