Hidden Gems: Meet Kimberly Bogues of Flourish Business Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Bogues.

Hi Kimberly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
I worked in corporate America for over 15 years and experienced both sides of acquisitions. However, after enduring two acquisitions within three years without any financial gain, I decided that if I couldn’t beat them, I should join them. Together with a few partners, I helped organize a community bank, which we eventually sold.

While opening the bank, I realized that I enjoyed problem-solving and developing creative solutions and found great satisfaction in building a business from the ground up. This was my “Ah Ha” moment.

Following the market downturn of 2008, as many individuals were being laid off and starting their businesses, I noticed that while they were excellent in their trades, they often lacked the expertise to start or manage a business effectively. This observation led to the creation of Flourish.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In any venture, there are peaks and valleys. My business today looks quite different from when I started it ten years ago. For example, I transitioned to a flat fee model because I found hourly billing cumbersome and felt it drew me into operational roles rather than allowing me to remain an external advisor.

The pandemic presented additional challenges. Many businesses needed my assistance adapting their practices and operations, but budget constraints due to the uncertainty made it difficult. Despite the drop in revenue that year, I focused on being a valuable resource, guiding funding opportunities, local restrictions, and best practices.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Flourish Business Consulting is an owner-operated consulting firm that offers a wide range of services to support every aspect of small businesses in Arizona, from start-up to growth to conclusion. I offer tailored assistance for new businesses to help launch their ventures successfully.

This can range from guiding priorities and step-by-step processes to sharing best practices. I can also handle the legwork, allowing business owners to focus on decision-making while I take care of opening the doors.

My primary objective for existing businesses is to reduce risks, optimize operations, and establish a strong foundation for expansion and scalability. This involves evaluating current workflows and protocols, devising strategies to enhance efficiency, addressing operational challenges, and ensuring sound business principles are in place.

I guide business owners through their options to ensure a smooth and compliant transition when closing, selling, or transferring ownership. Flourish can help ensure a seamless transition for those looking to sell with minimal disruption to staff and clientele.

A few things that make me unique are that I work with every client directly, so they are not getting passed off, and I focus on the entire organizational infrastructure instead of just one piece, such as only finances or HR.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Currently, I’m reading “Smart Brevity,” which emphasizes the power of conveying more with fewer words. I agree with this concept, though it will take some time to practice and master. I rely heavily on my calendar to stay organized, and Calendly has been a game-changer for scheduling appointments. It simplifies finding a convenient time for everyone, eliminating the back-and-forth emails.

To stay informed about business and economic trends, I find the Prof G Markets podcast entertaining and insightful. I also enjoy “Wiser than Me,” a podcast that features mature women who were ahead of their time in their industry and share their valuable wisdom.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flourishbiz.consulting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishbusinessconsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-business-services-llc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishbusinessconsulting

Image Credits
Marie Feutrier