Prestige Consulting
Vanessa Connor started Prestige Consulting officially in November 2015. Prior to this she was engaged in financial consulting and training services pro-bono in partnership with ECCB, churches and other NPOs and NGOs. Prestige Consulting was formalised as a business when Vanessa started getting requests from businesses and individuals to assist with accounting services.
The mantra for Prestige Consulting is “managing business to manage results.” Prestige Consulting offers business and HR management, accounting and bookkeeping services, budgeting tools and management, business plans and consultation, cash flow and loan management, financial counselling and planning and website and software development. The company also offers professional development sessions including customised workshops, employee proficiency assessments, motivational sessions, roles and responsibilities assessments and job description development.
Vanessa shared that one of the primary benefits of owning her own business is the latitude and freedom to manage her time and decide what is priority. She explained, “Trials and situations sometimes are a blessing in disguise and despite the change in financial circumstances the rewards that I have experienced in terms of time has been rewarding in itself. I have a Fifth Former who recently completed exams and I was able to be there to support her in a way that would not have been possible if I was in my previous job.”
Another benefit for Vanessa is the freedom to share expertise. She expounded, “It was always the intention that I would start my own business as my primary income. With my transition, it freed me to explore and develop that opportunity. She shared further, “I have found that I have been able to do much more to help clients. After Hurricane Irma many businesses were impacted, and it has been difficult for them to engage a full time accountant in the manner they need to have. For me, I feel that if I plant a seed in someone else then I will reap the harvest and rewards in time to come. I have been planting seeds in terms of assisting entrepreneurs with business plans. I have also been giving marked discounts and I have been engaging in full old-time barter in some instances.” The excitement was evident in her voice as she concluded, “Changes bring challenges but I really have been freed up to do so much more.”
Vanessa was also very open about some of the challenges she has faced. Hurricane Irma caused significant damage to her new office space in which she had made a substantial investment. Following that Vanessa became seriously ill for over three months. She reflected, “On a reduced income and with limited mobility managing through that process was a challenge. My mantra during my illness was ‘Every day in every way, I am getting better and better, and stronger and stronger.’ I guess I am quite fortunate that financial management is my one of my areas of expertise, so we went back to the tried and true envelope system. So the same things I teach, I practice. It took me back to my roots and provided an opportunity to teach my daughters how to manage the household. I can fully empathise when I talk to clients about living on a reduced income.”
Vanessa has plenty of passionate advice for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. She admonished: “Determine what is your passion. It should be something you enjoy waking up to do and not a copycat initiative as you don’t know the effort another person is expending.”
Secondly, she advised getting Godly or wise counsel. She advised entrepreneurs to get a mentor. Her mentors are Melinda Goddard (to learn more about consulting) and Starry Webster(for the financial realm). An avid reader she shared that wise counsel can also come through research and books. She encouraged persons to use the resources available. Other advice for entrepreneurs included engaging in proper record keeping, forming a strong network and developing a business plan.
The best advice Vanessa received was from her mentors who advised her not to sell herself short as she has so much talent and expertise.
When asked about the ease or difficulty of doing business in Anguilla she admitted that it can be difficult in some aspects. These include the length of time and expense to obtain a business licence or a business account for some sole proprietors, entrepreneurs and DBAs. She shared, “The requirements are too extensive especially at the banking level. It is almost like there is a deterrent for entrepreneurs and DBAs.”
Her passion for entrepreneurs was evident as she shared, “Every society needs entrepreneurs to thrive, so my modus operandi is to get persons to start businesses instead of getting a second job. At least your presence is there with your children and spouse and you are building something for your future.”
Vanessa has not yet engaged in any formal advertising or marketing but is getting clients through word of mouth and referrals. She shared, “I see the need for many businesses to engage my services and other businesses coming on stream like that of Aunika Webster-Lake. Our generation needs to partner and network together and understand that it is not a competition. It is more about us building each other. If we see each other strengths, and we can promote each other, it can do so much for Anguilla.”
In 10 years, Vanessa sees herself ashaving provided a platform for generations to come and setting the framework for a new breed of entrepreneurs. “I see Prestige Consulting as a launching pad helping businesses to become more proficient and efficient in what they do.
To the General Public
Prestige Consulting is available to assist at all levels – business or individual to help persons achieve financial goals. Come in or call 583-7181 or email prestigeconsulting@outlook.com. We would be happy to sit with you to discuss how you can achieve your goals.
By Shellecia Brooks-Johnson
