Not necessarily. I have worked with business owners in a wide range of fields - including manufacturing, real estate, massage therapy, art, music, graphic design, landscaping, social work, writing, plumbing, acupuncture, photography, psychic consulting, strategic planning, chiropractic, publicity, hair styling, floral design, promotional product sales, nutritional consulting, law, and other areas. Every time I work with a business owner I learn more about their field. But, the skills for working with business owners are generally the same.

That's great that I'm not going to "tell you what to do," you may be thinking - but what if you want some advice? Shouldn't you be working with a person who has some experience that allows them to relate to what you're talking about, and to steer you in the right direction?

Yes and yes. Although coaching is always about you and what you want and think and decide, I am prepared to give thoughts and suggestions if and when you ask for them. I have worked in a variety of businesses and this experience has given me many points of reference.

Some of the fields I've worked in include: construction and construction management; architectural design; state and national environmental and energy policy; citizen advocacy; video production for private clients, cable television, and public television; corporate training development and delivery; the food business; corporate computer services; consulting to manufacturing and health care organizations; teaching yoga and meditation; book and video publishing; network marketing; product development research; international marketing; and multimedia production.

In the course of all this I've been employed by both small and medium-sized businesses as well as huge corporations, and have run (and continue to run) my own businesses.

"How can you have worked in so many fields - you look so young!" I get this frequently. Yes, I do look young. Actually, I've packed a lot into my 43 years. If you'd like to know the specifics of my background and experience, read About Melanie for more information.

So, if we're coaching together and you ask my opinion about a decision you want to make, or an action you want to take, I'll give you my input if it seems appropriate.