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Peter GIlliam, MD

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Our Latest Articles

5 Things You Must Focus on to Scale to $1 Million in Revenue

Your Path Counseling Center
Oct 12, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Nov 10, 2025

There is a saying, Success begets success. This is especially true within business. Whether you have a successful food truck and are considering opening your first brick-and-mortar location, or if you are a pest control company looking to expand into a new state, having a strong foundation is essential to success. However, just like the stock market, past performance is not a reliable predictor of future results. To take your business to the next level, you need a solid plan, sufficient capital, a strategy for growing revenue, technology to support business operations, and the right team to help you.

Blue notebook and pen on charts with graphs and tables. Text reads "Scaling to $1 Million in Revenue: Guidance for Small Businesses."

Detailed $1 Million Business Plan

Everything starts with having the right plan. Some people will tell you that you need a formal business plan. If you speak with successful entrepreneurs, you will discover that there is no single set method for business planning. The SBA provides two types of business plans for entrepreneurs to use on its website. One is a traditional business plan, which includes a lot of information about the business structure, market research, and service lines, while the other is the b usiness model canvas, which focuses explicitly on the value proposition, expenses, and revenues. Both are different paths that take you to the same goal of defining

Who will you serve?
How will you serve them?
Who will you need help from?
How will you make money?

Capital to Support Growth

Once you have defined your business growth plan, it is time to secure the capital needed to bring that plan to life. You start with business planning because you need clarity on how much money you will need to grow your business. Once you have defined this, you can explore whether you will fund your growth through owner investments, crowdfunding, credit cards, taking out a loan, grants, or venture funding. Running out of cash flow is the #1 reason companies go out of business, so defining how much money you need and securing it before scaling is a critical step in the process.

Line of Sight to Return on Investment

All capital has a cost. Whether you borrow money from a bank or use your own money. When you borrow money from a bank, the costs are clear. Banks charge a set amount of interest and provide repayment terms. In contrast, when you fund your business with your own money, the opportunity costs are real, less apparent, and uncertain.

Imagine if you had the choice of investing $10,000 in NVIDIA last year or in your company last year. Which decision would be the right one? NVIDIA stock has increased by 41% since last year, which means your investment today would be worth $14,100. For you to be better served by putting that $10,000 investment in your business than NVIDIA, you would have had to earn more than $4100.

This is an oversimplification because it ignores tax liability and other factors; however, fundamentally, every time you allocate a dollar towards an investment, you should ask yourself what type of return you need to make it worthwhile. Forecasting your anticipated expenses and revenue growth, as well as projecting your profits, can help ensure that you generate enough revenue to utilize your capital wisely.

Technology to Support Operations

As your business grows, so does complexity. Inefficiencies are amplified, and problems that were relatively minor before can grow to become significant points of pain and frustration. Implementing sound processes and leveraging technology is essential to providing you with the efficiency, visibility, and control needed to ensure consistent customer satisfaction as you seek to serve more people.

As you develop your growth plan, take the time to identify the technology you can integrate into your workflow to enhance operations. Common improvements include leveraging project management tools like Asana and Notion, marketing tools such as HubSpot and Canvas, or point-of-sale technology like Square or Clover.

Right Support Team

Last but not least, you must be extremely clear about who you will need to support you in your growth. Many times, people make the mistake of defining the person by name (like 'I need James Brown'), instead of defining the type of person they need. The reality is that your business exists in a competitive market. As much as you may want a particular person on your team, there is no certainty when it comes to recruiting, developing, and retaining talent.

For this reason, define the skills, mindset and type of employees you need to scale your business. This is helpful for the following reasons:

It enables you to assess your current needs and identify who on your team can fill the necessary roles.
If your current team lacks some of the skills, you have clarity on what competencies need to be built.
If the time horizon for developing your current team is too long, you have clarity on the type of person you need to hire.
As you grow, you will need additional personnel, and this list will provide a starting point for selecting future talent.

JP Morgan Chase's research shows that only around 3 to 6% of small businesses reach $1 million in sales within the first five years of their existence. This is not because business owners are not intelligent or hardworking. Most of these businesses never hit the $1Million milestone because they have not taken the time to layout a solid plan, they lack sufficient capital, utilize their capital in inefficient ways, fail to embrace technology, and do not surround themselves by the right people. If you are looking to scale your business to $1M, start by writing out a plan for each of the elements outlined in this article.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to email executive coach Dorian Cunion at dcunion@yourpathexecutivesolutions.com. If you are interested in seeing additional content related to leadership and business, follow me on

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/your_executivecoach
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriancunion/.

Or check out the Coaching Gold podcast on

Mastering SMART Goals

Your Path Counseling Center
Oct 4, 2025
6 min read

Updated: Nov 10, 2025

Nearly every teacher, coach, therapist, consultant, and boss emphasizes the importance of setting goals. Goal setting is preached because it is effective. Research shows that setting goals can improve performance, focus, motivation, self-determination, collaboration and well-being. Despite over 70 years of research on the efficacy of goal setting, nearly everyone you know has goals that they are not reaching.

This is not because they lack goals. Everyone has goals. One of the primary reasons people struggle to achieve their goals is that they lack proficiency in the goal-setting process. Throughout this article, I will review the SMART goal-setting process and offer suggestions on how to utilize it more effectively to achieve your professional and business objectives.

In addition to this article, check out the Coaching Gold podcast, where Career Coach Kaisha McCrea , owner of Growing Perspectives Career Counseling, shares how she helps her clients with goal setting.

What are SMART Goals?

The SMART goals setting process was introduced to the world in 1981 by Dr. George Doran. He was a consultant and former director of corporate planning for Washington Water Power Company, and published a paper called “There’s a SMART way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives. In his paper, he proposed that taking the time to define your goals in a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound manner could increase goal achievement. Over the years, colleges, universities, and corporate trainers have taught SMART as a goal-setting process.

Learn more about SMART Goals.

Why are SMART goals effective?

The SMART goal process is effective when used correctly because it encourages individuals to slow down, think critically, and establish realistic goals and plans for achieving their objectives. People commonly fail to achieve their goals because their goals are unclear, they lack a way to measure progress, the steps required to achieve their goals are undefined, they fail to connect with the goal on an emotional level, or they do not have a clear timeline for completing their goals. The SMART goal-setting process requires you to identify and map out all common obstacles to achieving your goals, and then design a strategy for navigating those challenges.

Try this job aid for setting SMART Goals.

What to do when you are not achieving your goals.

The Co-Active Coaching model teaches that achieving your goals requires a combination of doing and being. Doing is all about defining the actions that you plan to take. Being is all about how you will show up when completing those tasks. For example, I frequently work with business owners who aim to increase social media engagement. They set specific goals, establish measurable targets, design action steps, connect with the purpose of being on social media, and develop time-bound objectives, yet still do not achieve their desired outcome. Typically, when we explore why they are not successful, we uncover that they both lack the necessary skills and mindset to achieve their goals. The problem is not the goal-setting process. The problem is that they lack a clear understanding of who they are and what it takes to be successful. The solution is acquiring the skills and mindset you need to be successful.

The path forward

Understanding your constraints is the first step in overcoming the obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your goals. We all have weaknesses and shortcomings. Some of those weaknesses and shortcomings are due to a lack of knowledge, skill, and experience. Others are linked to our personality and preferences. Getting in touch with who you are can help you pursue the right goals and design effective strategies to help you thrive. Within the business world, companies use a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) to understand their current situation better, enabling them to select objectives and goals that align with their capabilities and the world around them. SWOT analysis can also be completed at the personal level, providing the same benefits of clarifying what your objectives and goals should be.

Research and commit to action

Goal setting is very similar to roadmapping. When you go on a road trip, you know where you are. You type into the GPS where you want to go, pick a route, and head out to your destination. Sometimes you stay on the path that is laid out for you. Sometimes you get redirected, but if you follow the instructions provided by the GPS, you will eventually end up at your destination. In a perfect world, there would be a GPS for achieving your professional goals. You could type in information about yourself, state your goal, and a path would be given to you. One day, AI may improve to the point of providing reliable growth paths, but for now, we need to chart our own path, much like our parents once had to read a paper map when they wanted to go on a road trip. The good news is that there are people who have achieved the goals that you have, and if you do research, you can replicate the success of others, provided that you are willing to make similar tradeoffs and sacrifices.

Seek help when change is hard.

Our biggest limitation as humans is that we can only see the world from our own perspective. We live our lives, forming beliefs and assumptions about who we are and the world around us. Those beliefs and assumptions serve who we are now, but can be obstacles in our becoming who we desire to be. An example of this is a person who has had a heart attack, but continues to eat an unhealthy diet. Despite their desire to live, their beliefs and assumptions influence their habits, and their habits keep them stuck doing the behaviors that cause them cardiac disease in the first place. In this situation, the problem is not a lack of goals, but a lack of SMART goals. The antidote for limited perspective is knowledge. Knowledge can be found in many ways. It can be found through books, movies, podcasts, articles, workshops, seminars, or working with an expert. If you feel stuck and are unsure why you are not making the progress you desire, seek knowledge and be willing to solicit help in achieving your goal.

About Your Path Coaching and Consulting

Ready to take your leadership or organization to the next level? Your Path Coaching and Consulting empowers individuals and organizations to reach their full potential through personalized coaching and consulting services. We specialize in Executive Coaching for leadership development, team building, and communication skills, as well as Business Consulting for strategic planning and organizational development. Our mission is to inspire and empower you to create positive change and achieve sustainable success.

Connect with us: Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your goals, or visit our website to learn more about our holistic approach to personal and professional achievement. Follow us on LinkedIn for insights and updates.

SMART Goals Frequently Asked Questions

What are SMART goals, and why do they matter in business?

SMART goals are:

Specific: Clearly defined and focused.
Measurable: Quantifiable to track progress.
Achievable: Realistic given resources and constraints.
Relevant: Aligned with broader business or personal objectives.
Time-bound: Set within a defined timeframe.

They matter because they transform vague intentions into actionable strategies, improving performance, motivation, and accountability.

Why do professionals often fail to achieve their goals—even when they use SMART?

Common pitfalls include:

Lack of emotional connection to the goal.
Undefined action steps or unclear measurement criteria.
Misalignment between the goal and personal strengths or values.
Absence of the right mindset or skills to execute effectively.

How can I make my SMART goals more effective?

Pair goal-setting with self-awareness: Use tools like SWOT analysis to assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Clarify both the “doing” (actions) and the “being” (mindset) required to succeed.
Connect goals to a deeper purpose to sustain motivation.
Break goals into micro-steps with checkpoints for reflection and adjustment.

What should I do if I’m not achieving my SMART goals?

Revisit the relevance and achievability of your goal.
Assess whether you’ve developed the necessary skills and mindset.
Seek feedback or coaching to uncover blind spots.
Utilize the Co-Active Coaching model to strike a balance between execution and personal growth.

How can I utilize a SWOT analysis to enhance my SMART goals?

Conduct a personal SWOT to:

Align goals with your strengths.
Anticipate and mitigate weaknesses.
Leverage external opportunities.
Prepare for potential threats or constraints.

This ensures your goals are not just SMART—but also strategic and self-aware.

When should I seek help with goal-setting?

If you feel stuck, lack clarity, or repeatedly fall short of your objectives, it’s time to:

Consult a coach or mentor.
Join a workshop or mastermind group.
Explore educational resources, such as podcasts, articles, or seminars.

Sometimes, the missing piece is perspective—and that’s where outside support can be transformative.

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/your_executivecoach
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriancunion/.

Or check out the Coaching Gold podcast on

Overwhelmed NonProfit Leader? How to Renew, Recharge, and Prevent Burnout

Your Path Counseling Center
Sep 29, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Oct 12, 2025

The passion that drives nonprofit leaders to serve others can, at times, lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. It's a common struggle for those in the social impact sector, and finding effective ways to recharge is crucial for both your well-being and the sustained success of your organization.

People smiling in a bright room, discussing. Text reads "How to renew and recharge: Guidance for nonprofit leaders."

Two experts in leadership and organizational strategy, Amanda Bruns and Dorian Cunion, recently collaborated to share powerful strategies for preventing nonprofit leader burnout and maintaining personal effectiveness. Here are their combined insights on how to stay inspired and focused on your mission.

The "Hungry vs. Happy" Framework: A Tool for NonProfit Leaders

A key strategy is the "Hungry vs. Happy" framework, a simple yet profound concept for evaluating new opportunities. Amanda created this framework to help clients make decisions when faced with difficult choices. This tool helps non-profit leaders make decisions with radical honesty.

Hungry: This refers to taking on a new project or partnership out of financial necessity or fear of missing out on funding.
Happy: This is when an opportunity genuinely aligns with your core values and mission, bringing you energy and fulfillment instead of draining you.

While some "hungry" tasks are necessary to keep the organization running, prioritizing "happy" opportunities ensures you stay true to your purpose and maintain the passion that fuels your non-profit's mission.

Combatting Burnout with Self-Care

Preventing burnout requires regular self-check-ins and a commitment to personal wellness. Wellness routines are often the first thing to go when calendars get busy and stress begins to build. Small habits, such as drinking enough water, stretching, getting sufficient sleep, and making time for hobbies, can help you temporarily disconnect from work, recharge, and renew.

By treating yourself with the same care and attention you give to your clients, you can model effective self-leadership for your team. Consider building simple habits into your routine, such as setting reminders to stretch or scheduling personal renewal time in your calendar. This practice is essential for staying present and effective as a leader.

Finding Your "Through Line" for Sustainable Impact

In a world full of demands, it's easy for non-profit executives and staff to feel pulled in a million different directions. A helpful exercise is to identify your "through line," a common thread that unifies your work and ideas. This serves as a "North Star" for your mission.

Taking the time to articulate your core purpose can bring immense clarity and focus. This isn't about saying "no" to every new opportunity, but rather about ensuring that each new project, partnership, or initiative serves that central mission, keeping you focused on your most important goals.

The Power of Human Connection and a Supportive Network

Lastly, make time to build a strong network. The best connections are built on transparency and mutual respect, not one-time transactions. As a non-profit leader, your work is a relationship business, and having a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and fellow leaders is vital.

These are the people who can help you solve problems, prevent isolation, and remind you that you're not alone in your journey. Seek out opportunities, both in person and virtually, to connect with others who understand your challenges and can celebrate your wins.