Two Hats Consulting has done a great job helping me get my books and websites published. I've been working with them since 2014. They've designed book covers, written copy, and formatted entire manuscripts before managing the printing and publishing process for me. They've given me great people to work with for my website and provided a wide array of resources quickly and affordably. They are fair and they do great work. I highly recommend working with Two Hats Consulting. Five Stars read more

Yes, hi, hello. You might want to read this. I reached out to Two Hats for some help. As a small but growing business - which the website says they cater to - I was looking for a thought-partner to help me with branding, marketing, and social media. Which the website says they do. I sent an email inquiry asking for a brief phone meeting, which, you guessed it! the website says they do. I got an email back within minutes requesting more info about me and my business prior to that basic entry call. So I composed a thoughtful email with links, info about what I needed, asked if they thought we were a good fit, etc etc. No response. Waited some more. Nada. Wrote a second email. Finally got a response. Their schedule was "very full," they said, "except for projects we like and want." How nice. Maybe put THAT on your website...? I finally snagged a call with someone so I could get some info. The gentleman I spoke with couldn't remember the content of my email, even though he'd JUST emailed me back and told me to call him. He had no idea what I do for a living. He hadn't even looked at the links I'd sent, including my website. He sounded like he was cleaning his kitchen. He was totally distracted and disorganized. I asked if he'd read my email. He said he couldn't remember it. He then read it aloud while we were on the phone together. Great use of my time, yes? I had to repeat 5 times what I was looking for, which is super straightforward: a thought-partner to help me with branding, marketing, and social media. (I've now spoken with 2 other consulting firms. Neither had trouble grasping this concept. Both read that very same email and said it was "very clear.") The call was quite possibly the most unprofessional consult I've had in my career -- which is ironic, because they're a *consulting firm.* After half an hour, he said he believed Two Hats could help me and that the firm does indeed do the work I was seeking. Huzzah!! He said he'd do some HW, and asked if we could schedule a call the following day. I blocked off an hour in my schedule. But at the appointed time, no call. I waited. And then waited some more. Ten minutes in, I got a text. A TEXT. The text said: "Sorry. We can't help you. We only work with advocacy organizations." Remember that dumbass, immature boyfriend you had in HS who broke up with you via text because he couldn't face a phone call?? It was like that, only this was worse, because this is a PROFESSIONAL MARKETING FIRM. This mess is problematic for about 100 reasons, as all of you can probably tell. But let's break it down anyway, just for fun: First of all, CALL ME. I am a potential client. We have a phone appointment that YOU asked for. I blocked off an hour of my busy life at your request. Secondly, WHAT?! If your firm only works with advocacy orgs, SAY SO up front. Say so on your website so that potential customers don't waste their time. If you can't be bothered to update your own website, you sure as sh*t won't get access to mine. At the very least, inform your customer via phone during the initial consult after she tells you who she is and what she needs. If you don't know the limits of what your company does PRIOR to a call with a client, YOU'RE FIRED. You wasted hours of my time on research, emails, and a completely useless phone consult. Third, this "we only work with advocacy orgs" is a complete load of horsesh*t. Their website boasts a ton of work that has nothing to do with advocacy, including work for a local fitness center and some lady who wrote book on witchcraft. (Note: THESE ARE NOT ADVOCACY ORGS.) Did you think I wasn't going to notice that you lied to my face? How unprofessional. Bad look for a marketing firm. If we're not a fit, that's fine. Grow a pair, be respectful, call your potential client as scheduled, and tell her so. Don't waste people's time just because you have the luxury of doing so. The world doesn't revolve around your Two Hats. Let me interrupt my eye-rolling to warn you to steer clear -- because when a consulting firm can't even get the basics of a basic consultation right, you best run for the hills. read more

I was thinking post a sudden, serious back injury of going back into marketing to big tech companies in the Bay Area - though I now live elsewhere. I had a website in the past that helped, but it's outdated. I hadn't really dreamed of getting back into Tech. Also, though, I wanted to feature on the websites- services unrelated to Tech. Question - Does a system architect reading my website about oh, server failover, really want to see a service next to it, offering music? (LOL.) John is a classy guy who asked me the right questions to help me determine which mix of website services are appropriate and which aren't. As he says, and I agree, ultimately, business is built on relationships and there's a way to convey that so that there's not a confusion of brand message. I can have a business relationship with both a system architect and a consumer brand company that needs music. Sure, a website can help, but there's a way I need to go about it. I'm sure John can provide your own company with digital marketing, a great website and other services. For me, he provided the most important thing of all. He pointed out that, in my career I told clients what is 'meaty,' and meaningful about their product or services in a few words. And I told them to amplify this and little or nothing, else. Two Hats and John (reminded) me that the concision of speech is what I need to deploy at a new website - or in any other kind of marketing venture. "The dude really knows his stuff." Call John. read more

I gained valuable insights to elevate my author platform from the Two Hats Consulting team. They are really responsive and make connections that are meaningful and effective. I highly recommend them. read more

Two Hats Consulting - Jamie Della with her latest book The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft. - Marketing Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have been working with Two Hats for nearly two years. They've helped me so much in developing my small company. I feel like I am learning and growing as a business person and I really enjoy collaborating with John and Damian on everything from structure to marketing and a new website design. I depart every strategy meeting feeling motivated with a clearer picture of how to continue moving forward. Additionally, they have referred me to a great bookkeeper and other resources. This has been so worth the investment on many levels. Thanks guys. Over and over. read more

John and 2 Hats consulting helped craft my brand as a health practitioner by sitting down with me and getting to know what my strengths are in my practice. This process not only clarified to them how to create an identity, but more importantly to me; to realize what I really value about myself in my work. From there we re did my website, and I am very impressed with the result. So many of my clients have complimented me on my website, and commented on its clarity and ease of navigation. And most of all, people have said they sensed a feeling of confidence when seeing me on my website and the work that I do. I cannot recommend 2 Hats enough, they are well worth the money as they are a group of true marketing experts. read more

It has been 5 years since John and his team build our site and marketing campaign, I called them with issue today and they were available and helped us solve the issues within minutes. They have high integrity and pressure to work with. Always responsive and available to help. read more

John is a great business coach. I first hired him a couple of years ago at a time when my private healing practice, Samadhi Bodywork, was "bleeding". I was struggling, because although I was great at my "craft" (helping people relaxing into being), I didn't feel confident at selling packages, or "running my business". Working with John changed that. He empowered me with critical real-world, business knowledge. He taught me marketing and sales, in a way that I could understand. He helped me track my clients, and run my business. Soon enough, I gained the confidence to raise my rates. I started selling 5x 90minute sessions for $1,000--which is on the high-end for most bodyworkers. Today, several years later, my business has continues to thrive and evolve. I enjoy great freedom, due to my success in marketing, and sales. I give John Van Dinther, and Two Hats Consulting a great deal of credit for the success of Samadhi Bodywork. If you are ready to take your business to the next level: Pick up up the phone and call John. He can, and will, help you. read more

John is such a great resource for business marketing and development. I worked with John about one year ago and I am still reaping the rewards of our work together. I got amazing tools and content from him in our very first session. So I did a number of sessions with him. His no-holds-barred approach gave me recourses and tools that are still relevant for me today. Of course he is professional and a clear and compassionate communicator, and he also has a friendly personable and warm. His team of experts are also thorough, professional, and are just really great people. I recommend any business work with him long - term. read more

I work for a small, non-profit. We've used Two Hats for the last two issues of our newsletter and couldn't be happier. They make the whole process simple without skimping on details. Their knowledge and expertise (and patience!) have made my job easier. My boss is so pleased that we will most likely go to Two Hats for our major website overhaul...and hopefully all our design needs. Simply the best! read more

John is insightful, professional, caring, intelligent, and a no B.S. kind of guy. He'll cut to the chase and help you make the changes and plans that will make your business a success. Since working with John at the beginning of the year, my revenue has already increased 25% and growing! We are now putting together a plan that looks like it will double that. Work with him a little bit, get a little improvement. Work with him a lot, take it to the next level. read more

I am a small business owner (chiropractor in downtown Berkeley) and am always looking at how I can make my business more successful. Not only do I want to earn more money, I want to serve more patients, offer them a better experience, and have good "operations" within my business. I just hired 2 Hats Consulting and John was incredible at asking the right questions to quickly identify what was most important to me, what my goals were, and where I needed to put attention to improve my business (and my life!). He's easy to talk to because I get the sense that he cares about me, and about making the world a better place, but more than that, he's really knowledgeable about business management. Every time a new topic would come up, from staffing, to internet marketing, to commercial real estate purchases, he would instantly have something invaluable to say. I wish I'd recorded our sessions because my written notes just couldn't capture it all. Basically, John is the answer to your business consulting needs. If you're interested in how your business could be thriving beyond where it is now, give this man a call. read more

All I know is that Avra Organic Spa would not be in business today if it wasn't for 2hats Consulting (the name is so appropriate for the mulit-tasking us entrepreneurs are doing daily). I knew John Van Dinther was a good business coach before Avra was born, but after having employees I really see his work shine. What business owner doesn't need better management skills? This is the first time in my life I've had more than I employee (we jumped to 8 right off the bat). I thought I was good at managing, but until John came into the picture I realized that this is a life long process and if my employees eyes don't shine when they're working then something is wrong with the management, not them. Thank you John for saving my frustrated little mind and supporting Avra in such a difficult time... we wouldn't be here without you. muah! read more

Speaking with John was great. He was friendly, open and to the point. We reconnected after many years and he provided really good things to think about as well as some specific recommendations. Definitely will be going back when my business needs grow. read more

If you're starting a business in the Bay Area, or thinking of starting one, you should really talk to John. Thanks in large part to him (and a shit ton of work) I am now running a thriving Digital Content Boutique and have enjoyed my last year more than any other single year in my long career. What John brings to the table is a really strong curiosity that helps you flush out every aspect of what you're about to do. He combines that with a really strong business sensibility and mastery of business building basics. He gave me the nuts n' bolts, the guidance, the encouragement, and, even, some personal advice that helped me start, evolve and grow. And even though I don't see him now, he's still there talking to me in the back of my mind. read more

John offers top of the line coaching and provides positive reinforcement at every turn. I have used 2Hats Consulting various times in the life of my small business and every time I meet with John, his insights and new ideas provide a powerful way for me to look at problems and create opportunities! Give 2Hats a try, you'll be glad you did! read more

I participated in a master mind group with John Van Dinther of Two Hats Consulting. I got so much out of it that I decided I wanted his support taking my business to the next level. John offers the best of yin and yang in a business coach and marketing consultant. He has been able to clearly hear and respond to my stated concerns and goals and offer solutions and perspectives that not only feel deeply aligned with my soul's purpose but also cut through the bullshit that I occasionally lay in my own way. He is both intuitive and attuned while also direct, motivating and clarity-producing. I feel like my business and my spirit are in very good hands. read more

If you are looking for someone to create a website and/or newsletter???? Look no further! 2hats Consulting team has been extremely helpful! I came to them with an idea and they turned it into a reality. I'm very busy and hate marketing, but in this world it needs to be done. I still could be making improvements, but at least I have John, Jack and Damian to keep me going!!!! Thanks 2hats Consulting! read more

When I first started my business I kept thinking there was no way I was going to make it through the next month. But then in February 2014 I started working with Two Hats Consulting and that's when everything began to change. Since then my business has grown by 210%. Two Hats Consulting helped me to strategize business objectives, grow my staff, and launch successful marketing campaigns. Working with Two Hats Consulting has been like having a business partner and a marketing team, where I get to bounce ideas and talk through challenging decisions. John Van Dinther is a smart, critical thinker and a straight-shooter, who's able to very quickly assess new challenges and suggest strategic solutions. He doesn't only come up with creatively brilliant solutions, but more importantly, he teaches how to see the problem in a new way in order to come up with your own solutions on your own in the future. He's helped me so much to grow as a business owner. His guidance has been invaluable and provides me with the peace of mind that no matter what surprise challenges arise (as they always do!) that John and his team are right there to assist me through whatever comes up. I can't imagine doing it without them. They're the best! read more

John Van Dinther is a consultant and coach for small business owners- part financial planner, part therapist, part marketing guru- John knows what he is talking about and has helped my business grow. He has helped me considerably. read more

John helped me focus my intentions at a time when I was overwhelmed and confused. I didnt realize how much I needed his services until I became aware of the clarity he helped me discover. He is patient, sincere and focused. He is a tremendous resource for any entrepreneur who could use coaching to reach the next level in their business or personal life. I am grateful that I was able to work with him. read more

John and Damian are amazing to work with. They are incredibly knowledgable, easy to talk to, and really want to know me in order to help design the best thing for my needs. I highly recommend them!! read more

Two Hats Consulting is an awesome business. John was so incredibly kind and knowledgeable over the phone. Even though I was not a former client of his he got back to me extremely quickly, was able to answer questions I had, and clearly knew his stuff. This is by far the consulting firm of choice for the Bay Area. Also, for the healthcare providers out there, this is your company. While I am also positive this is a great option for all types of businesses, those who are in healthcare of practitioners should seek this company out. read more

John has crystalized the focus and processes I needed to take my business to the next level. Having gone through a few evolutions and tweeks along the years, his branding workshop was just what I needed. He provided tangible action steps to take while measuring the outcomes and results. He has great vision and helped me clarify my messaging thru better usage of social media and other avenues. Believe me, he's a natural at marketing/branding/messaging and business. Plus, he has incredible resources at his fingertips. Equally, he instills a work/life balance and self-care philosophy that is sure to keep us all alive and well while contributing on the planet. Two hats off to you, John! Bethany St. Clair, Oakland, CA read more

I just finished a phone conversation with John of Two hats, which indicated to me that he is a person with integrity and the desire to help people. When I explained my needs, he indicated that Two Hats' minimum service was probably beyond what I needed. A less honest person would have attempted to sell me. Instead, John took the time to give me some excellent advice re positioning my blog and then spent even more time searching through his contacts to find the name and number and website of a consultant who might be a better match for my needs. I came away knowing that I had just had a conversation with a person I would like to get to know and would certainly also like to work with because he had so clearly and genuinely demonstrated integrity and the desire to help people. read more

The team at Two Hats is fantastic. We reached out for support shortly after buying a new business and with their help we reached our stated goals in 3 months! Their advice has been a true catalyst for our business and I can't recommend them enough. read more

I approached Two Hats when I wanted my company's website built. After just a few minutes talking with John I knew I wanted his input on my marketing plan as well. I bought a package including complete site building paired with marking consulting. I drove over the next day to meet in his relaxing office in Berkeley (with ample parking). We talked about what my business does, what we want to do, who our customer avatars are, and what my "Ultimate Package" would be. We then wireframed out what the site would look like and how it would accomplish those goals. Throughout the whole process the Two Hats folks were insightful, creative, and personally invested in my success. It was an absolute pleasure working with John. I already have in mind two stages of expansion I want to do on my site. I've referred him to two other friends, and I'd started talking to John about launching a digital marketing campaign to show off this work to more people. read more

Call 2hats for help! They are awesome! :-) John really cares about providing the very best service and product, and I highly recommend 2hats to any small business person who needs tailored business solutions. I actually almost fired 2hats because I felt the production of my website was being dragged on and on after I had produced all the content and the concepts had been discussed. John handled himself with integrity and class in the face of my frustration. He apologized for his mistakes and 5 days later, I had a beautiful website. I will definitely be working with 2hats again as my business reaches the next level and I need more help managing it. Since working with John and 2hats last year, my my client load has grown from 15 clients/week to 25 clients/week in only 6 months! I paid for business development consultation time with John, which was extremely helpful for developing practical solutions to my most immediate and longer range business needs. A couple of notable tools I got from John 1. Setting up spreadsheets to capture info about who's coming to see me and how often. 2. Having a chime sound 5 minutes before the end of every session to help me maintain good boundaries and stay on time from session to session. read more

I worked with John and his team on a few marketing/branding/web updates for my interior design firm. I was really impressed with John and his team. What I really appreciated the most was how attentive John was, he really took the time to listen to my needs and to understand who I was and what my goals where for my business. I highly recommend John and Two hats Consulting for your marketing, web design and business consulting needs! Anastasia read more

Two Hats designed our incredible website at www.wildernesstorah.org, from December 2014-February 2015. It is beautiful, visual, appealing, and we've gotten a lot of compliments on it. It is on WordPress and uses Avada theme. Damian Sol, partner and main project manager, is an absolute gem. He is very on top of everything and a pleasure to work with. He and Jake Gleason (designer) were very responsive and worked really hard to get our site live, as it ended up being more complex than any of us anticipated. Jake is a talented designer and helped make the site really beautiful, along with graphic designer Cassie Waldman. The best parts of the project were when we all got down to the nitty-gritty, sketching out pages on a whiteboard, to make the project come alive. Damian and team have also been responsive and helpful post-project, when we run into the occasional question. Our project was the largest site Two Hats had worked on at that point (100 pages). It was a bit of a learning process, as they adjusted their workflow, process and team to handle the demands of the project. We each had to adjust timelines at various points, but they went above and beyond (nights/weekends, etc.) to have our site live by our drop-dead date. As the "test case" for a large site, we also benefitted from what ended up being a bargain of a price! The biggest issue is that I didn't understand, as a novice, that some coding knowledge is required for the maintenance of the site, which is significant for us as a small nonprofit without that expertise in-house. (I had thought that all WordPress themes were set up for non-coders). So, be sure that you're very clear on the requirements - some HMTL knowledge may be needed if you want a site with customized design and functionality. read more

Every time I have a coaching session with John, I feel like I just got plugged into a high voltage electrical outlet. I am filled with exciting new ideas for how to develop my business and the energy to implement them. Often it's many more ideas than I can even use. My business is growing by leaps & bounds. I've hired business coaches before but never had better business coaching. read more

John's all day Social Media class is awesome!!! Lot's of information on navigating Facebook Twitter and other social mediums in relation to your business. Really simplifies the process in a small intimate setting, there is plenty of individual attention particular to your specific business, it's one in a series of 4 classes, looking forward to the next class in the series! read more

I'm actually writing because I was super impressed with John and the lengths he went to for me and my small business. In the end, THC ended up not being able to help with my specific project. What impressed me was the level of commitment to follow through and find someone, as opposed to leaving me in a bind... John was very thoughtful and thorough - qualities that I truly value. read more

I have been working with John for just over half a year. I come out of every session with a clear vision of what I need to do next to improve my business. John not only takes the time to listen to all the aspects of my concerns, he asks questions to be sure he completely understands before coming up with a path that gives me the knowledge and confidence I need to solve that problem. My favorite part about working with John is that I feel like my business is as important to him as it is to me. From the broadest concepts to the most minute details, he takes the time with me I need. read more

I went in to talk to John about getting my website overhauled and some SEO work done. I appreciated that he actually suggested that, for the limited budget I had, it would be best utilize his services for certain stages of the project and work on the rest by myself. Though this may not have been what I originally wanted to hear, I am glad that he did not try to sell me something I could not afford. read more

We are a very busy startup in SF and engaged Two Hats to rebuild and secure our Wordpress Site with a more modern theme engine and improved design. It was a completely seamless process and they delivered highly professional work ahead of schedule. Five Stars!!! read more

We've used Two Hats Consulting a number of times over the years and it's always been extremely helpful. We think of it as Business Therapy. We talk with John Van Dinther about whatever problem we are trying to solve and he brings his perspective and clear strategic thinking to bear. It's always very helpful. Then other people from the group come in to handle different tasks. It allows us to continue getting the work done while the consulting firm is handling whatever we've asked them to do. Totally worth it! read more

John is positive and on point. He always "gets it" and his structured processes make it easy to implement the big and the small. He's a huge value add to any project. Its a good day when I get to collaborate with John on my business. read more

John is amazing. Though I wanted my business to succeed I was resistant to many marketing and networking tools, particularly social media. Because of John's insight and compassion, I was able to identify the fear that went with my resistance. I have worked with other marketing experts but John, by far, takes the cake. He looked at the whole picture and listened to what really mattered to me, not only in terms of revenue but, most importantly, my heart. Though I am launched now I know I will continue to work with John as I continue to reach the next levels. read more

I hired John as my coach and paid him over $2000 to improve my marketing and business results in my photography business. He promised he would help grow my business. Instead I spent 12 weeks at his direction writing standard operating procedures. While some of the SOPs have proved useful, John did not deliver what I asked for. read more