Running a small business can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to wear every hat. From marketing and sales to operations and strategy, the endless responsibilities can leave even the most capable entrepreneurs feeling stretched thin.
Hiring the right small business consultant can make all the difference, helping you move from feeling stuck to achieving breakthrough growth.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top small business consultants who are making a real impact for entrepreneurs. Each brings unique expertise and battle-tested methodologies that have helped thousands of business owners build more profitable, sustainable companies.
Many of these entrepreneurs are also coaching consultants, which means their approach has something for everyone. Remember that a small business is any business that is independently owned with fewer than 500 employees. This means some of the consultants below focus on helping startups, while others help businesses that are already making six figures or low seven figures to scale even more.
1. Mike Shreeve – Peaceful Profits
Mike Shreeve has been helping entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants since 2007, but his specialty lies in something most business owners overlook:
The power of becoming a published author to grow your business.
Through his company Peaceful Profits, Mike has developed “The One Book Millions” method.
This strategy helps thought leaders become bestselling authors as a way to establish authority and attract higher-caliber clients.
Business Model: Mike created a comprehensive publishing ecosystem that serves clients at every stage of the book creation process.
From ghostwriting and editing to book launching and marketing, Peaceful Profits handles the entire journey. This full-service approach creates multiple revenue streams while delivering a complete solution that most entrepreneurs desperately need but don’t know how to execute.
Consulting Methodology: His approach centers on the belief that a well-crafted book is the ultimate business card and lead generation tool. Mike’s methodology focuses on:
- Transforming expertise into a publishable manuscript without the author having to write
- Creating strategic book launches that generate immediate credibility and media attention
- Using the book as a foundation for higher-ticket consulting and speaking opportunities
- Building systems that turn book readers into qualified prospects for premium services
Visit peacefulprofits.com to learn how publishing a book can transform your business positioning and attract premium clients.
2. Laurel Portié
Laurel Portié brings a unique background from television networks where she learned the art of capturing attention, and she’s translated those skills into one of the most effective advertising consultants for small businesses.
Her consulting program “Lean on Laurel” provides intensive, hands-on support for entrepreneurs who want to master paid advertising without getting lost in the technical complexity.
I’ve personally taken this consulting program for six months and came out of it so much more knowledgeable and confident about running ads. It helped me master video ad hooks, DM conversations, and even got me a long-term high-ticket client.
Business Model: Laurel operates as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer through her $2,000 monthly consulting program. This model provides ongoing support rather than one-time fixes, which allows her to stay deeply involved in her clients’ advertising success.
She also offers a lower-priced option for entrepreneurs who want access to her expertise but can’t afford the full program.
Consulting Methodology: Her approach is built around what she calls the “Ads Ecosystem,” which creates a comprehensive advertising strategy rather than random campaigns. Laurel’s methodology includes:
- Building multiple types of content and ads that work together systematically
- Providing daily Voxer support for real-time troubleshooting and optimization
- Teaching clients to think strategically about their entire customer journey, not just individual ads
- Combining organic content planning with paid advertising for maximum impact
Visit adswithlaurel.com to explore how her systematic approach to advertising can transform your lead generation.
3. Alen Sultanic
Alen Sultanic has built his reputation on transparency and his “Nothing Held Back” philosophy, where he shares his proven client acquisition strategies openly in his free Facebook group before offering premium consulting.
He’s known for developing the “Automatic Clients” funnel model and provides business consulting that focuses on both strategy and mindset.
Business Model: Alen operates on a unique model where he gives away his best strategies for free first, then offers premium implementation support through his “Fast Forward” program.
This builds enormous trust and demonstrates the value of his methods before anyone pays. His approach proves that generosity in business often leads to greater long-term success.
Consulting Methodology: His consulting focuses on sustainable business growth through proven systems rather than constantly chasing new tactics. Alen’s approach emphasizes:
- Building automated client acquisition funnels that generate consistent leads
- Developing strategic thinking skills rather than just tactical implementation
- Creating long-term business systems that work without constant management
- Balancing business growth with personal sustainability and work-life integration
His “Fast Forward” consulting program provides intensive strategic support for entrepreneurs ready to scale systematically.
To find out more about Alen, I highly recommend joining the Nothing Held Back Facebook group, where he frequently shares high-value text posts and other free resources.
4. Jereshia Hawk
Jereshia Hawk specializes in boutique strategic advisory and business coaching for CEOs who have achieved success but feel overwhelmed by the weight of running everything themselves.
Her approach focuses on creating businesses that serve the owner’s life vision rather than consuming it entirely.
Business Model: Jereshia operates as a high-level strategic advisor with two main offerings: intensive one-on-one consulting packages and an exclusive mastermind for six-figure earners.
Her business model reflects her philosophy that fewer, higher-quality clients allow for deeper transformation and better results for everyone involved.
Consulting Methodology: Her consulting methodology centers on “scaling with significance” rather than scaling at any cost. Jereshia’s approach focuses on:
- Designing business models that align with personal values and life goals
- Creating sustainable growth strategies that don’t require sacrificing health or relationships
- Developing systems and teams that allow CEOs to step back from daily operations
- Building businesses that can grow without constantly demanding more time and energy from the owner
Visit jereshiahawk.com to learn about working with a strategic advisor who prioritizes sustainable success over rapid scaling.
5. Tarzan Kay – Email Marketing & Business Strategy
Tarzan Kay is widely recognized as the queen of email marketing, and she’s the one I first learned about email marketing from. She helps business owners create profitable email campaigns that build genuine relationships with their audiences.
While she started as a coach and course creator, she now primarily focuses on consulting and her exclusive mastermind program for experienced entrepreneurs.
Business Model: Tarzan has built a business model around multiple entry points, from low-cost resources and affordable memberships to high-end consulting and her exclusive “Power” mastermind.
This approach allows entrepreneurs to start working with her methods regardless of budget, then invest more deeply as they see results.
Consulting Methodology: Her consulting philosophy goes beyond just email tactics to focus on building authentic connections that naturally lead to sales. Tarzan’s methodology includes:
- Writing strategic, story-driven emails that create real connections with subscribers
- Developing email campaigns that feel personal and valuable rather than pushy or salesy
- Creating sustainable business practices that allow for both professional success and personal fulfillment
- Building community and support systems that help entrepreneurs stay motivated and accountable
Visit tarzankay.com to explore her email marketing expertise and learn about her exclusive mastermind for experienced business owners.
6. Rachel Rodgers
Rachel Rodgers, author of “We Should All Be Millionaires,” has built Hello Seven with a mission to change the face of entrepreneurship by helping historically excluded entrepreneurs build million-dollar businesses.
Her consulting and mastermind programs focus on sustainable scaling and wealth-building for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.
Business Model: Rachel has created a comprehensive business education platform that includes masterminds, coaching programs, and certification opportunities.
Her model demonstrates how building inclusive, supportive communities can create significant business success while advancing important social change.
Consulting Methodology: Her approach goes far beyond typical business consulting to address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Rachel’s methodology focuses on:
- Building sustainable business systems that create generational wealth
- Addressing mindset blocks and systemic barriers that limit growth
- Creating supportive communities where entrepreneurs can thrive without compromising their values
- Developing leadership skills that allow business owners to scale effectively while maintaining their mission
Visit helloseven.co to learn about joining a business community that prioritizes both profit and purpose.
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7. Sandra Booker
Sandra Booker specializes in business systems and operations to help growth-oriented entrepreneurs create sustainable frameworks for scaling without burning out.
Her approach focuses on building operational efficiency that allows business owners to step into true CEO roles.
Business Model: Sandra operates as a Fractional COO and offers comprehensive packages that include strategy, systems implementation, and ongoing operational support. Her model allows small businesses to access C-level operational expertise without the cost of hiring a full-time executive.
Consulting Methodology: Her consulting methodology centers on creating sustainable business operations through what she calls “Company Choreography.” Sandra’s approach includes:
- Implementing data-driven decision-making systems that eliminate guesswork
- Creating scalable operational frameworks that support consistent growth
- Developing team structures and workflows that reduce the owner’s operational burden
- Building systems that allow businesses to run smoothly even when the owner steps away
Visit sidekickcoo.com to explore how operational excellence can transform your business sustainability.
8. Run Like Clockwork – Mike Michalowicz & Adrienne Dorison
Run Like Clockwork, founded by bestselling author Mike Michalowicz and operational expert Adrienne Dorison, helps small business owners design their businesses to run without them.
Their consulting approach focuses on creating systems and processes that allow business owners to step away while maintaining profitability and growth.
Business Model: They’ve built a comprehensive system that includes direct consulting, certification programs for other consultants, and a network of Clockwork Certified Partners.
This model allows them to help more businesses while creating additional revenue streams through their certification program.
Consulting Methodology: Their methodology is built around the principle that business owners shouldn’t be the single point of failure in their companies. The Clockwork approach focuses on:
- Identifying and documenting the most critical business processes
- Creating systems that allow teams to operate independently and effectively
- Building operational efficiency that increases profit margins while reducing owner involvement
- Developing leadership structures that support sustainable growth without requiring constant oversight
Visit runlikeclockwork.com to learn how to build a business that can thrive even when you’re not there, or become certified in their unique approach.
9. Jasmin Alić
Jasmin Alić has earned recognition as the #1 ranked LinkedIn coach and has built Link Up, a community-based consulting program that helps entrepreneurs build powerful personal brands that drive business growth.
His approach combines strategic LinkedIn optimization with broader business development principles.
This is another consultant who I personally worked with; I paid him for an hour-long consulting session a few years back. Not only was he one of the friendliest consultants I’ve ever spoken to, but his advice helped me understand LinkedIn branding so much better.
Business Model: Jasmin has created a unique community-based consulting model through Link Up, where members get access to live coaching, expert feedback, and a supportive peer community.
This model creates ongoing relationships rather than one-time transactions, which can lead to better results for clients and more sustainable revenue.
Consulting Methodology: His consulting philosophy centers on building authentic personal brands that naturally attract business opportunities. Jasmin’s approach includes:
- Optimizing LinkedIn profiles and content strategies for maximum business impact
- Developing storytelling frameworks that create genuine connections with ideal clients
- Building systematic approaches to content creation and audience engagement
- Creating personal brand strategies that support long-term business growth rather than just social media metrics
Visit linkupbyjasmin.com to explore how strategic personal branding can transform your business development efforts.
Business Lessons from the Best Small Business Consultants
What can you learn and apply to your own consulting business? Let’s dissect the lessons from these world-class small business consultants.
1. Specialize Deeply Rather Than Offering Everything
The most successful consultants have found their unique expertise and built entire businesses around it. In other words, they found their niche.
- Mike Shreeve focuses specifically on book publishing for business growth.
- Laurel Portié specializes in advertising ecosystems.
- Tarzan Kay has built her reputation entirely around email marketing excellence.
This deep specialization allows them to charge premium prices while delivering extraordinary results in their specific areas.
2. Build Systems That Scale Your Impact
Every top consultant has created methodologies and systems that allow them to help more clients without just trading time for money.
- Sandra Booker uses operational frameworks.
- Run Like Clockwork built an entire certification to train new consultants for their clients.
- Jereshia Hawk created a strategic planning process.
All of the above are repeatable approaches that create consistent results.
3. Create Multiple Ways to Work With You
The best consultants offer various entry points for different budgets and commitment levels.
- Tarzan Kay provides everything from low-cost resources to exclusive masterminds.
- Laurel Portié offers both premium consulting and more affordable group access via her $7 ads coaching program.
- Mike Shreeve offers his signature book, The One Book Millions Method, for only $4.99, which opens the door to other programs that climb upwards of six-figure investments.
This approach allows consultants to serve more people while creating multiple revenue streams.
4. Focus on Long-Term Relationships Over Quick Fixes
Rather than selling one-time solutions, successful consultants build ongoing relationships with their clients.
Jereshia Hawk’s strategic advisory work, Jasmin Alić’s community approach, and Alen Sultanic’s transparent methodology all create lasting partnerships that benefit both consultant and client over time.
5. Combine Strategy With Practical Implementation
The most effective consultants don’t just provide advice; they offer hands-on support for implementation. Whether it’s:
- Laurel Portié’s daily Voxer support
- Sandra Booker’s operational implementation
- Rachel Rodgers’ comprehensive business building approach
They all ensure their clients can actually execute the strategies they recommend.
FAQs About the Best Small Business Consultants
Are small business consultants worth it?
Small business consultants can provide tremendous value when you choose the right specialist for your specific needs. However, the investment only pays off when you’re ready to implement their recommendations.
How much do small business consultants charge?
Small business consultant fees vary widely based on their expertise and the scope of work. Many consultants charge between $1,500 to $3,000 per month for ongoing strategic support, while others offer project-based work ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
Start Your Coaching or Consulting Business With The Right Support
The right small business consultant can be the catalyst that transforms your business from overwhelming to organized, from struggling to profitable, and from chaotic to systematically successful.
Each consultant on this list brings unique expertise and proven methodologies that have helped thousands of entrepreneurs build better businesses.
Ready to streamline your own consulting business? Paperbell gives you everything you need to manage clients professionally while you focus on delivering the transformational results that matter most. Grab your free account to start or grow your consulting business today.
