“I know what it’s like, as I’ve lived it—and I know it can be better.”
Michelle Pritchard of Aligned Business Consulting started her business after years of owning and managing dental practices. While attending workshops and conferences, Michelle realised that many practices were still operating as hers had been 20 years earlier. Michelle wanted to give back to the dental industry—and to herself—by helping practice owners create more personalised and effective systems.
Coming from a corporate background in banking and finance, and having firsthand experience in managing her own practices, Michelle says “I know what it’s like, as I’ve lived it—and I know it can be better.”
Michelle shares that what she enjoys most about running her own business is achieving things on her own terms, without being dictated to by others “As the primary decision-maker, I can manage my time and focus on what matters most. There’s an immense reward in seeing the difference I can make for practice owners, especially when I witness firsthand that the strategies I preach work. That sense of satisfaction warms my heart. I’m also thrilled by the opportunities I’ve had, like securing speaking engagements and starting my podcast, which allows me to make a meaningful impact on the dental industry.”
Michelle has been a member of the HerBusiness Network since 2022 and says that it gives her a safe place to ask questions and invaluable accountability through her Growth Group, where she’s found both support and friendships. Michelle also loves the culture of ‘show up, speak up, and lift up’ at HerBusiness, along with the focus provided by quarterly planning sessions. Michelle says “It’s been a fantastic resource for staying aligned and driving my business forward.”
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
My favourite entrepreneur is Kelly King, a local financial planner who I met at a Peel Chamber breakfast when I first started out. She took me under her wing, offering guidance and support that made a real difference. Kelly achieved incredible success in a short time, making her business profitable within four months, as well as being a multiple award winner. She’s also passionate about giving back and recently joined the board of Ovis. Kelly now coaches others, helping them set and achieve their goals, which inspires me to aim higher.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I started Aligned Business Consulting after owning and managing dental practices. Through attending workshops and conferences, I realised many practices were still operating as ours had been 20 years earlier. I wanted to give back to the dental industry—and to myself—by helping practice owners create more personalised, effective systems. Coming from a corporate background in banking and finance, and having firsthand experience in managing my own practices, I know what it’s like, as I’ve lived it—and I know it can be better.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
What I enjoy most about running my own business is achieving things on my own terms, without being dictated by others. As the primary decision-maker, I can manage my time and focus on what matters most. There’s an immense reward in seeing the difference I can make for practice owners, especially when I witness firsthand that the strategies I preach work. That sense of satisfaction warms my heart. I’m also thrilled by the opportunities I’ve had, like securing speaking engagements and starting my podcast, which allows me to make a meaningful impact on the dental industry.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Invest your time and money in experts. Listen to these professionals and follow their recommendations. They know what works, and you’ll find that when you trust their guidance, it really does make a difference.
- Research your competitors and know your niche inside and out – It’s easy to assume everyone faces the same issues, but understanding your unique value helps you stand out.
- Invest in networking – per Suzi’s mantra “Show up, speak up, and lift up others”. Building genuine connections can open doors you didn’t know existed.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Get support as soon as possible. Having someone to help, even in a part-time capacity, can make a tremendous difference. I’ve had my assistant for a year now, and the progress I’ve made with that support has been remarkable—it’s allowed me to focus on growth and move forward in leaps and bounds.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
I’d recommend getting familiar with where your niche ‘lives’ online and how to use digital marketing to establish authority and connect with them. This includes building a solid website, setting up a Google Business Profile, and creating consistent video and written content. Consistency in these areas is key for staying in front of your niche and building meaningful connections.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
My ideal business would generate a solid income while fully aligning with my values and following practices that I know work well. Even if I weren’t there, I’d want clients and employees to feel happy and fulfilled, knowing they’re working toward meaningful goals that provide both personal and professional satisfaction.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
Being a member of the HerBusiness Network gives me a safe place to ask questions and invaluable accountability through the goals group, where I’ve found both support and friendships. I also love the culture of ‘show up, speak up, and lift up’ at HB events, along with the focus provided by quarterly planning sessions. It’s been a fantastic resource for staying aligned and driving my business forward.
Learn more about Michelle and Aligned Business Consulting.
