Business Services

Business Strategy & Advisory

Beyond HR: Guidance for Small Business Owners & Executives

Private, one-on-one business consulting for small business owners and executives who need a trusted sounding board to talk through decisions about growth, employees, operations, leadership, clients, and the everyday realities of running a business.

For more than 17 years, Close HR founder and owner Ann Close has worked closely with business owners and leadership teams, many of whom turn to her for advice on business and leadership challenges beyond HR, asking questions like:

  • What have you recommended in similar situations?
  • What would you do in this situation?
  • What are the risks of going in this direction?
  • What am I not considering here?

The real value is having an experienced business owner and advisor to help you think through what matters most before deciding what comes next.

Work Directly with Ann

Business consulting sessions with Ann can include:

  • Talking through business decisions, challenges, opportunities, and next steps
  • Working through employee and people issues that affect operations, culture, productivity, or growth
  • Evaluating organizational structure, communication, hiring, retention, and leadership dynamics
  • Considering both the business impact and the people impact of a decision
  • Identifying practical options when you feel stuck or unsure how to move forward
  • Connecting you with trusted referral partners when specialized expertise is needed

Business Clarity Sessions

There are two ways to get started:

1. Schedule a Business Clarity Session if you’re ready to dive directly into an issue, decision, or challenge you want to work through.

2. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute fit call if you’d first like to briefly discuss your situation and determine whether Ann is the right person to help.

Business Clarity Sessions are available in three lengths:

  • 30 minutes for a follow-up check-in after a previous session or one focused question
  • 60 minutes for a more in-depth discussion of a business issue, decision, or challenge
  • 90 minutes for more complex situations that need additional time to unpack, evaluate options, and think through next steps

Sessions are available by phone, video, or in person.

Schedule a Business Clarity Session or Complimentary Fit Call today!

This service is designed for small businesses with approximately 150 employees or few across a wide range of industries, including professional and white-collar organizations, skilled trades and blue-collar businesses, and gray-collar industries. We work with both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations.