by Doug Baarman | Feb 2, 2026 | Uncategorized
Chat with Doug: From Paycheck to Profitable Entrepreneur: How to Replace Your Salary as an Independent Consultant For many hospitality professionals, the ‘dream’ is clear: trading the corporate grind for the freedom of being independent. But then reality sets in. You...
by Doug Baarman | Jan 19, 2026 | Self-Improvement Tips
Chat with Doug: The Importance of Building a Support Group It is important to join an organization that provides the support services needed to achieve success while also creating your own! The key to success is YOU…you are creating your own circumstances,...
by Doug Baarman | Dec 2, 2025 | Business Development Tips, Entrepreneur Advice, New Business Development
Starting an independent meeting planning business is an exciting venture! You’ve got the skills, the passion, and the drive. But there is one question that looms large for every new entrepreneur: How do I find my first client? It’s completely normal to feel a...
by Doug Baarman | Nov 6, 2025 | Entrepreneur Advice, Hospitality
Chat with Doug: Will There Be Onboarding and Ongoing Training? As I was exploring my options to make the transition from employee to independent meeting planning consultant, I wanted to make sure I affiliated with an organization that provided both onboarding support...
by Doug Baarman | Oct 19, 2025 | Career Transition Tips, Entrepreneur Advice, Independent Business Owner Tips
Chatting With Doug As we move through the series of questions on becoming an independent meeting planner in the hospitality industry, I want to answer the two I receive most often on why this has been the right career choice for me. Why I decided to leave the safety...
