
Confessions with Jess and Cindy
Ever wish you could pull back the curtain and see how other nonprofit consultants run their businesses? Well, we’ve got you covered! Welcome to the Confessions podcast, hosted by Jess Campbell and Cindy Wagman. We are two former in-house nonprofit pros turned coaches and consultants to purpose driven organizations. In this podcast, we are giving you access to the business leaders who serve nonprofits as their clients - you know - the people who truly get it. No more gatekeeping, no more secrets - this podcast is going to give you an inside look at what running a successful nonprofit coaching and consulting business looks like. Basically, we’re asking people how much money they make, how they get paid and what has and hasn’t worked in their businesses.After building our own successful 6-figure nonprofit coaching and consulting businesses, we are on a mission to help other nonprofit coaches and consultants looking to start or scale their own businesses by pulling back the curtain. Whether you are still working inside a nonprofit and thinking of one day going out on your own or have been running your consulting business for years - you understand that working with nonprofits is just different. Listen in as sector leaders and other experts share their insights, their numbers, and the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to building a nonprofit coaching or consulting business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Dec 15, 2022 • 38min
It's okay to be multi-passionate with Betty Xie
"One thing that I always felt like almost like, formal about is like, people always say, “Well, you got to focus better.” You hear that in everything that you hear that in the arts, especially, it's like you got to give it all to this one path.” - Betty XieOften the business advice we hear is: focus. Do one thing and do it well. Great advice! Except if you’re like Jess, or today’s podcast guest Betty, who are multi-passionate, multi-talented people. On this episode of the Confessions podcast, we are joined by Betty Xie, a multi-passionate artist, fundraiser, and filmmaker, who shares her journey of how she found a way to blend all of her talents into one business.Highlights:Betty shares how she blends her passions and talents into a business model that works for her and her clients.Betty shares her insights on how to manage time and energy as a multi-passionate person, and how to find the balance between hobbies and revenue-generating activities.Betty talks about her process of experimenting and growing to evolve her business in a way that works for her.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Betty:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettyxcoach/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettyxiePodcast: https://everydaytalent.buzzsprout.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 8, 2022 • 49min
Let's get visible, visible!
“But showing up consistently, working, being visible with your audience, I think is most important out of all.” - Cindy WagmanLet's get visible, visible! With Jess and CindyDo you even exist if you’re not online? All jokes aside (of course you do), being visible to your audience can help build the “know, like, and trust” factor for you and your business. People go to your social media or your website as a part of getting to know you and the solutions you have for them. On this episode of the Confessions podcast, we'll tackle the importance of visibility for business growth. Highlights:The value of being visible for your consulting businessHow to connect through social media without being sales-y Building partnerships to reach your target audienceGrowing visibility through speaking at conferences and podcastsShowing up as a Thought LeaderFind Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 2022 • 47min
Get discovered on Pinterest with Precious Rodgers
"The thing is, you want to make sure that you are specifically on Pinterest, like with the visuals, letting them know exactly who you're talking to." - Precious RodgersIs Pinterest a social media platform? Not exactly! It’s more like a search engine. Which means folks are on there looking for solutions to their problems. Solutions you have! On today’s podcast, we’re chatting with Precious Rodgers of The Pinning Oasis, a boutique agency that helps consultants, coaches, content creators, and online businesses, and all those with content drive more people and profit to their business by leveraging Pinterest.Highlights:What is Pinterest, and why should businesses be on it?How can businesses use Pinterest to drive more traffic and sales?What are some best practices for using Pinterest for your nonprofit-serving business.Optimizing your Pinterest strategy through keywords and posting.Connect with Precious:Website: https://preshrodgers.com/assistant/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/preciousrodgers/Facebook: The Pinning Oasis | FacebookFind Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 2022 • 41min
From Burnout to Being Your Own Boss with Sabrina Walker Hernandez
"I was a successful non-profit CEO but it came at a cost, of course. And so, when I was in the hospital undergoing a stem cell transplant, I just knew that I did not want anyone else to go through this. I knew it was time for me to retire. I also knew I didn't want anybody else to go through what I had went through. So I thought, “How can I help my fellow non-profit professionals in this journey?" - Sabrina Walker HernandezIn today’s podcast, we’re chatting with Walker Hernandez about how she moved from being completely burned out (including how that affected her health) to growing a business that allowed her to still serve nonprofits but in a way that protected herself and her own wellbeing. She Through her company, Supporting World Hope, Sabrina is ais a trainer, facilitator, and coach who specializes in strategic planning, fundraising, and leadership development.Highlights:How Sabrina invested in herself - for her health, but also in learning to start a businessGetting clear on your business’ offerings and servicesWorking in your business vs. on your business and how to balance those two Connect with Sabrina:Website: sabrina@supportingworldhope.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/supportingworldhopeLinktree: https://linktr.ee/supportingworldhope?fbclid=IwAR1cQd9zCUNADjoUr_WMSiaqp_aD4gsJZE6_kJpngs7IwejJ3H05zbBcyNkFind Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 2022 • 49min
Leaning into the problem with Amy Milne
“So while you are important in that story, you are not the main character; your customer is. And the part you play as the professional is the guide. Because what we ultimately wanna do for our customers is we don't wanna sell ourselves. We wanna sell the problem we solve; like we wanna sell the solution.” - Amy MilneLeaning into the problem with Amy MilneFor this episode, Jess and I are excited to sit down with Amy Milne, the CEO of Beyond Fundraising. Being an experienced nonprofit consultant, she was recently certified as a StoryBrand guide. She talks about how to use the StoryBrand framework and how to make your customer the hero of the story. So if you’re feeling stuck or you’re experiencing a business slump then this episode is for you!Highlights:Attracting your customers with what you can do for themBeing clear and clever about your businessUtilizing authentic storytelling in the nonprofit sectorResources Mentioned In This Episode:StoryBrandBuilding a StoryBrand by Donald Millerthegoodpartnership.comCaptivate by Vanessa Van EdwardsConnect with Amy:Website: https://www.startingbeyond.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-milne-8946791/ Instagram: @startbeyond, @milneamyrFind Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 10, 2022 • 44min
Niching down to become a thought leader with Tania Bhattacharrya
“Long story short, the thing that I'm really about is Democratizing thought leadership or this thing we call thought leadership. I don't really love that term. So that the people with the real wisdom, insight and lived experience that I think that we should all be listening to can grow their influence and recognition so that we can actually move the world towards a more just future.” - Tania BhattacharryaNiching down to become a thought leader with Tania BhattacharryaIn today’s podcast, we are chatting with Tania Bhattacharrya. We talked about her going from her in-house job as a fundraiser to having a business of her own, VIP Day. Today she is working with vision-led entrepreneurial women in the social impact space and helps them build their power and influence using LinkedIn. Highlights:How to democratize thought leadership and why it is importantIntentionally evolving - as seen in Tania’s journeyTips and tricks for nonprofit coaches and consultants who are looking to start or grow their businessConnect with Tania:Website: https://lumosmarketing.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-bhattacharyya/ Podcast: The Campfire CircleFind Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 2022 • 37min
Community over competition with Heather Yandow and Lauren Andraski
“I think we're attracting folks who understand that mindset. I mean, they're choosing to join a community. And I think also a lot of us recognize that the skills that we've learned, that we base our businesses on, we learn from somebody else.” - Heather Yandow“I think the abundance and collaboration mindset really helps people do better work… It is much better if I can feel kind of comfortable letting that go, sharing that with other folks that are going to do a much better job and really love doing that work. And then give myself the space to take on clients that are more aligned with what I do.” - Lauren AndraskiCommunity over competition with Heather Yandow and Lauren AndraskiIn today’s podcast, we are chatting with Lauren Andraski from Consultants for Good and Heather Yandow from Nonprofit.ist. Jess and I were so excited to have them talk about how they have formed open and generous communities for consultants where everyone grows and learns from each other.Highlights:The benefits of social connection and having a community where you can learn from and feel supported.Having an abundance mindset and allowing other people to work alongside you.Leading with trust and building your network.How to keep members in your community.Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Jess' Nonprofit Coaches and Consultants Slack ChannelConnect with Heather:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatheryandow/ Website: nonprofit.istnonprofit.ist/confessionsConnect with Lauren:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenandraski/ Website: consultants4good.comFind Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 27, 2022 • 47min
Taking a sabbatical with April Walker
“My relationship with rest has to continue to evolve because I'm the business, right? I'm the business. And if there's no better investment I can make, it's in myself.” - April Walker Taking a sabbatical with April WalkerIn today’s podcast, we’re chatting with April Walker about how she invests in her mental wellbeing by taking those well-needed breaks. She also shares how she earns from her speaking engagements, how she declines organizations who don’t stand for what she believes in, and how she informs clients when taking sabbaticals.Highlights:You are the business. Without you, your business isn’t going anywhere so make sure you take those breaks from time to time, and make sure you really leave work behind when taking time off.We need to set boundaries with our clients. If they don’t stand for what you stand for, then what’s the point?Learn how to know your worth. If you always get an immediate yes, then you should’ve asked for more.Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Philanthropy for the PeopleRhea WongConnect with April:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilcwalker/Email: hello@aprilcwalker.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philanthropyforthepeople/Twitter: https://twitter.com/equityandthingsFind Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 2022 • 52min
Creating a 5-star experience with Erin Binns
"People don't go into nonprofit [business] because they're gonna make a lot of money. They do it because they are so passionate about it. That's how you can connect with them on a deep human level." - Erin BinnsCreating a 5-star experience with Erin BinnsIn today’s podcast, we’re chatting with Erin Binns about how she aces the customer service department. Erin of The Client Collective previously worked in the hotel industry and during her hotelier days, she learned how to treat customers as royalty. She learned how to form human connections, allowing her to generate more leads for her business. Her client management approach means less marketing and more ideal clients!Highlights:Basic referral networks bring a lot more to your business than you think of so don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth.Form human connections - Simple gestures such as greeting them on their birthdays or giving them gifts out of nowhere can keep your clients coming back or making meaningful referralsAlways remember, offboarding is just as important as onboarding so don’t hesitate sending that thank you note.Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Andaz of Park HyattConnect with Erin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-binns-7a69611/Email: hello@erinbrinns.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinbinns/Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/Binnsy/Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/ The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 13, 2022 • 33min
AMA: Saying Buh-bye to Clients
“There are clients where we just like, ‘Nah, this isn't working.’ It’s scary, right? It's scary to let go of revenue. I've always believed though, that like, the reason we consult is cause we don't wanna be treated badly by people. And so at some point, most of us are gonna have to fire a client.” - Cindy Wagman“I think it's about giving yourself permission to not continue to work with clients that you don't wanna work with.” - Jess CampbellAMA: Saying buh-bye to clientsIt’s just Jess and Cindy in today’s podcast as they talk about the importance of knowing your limits when it comes to dealing with clients. In this episode, they explore how to properly approach the matter of firing clients. What boundaries have been crossed? How do you start the conversation? How do you frame your words? Highlights:The importance of setting boundaries with clients How to frame conversation when firing a clientRemembering that our actions influence our client’s expectations of usResources Mentioned In This Episode:The Make It Happen ConferenceFind Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com/The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.