Confessions with Jess and Cindy From Office Buddies to Business Partners with Sarah Staiger
Ever wondered what it's really like to ditch your nonprofit job and start a consulting business with your work buddy? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on that exact scenario. No sugar-coating, no BS - just the raw, unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a values-driven consulting firm from the ground up.
Sarah Steiger joins us to share the rollercoaster journey of how she and her former boss, Laura, transitioned from nonprofit employees to co-founders of Steiger Vitelli and Associates. Buckle up, because this conversation gets real fast.
From their "aha" moment on Laura's back porch to navigating the murky waters of pricing and client acquisition, Sarah holds nothing back. We dive deep into the nitty-gritty of building a business that aligns with your values (hello, community-centric fundraising!) while still paying the bills.
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows, folks. Sarah gets real about the challenges of putting yourself out there as a consultant and dealing with criticism. Spoiler alert: sometimes it involves hiding under the covers with your dog for a few hours. (No judgment here!)
Key Takeaways:
- Volunteer gigs can be a goldmine for future clients. Don't underestimate the power of showing up and doing good work, even when you're not getting paid.
- Your values can be your superpower. Sarah and Laura's commitment to community-centric fundraising principles has become their unique selling point.
- Partnerships can be a game-changer. Two heads (and two sets of skills) really can be better than one when it comes to building a consulting business.
- Self-care isn't just a buzzword. It's crucial for surviving the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Sometimes that means taking a mid-day break to ugly cry or read a book.
- Pricing is an art, not a science. Don't be afraid to get creative with your pricing structure to align with your values and serve your ideal clients.
Look, starting a consulting business isn't for the faint of heart. It's messy, it's challenging, and sometimes it downright sucks. But for those of you ready to take the leap, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical insights. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your existing practice, Sarah's story will give you plenty to chew on.