Michelle Foster
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I consult on business operations + finances, personal / professional coaching and bookkeeping.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I previously owned my own restaurant and bar in Brooklyn and managed a high-volume seasonal restaurant. As a result of surroundings, necessity and curiosity I grew my skills in financial management and currently specialize in small restaurants / adjacent business consulting and bookkeeping.
How do you stand out in your field?
As a previous and current small business owner, I can relate on many levels to the organizational, financial, and operational struggles and needs of my clients. I've worn the shoes before, so I know how to stand in them.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently working on my own branding and navigating PPP loans for several clients.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My working style is to first get a feel for your business and goals and help craft a plan - reverse engineer - how to get there. I understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed running a small business alone and want to help others in any way I can.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Consulting and sculpture.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Social media, always
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Create e-mail filters and social media.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
''It's worth your time to outsource". I tried to do it all alone at my first bar and that caused everything to be done without extreme focus or dedication. I would have outsourced things I was not a specialist in.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
SEO.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Small business consulting, personal / professional coaching and bookkeeping clients.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I'm a big fan of working with small businesses from the concept stage through completion. It's just as exciting to see someone else meet goals as it is to meet my own.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
My coach @johanspeaks continues to challenge me and pushes me to believe anything is possible.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Physical activity - cycling and running help me think the most.
This member profile was originally published in April 2021.