We were lucky to catch up with Deidra Harwell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Deidra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
The idea for HCS Consulting started with a desire to help people take control of their financial health, particularly when it came to credit. I had been thinking about this for months, and eventually, I decided to execute the idea with one client—who happened to be my best friend. That first experience gave me the confidence to push forward, and word began to spread about the credit and financial consulting I was offering. As I gained more clients, I refined my services, helping individuals rebuild their credit and improve their overall financial outlook.
But the journey didn’t stop there. Three years later, I saw another opportunity to help businesses, especially non-profit organizations, with their operations and compliance. These organizations often face unique challenges with regulations and efficiency, and I knew I could bring value to that space as well. So, I expanded HCS Consulting to include operational and compliance consulting.
The process of moving from idea to execution required a lot of groundwork. I spent the first few weeks researching what businesses and individuals needed, both in financial consulting and later in operations. I had to learn about industry regulations, best practices, and how to position myself as a trusted partner for clients.
Next, I focused on building the brand and the website, HCS-pro.com, where clients could clearly see what we offer. I also had to set up the operational side—creating service packages, building relationships, and networking to grow the client base. I started with non-profits because their needs were clear, and they provided a great foundation to further develop our compliance and operational services.
Within the first year, I had built a solid client base, both in financial consulting and in operations for non-profits. It took a lot of planning, research, and adjustments, but the transition from idea to execution was a learning experience that shaped HCS Consulting into what it is today—a firm that supports both individuals with their financial health and organizations with operational efficiency.
Deidra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Sure! My name is Deidra Harwell, and I am the founder of HCS Consulting. I initially started in the credit and financial consulting space. For months, I noticed that so many people were struggling with their credit and overall financial health, and it was holding them back in all sorts of ways—from buying homes to securing loans for businesses. After thinking about it for a while, I decided to take the leap and began working with one client—my best friend. From that moment, I knew I was on the right path. The results were immediate, and soon enough, word spread, and I began helping more people regain control over their credit and finances.
What sets HCS Consulting apart is our holistic approach. I didn’t stop at just financial consulting. Three years after launching, I saw an opportunity to support non-profit organizations with their operational and compliance needs. Non-profits often have specific challenges when it comes to maintaining regulatory standards, managing resources, and creating efficient processes. I realized I could use the same dedication I brought to financial consulting to help these organizations run smoothly.
Today, HCS Consulting provides two main services: credit/financial consulting for individuals and operational/compliance consulting for businesses, especially non-profits. For individuals, we focus on helping them rebuild their credit, take control of their financial situation, and set themselves up for long-term financial health. For non-profit organizations, we help them streamline their operations, stay compliant with changing regulations, and build efficient systems that allow them to focus on their mission.
What I’m most proud of is the impact HCS Consulting has had, both on individuals and organizations. I love hearing from clients who have achieved financial freedom or non-profits that can focus more on their mission because their operations are running more smoothly. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we’re doing is making a real difference.
What sets us apart from others is our commitment to personalized solutions. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client has different challenges and needs, so I make sure that we tailor our services to fit those specifics. Whether it’s creating a custom financial plan or designing operational processes for a non-profit, HCS Consulting is all about delivering value in a way that truly supports our clients’ goals.
For potential clients, the main thing I want you to know is that we are here to solve real problems. Whether you’re struggling with your credit or trying to streamline your non-profit’s operations, HCS Consulting is a partner you can trust. We focus on results, and we are genuinely invested in seeing you succeed.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been leveraging videos as a key part of my marketing. Whether the videos are fun and light-hearted or more serious, they always highlight real client results. I find that people connect more with stories and visual examples of success rather than just reading about services. By showcasing the actual progress clients have made through HCS Consulting—whether it’s rebuilding their credit or streamlining their non-profit’s operations—people can see the tangible impact our services have.
The videos allow me to highlight not only the technical side of what we do but also the human side. I believe that when potential clients see the success others have achieved, it gives them confidence in the process and makes them feel more comfortable reaching out. Plus, using videos allows for creativity, which keeps things engaging and helps build a connection with our audience.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has been a combination of word of mouth and Facebook posts. Nothing beats the power of personal recommendations—when a client has had a great experience, they naturally tell their friends, family, and colleagues. Word of mouth has brought me some of my best clients because they come to HCS Consulting already knowing about the results I’ve delivered.
Facebook has also been a huge help in reaching a wider audience. By posting client success stories, informative tips, and engaging content, I’ve been able to showcase the value of HCS Consulting to people who might not have heard of us otherwise. Whether it’s someone sharing a post or tagging a friend, the reach on Facebook has helped grow my client base significantly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hcs-pro.com