Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlene Smart.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2007, during worship service a New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, our pastor bought in subject matter experts to minister on Strategic Life Planning. The content of this message resonated with me. I took the tools provided at that service and begin to strategic plan every aspect of my life to include my career. This exercise forced me to think beyond my chosen profession of being a Human Resources Manager. After much prayer, the idea of owning a Human Resources Consulting Firm was birthed. I began the journey of accomplishing the short and long term goals needed to reach the goal of having a consulting firm. I obtained the certifications that symbolize competence and knowledge in the profession within a two years window.
Fast-forward to 2009. Like many other organizations impacted by the economic downturn, the company I worked for lost their contract and had to downsize. I found myself carrying my third child, closing a business unit, and looking for my next employment opportunity. As you can imagine, it was a lot of work and took a physical toll. I was faced with a reality of slowing down or risking the loss of my baby. Needless to say, I chose the latter. During this time, I had to continue my job search to qualify for unemployment benefits. I happened upon an advertisement for a Human Resources Manager that could work virtually (from home). I interviewed for the position and landed my first Human Resources Consulting opportunity. For the first time in my career, I could see the FULL impact of bridging the gap between organization and employee by creating and implementing human capital management practices that foster that connection. It confirmed my strategic career goal, and it was settled that this is what I wanted to do long-term. My strategic career plan was accelerated. The icing on the cake was it also allowed me to be present for my children.
By December 2009, C-Smart Business Solutions was organized. I had landed my 1st fulltime consulting engagement in January 2010. None of this would have been possible without the support of my husband and children.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, but I would define it as enduring the process. On this journey, I have encountered many things which have prepared me to make this next step. After ten years of servicing businesses in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, I better understand the company’s brand, client base, and the services rendered to aid companies in managing its greatest asset, Human Capital.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the C-Smart Business Solutions, LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
C-Smart Business is a Human Resources Consulting firm specializing in Human Capital Management. The company encompasses myself and other human resources professionals in the consulting arena. The company approaches human resources from a holistic perspective by leveraging the Senior Professional Human Resources body of knowledge and transformative business concepts of LEAN Six Sigma to strategically align human capital & organizational goals, strengthen management skills, streamline HR processes, and structure ongoing process-improvement initiatives throughout the organization. We have a unique approach to providing professional services and managerial support in all areas of Human Resources. The company works with clients on an on-going or project basis.
C-Smart Business Solutions is unique in that it listens to the client to build strategies that work for the client’s organizations. We listen and work alongside our clients and leave them with tangible results.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next five to ten years, I see opportunities for human resources consultants growing as some companies choose to use human resource outsourcing, which is conducted by independent human resources consultants.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.csmartbusinesssolutions.com
- Phone: 6785216920
- Email: hr@csmartbus.com
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlenesmart
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