Confessions with Jess and Cindy

How do you rebuild your business—and your confidence—when it feels like everything is falling apart? In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Jess and Cindy welcome back Kishshana Palmer, CEO of ManageMint, to share the real story behind her business reinvention. Kishshana doesn’t hold back as she opens up about the rollercoaster of running a million-dollar company, only to watch it all crumble in an unexpected moment. From struggling to pay her mortgage to using her savings to keep her team together, Kishshana takes us through the hard lessons she’s learned—and the inspiring way she’s climbing back up.This conversation is for anyone who’s hit a rough patch in their consulting business and wondered if they’d make it through. Kishshana reminds us that resilience isn’t about bouncing back overnight—it’s about redefining what success looks like and prioritizing your well-being in the process.5 Key Takeaways:Resilience in Business: Kishshana’s story is proof that even when life knocks you down, you can rebuild and come back with more clarity and focus.Wellness Comes First: Taking care of your health—mentally and physically—isn’t just good for you, it’s a game-changer for your business too.Protect Your Energy: Kishshana reminds us it’s okay to say “no” and step away from people or things that don’t align with your values.Rebranding with Purpose: A fresh take on her business helped Kishshana attract the right clients and finally made her work feel aligned with her mission.Leadership Done Right: It’s not about hustling harder—it’s about creating spaces where your team can thrive and everyone feels good showing up.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Kishshana:  Kishshana’s Website: https://www.kishshanapalmer.com/ Busy Is a Four-Letter Word will be available on December 12, 2023. Pre-order your copy here: kishshanapalmer.com/book.ManageMint’s Website: https://www.managemint.co/ Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutntiheboons/

What does it take to build a micro-agency that scales without sacrificing flexibility? In this episode of Confessions, Cindy and Jess chat with conversion copywriter Eman Ismail, founder of Eman CopyCo, about her journey to creating a micro-agency. With experience working in the charity sector, Eman dives deep into her decision to transition from solo work to a micro-agency model that lets her balance big projects with a flexible lifestyle. They talk about the nuts and bolts of managing client work with a contractor team, fostering client trust, and scaling up with intention (no big, overwhelming teams here!). Eman also shares her launch journey—complete with website rebranding, new team introductions, and some bold shifts in positioning.Tune in to hear how Eman navigates hiring, pricing, and marketing, and why it’s crucial to find the right experts who can deliver quality. If you’re curious about building your own agency or hiring top-tier support, Eman’s insights will resonate!5 Key Takeaways:Micro-Agency = Flexibility: Eman highlights how her micro-agency model allows her to hire when needed, avoid full-time employee obligations, and keep a flexible work-life balance.Client Trust in Contractors: Through careful branding and clear messaging, Eman builds trust with clients to work directly with her contractors, taking herself out of the day-to-day work loop.Pricing for Quality Work: Eman stresses the value of paying for quality. Her team’s expertise comes with a cost, but it’s worth it for reliable results and strong client satisfaction.Marketing with Intent: Post-launch, Eman found that her audience needed time to adjust. She’s now investing more than ever in intentional marketing to showcase her agency’s strengths.Using Senja for Social Proof: Eman’s secret tool, Senja, helps her manage, organize, and promote testimonials across platforms—crucial for building credibility and converting new leads.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Eman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/?originalSubdomain=uk Website: https://www.emancopyco.com/ Podcast: https://www.emancopyco.com/podcast Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/Resources:SenjaKit (formerly ConvertKit)BS Free BusinessSix-Figure Freelance CopywriterEman’s  Custom Email PackagesEman’s Evergreen Product Suite

In this discussion, Natalie Eckdahl, CEO of Biz Chix, Inc., shares her expertise in helping nonprofit consultants scale their businesses without burnout. She emphasizes the significance of defining a clear niche to attract high-paying clients. Natalie debunks the one-to-many digital marketing myths, explaining why passive income strategies can be unsustainable. She also offers practical tips for overcoming growth bottlenecks, including effective pricing models, boundary setting, and building a skilled team to support sustainable growth.

Why do feelings sometimes mislead us in business? Cindy and Jess dive into how to keep emotions in check and focus on data, especially as we head toward 2025. Jess shares insights from her record-breaking year and explains why it’s essential to surround yourself with positive influences who push you forward. They also tackle the importance of tracking key metrics like conversion rates, lead generation, and sales calls—because knowing your numbers beats going by "gut feeling" every time! This episode offers a wealth of practical advice on setting up systems to measure success and making intentional decisions based on solid facts.Plus, Cindy and Jess discuss the power of networking and asking for business directly. Instead of chasing shiny distractions like social media or podcasts, they encourage you to focus on face-to-face connections, especially if you're looking to wrap up the year with new clients. Jess breaks down her recent experience at a local nonprofit conference, highlighting how in-person conversations can accelerate the client-finding process. Check out this episode if you're ready to realign with your goals, take purposeful action, and enter 2025 stronger than ever!5 Key Takeaways:Feelings Aren't Facts – Just because something feels hard doesn’t mean it’s reflected in your actual results. Jess emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from business data to get a clear, accurate view of success.Track Your Metrics – Knowing your numbers is crucial. From lead generation to conversion rates, Cindy and Jess highlight the importance of tracking these figures so you can make informed decisions and adjust as needed.Focus on Networking Over Social Media – While social media has its place, the fastest path to new clients often comes through personal connections and networking, especially if time is tight for year-end goals.Ask for Business Directly – Don’t be afraid to reach out and let your network know you’re available for work. Jess explains that simply asking can open doors, so prioritize these genuine conversations over passive marketing.Cut Distractions, Execute Your Plan – Set aside time-wasting activities and focus on your core tasks. Cindy and Jess remind listeners to limit consumption of new content and instead put existing knowledge into action.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/Resources:Airtable: https://www.airtable.com/ Dielle Charon Coaching: https://diellecharon.com/  Diary of a CEO Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/TheDiaryOfACEOLocus of Control Theory

In this episode,we chat with Shannon Bowen, a nonprofit leader who's rocking both a full-time job and a thriving side hustle. Shannon, the Chief Advancement Officer for a genetics and genomics institute in Seattle, also founded Monsoon Leadership to help people land their dream jobs. She spills the tea on salary negotiation, navigating the challenges of nonprofit leadership, and the importance of niching down.    Plus, Shannon gets real and shares a juicy confession about how she started her business the wrong way. She originally focused on helping people avoid burnout, but quickly realized that wasn't resonating with her audience. Instead, they were craving advice on salary negotiation and landing better jobs. This led to a major pivot in her business, and she's now helping nonprofit professionals earn what they're worth.   Want to hear more juicy confessions and learn how to build a successful side hustle? Listen to the full episode now!5 Key Takeaways:Listen to your audience. Shannon's story highlights the importance of understanding the needs of your audience and being willing to adapt your offerings accordingly.Don't be afraid to pivot. It's okay to change direction in your business, even if it means letting go of what you've already invested in.Be open to feedback. Feedback can be invaluable in helping you to improve your business and better serve your clients.See your business as a service. When you focus on serving others, you're more likely to find success.Don't give up. Building a successful business takes time and effort, but it's definitely possible.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Shannon Bowen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-bowen525/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monsoonleadership/ Website: https://monsoonleadership.com/ Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/Resources:Dream Job Power Pack: https://monsoonleadership.com/djpp/ Salary Power Pack: https://monsoonleadership.com/spp/ Monsoon Leadership: https://monsoonleadership.com/ AFP Lead Conference: https://afplead.org/ Podia: https://www.podia.com/ 

How do you navigate imposter syndrome and build confidence as a new consultant? On this episode of the Confessions of a Nonprofit Consultant podcast, Jess and Cindy interview Denyelle Fraser, nonprofit and equity design consultant who shares her journey and insights on thriving as a new consultant in the nonprofit world. Denyelle, a mom and wife, shares her experience navigating the challenges of being a young, Black woman in the consulting industry, and how she overcomes imposter syndrome and microaggressions. She emphasizes the importance of community, representation, and staying true to oneself.5 Key Takeaways:Embrace your lived experience: Your unique perspective and background are valuable assets in the consulting world.Build a strong community: Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your challenges and can provide guidance and encouragement.Don't be afraid to be different: Challenge conventional approaches and offer innovative solutions that reflect your values and expertise.Protect your energy: Set boundaries and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.Focus on connection: Building genuine relationships with clients and colleagues is essential for success in the nonprofit sector.Denyelle's insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, building a strong community, and staying true to oneself are invaluable for anyone navigating the challenges of the consulting industry.Connect with Denyelle Fraser: LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/denyellefraser/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/Resources More Than Enough Consulting 

As a consultant, you probably have thought about growing a team, or hiring subcontractors or even getting work as a subcontractor. Lauren Elyse Tudor, founder of Architect Philanthropic Collective, joins us to share her journey and insights. Lauren's firm focuses on community-centered and diverse philanthropy, leveraging storytelling, strategic marketing, and inclusive fundraising strategies to help small to mid-sized shops thrive.  In this episode, Lauren opens up about her transition from a successful nonprofit career to entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. She shares how she built a team that thrives on collaboration and creative problem-solving. But here's the kicker: Lauren's agency operates on a revenue-sharing model that's designed to incentivize growth and ensure fairness. We dive deep into how this model works, why it's a game-changer for her team, and how it aligns with her values-driven approach to business. Key Takeaways:Revenue-Sharing Model: Lauren's innovative model fosters collaboration and incentivizes growth by splitting revenue fairly between the company, the person who secured the contract, and the team members delivering the work.The Power of Packages: Packaging services into clear offerings simplifies pricing and helps clients understand the value they're receiving.Marketing Matters: Building a strong brand and marketing your services through thought leadership, networking, and partnerships is essential for attracting clients.Embrace Ambition: Setting ambitious goals and believing in your ability to achieve them is crucial for success.Values-Driven Business: Building a business that aligns with your values can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful career.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Lauren Tudor: LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenelysetudor Website: https://www.architectyourambition.com/ Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/Resources Architect Philanthropic CollectiveDaylight AdvisorsAFP Greater CharlotteICON 2024Duke University Nonprofit Management ProgramUnited Way Greater CharlotteNonprofit QuarterlyCommunity Centric Fundraising

In this episode of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, Cindy sits down with fellow nonprofit consultants live at the RAISE conference.She discusses the power of conferences in business development and knowledge sharing. Join Cindy as she chats with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Barbara O'Reilly, Diana Farias Heinrich, Frank Velásquez Jr., and the dynamic duo Kristin and Sam from Swaim Strategies. They share their experiences, strategies, and confessions about leveraging conferences for business growth, the importance of getting paid for speaking engagements, and the power of collaboration in the nonprofit sector.The consultants share how they approach conferences, from applying to speak to connecting with attendees and other consultants. They also discuss the importance of repurposing content and aligning speaking engagements with their business values. Additionally, they share their experiences with exhibiting at conferences and the challenges of making it a worthwhile investment. Key takeawaysRelationships are Key: Building relationships with other consultants and potential clients is essential for success. Conferences provide a valuable opportunity to network and connect with people in person.Be Selective: Not all conferences are created equal. Consider your business goals and target audience when selecting conferences to attend or speak at.Know Your Value: Understand the value you bring to the table and don't be afraid to ask for compensation for your time and expertise.Align with Your Goals: Make sure your conference attendance aligns with your overall business development strategy.Authenticity and vulnerability are powerful tools for connecting with your audience. Sharing your story, owning your mistakes, and being true to yourself can help you build trust and credibility.Tune in to this episode of Confessions with Jess and Cindy to hear candid conversations with nonprofit consultants and gain valuable insights into navigating the conference landscape and building a successful business.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/Resources:Boys and Girls ClubRAISE ConferenceBlacks in NonprofitThe Ethical Storytelling FrameworkThe Ethical Nonprofit Summit4DaHoodThe Ascending Leaders in Color ProgramNonprofit Storytelling ConferenceSwaim Strategies

Ever felt the pull of those big fundraising conferences, imagining the potential clients and connections waiting just beyond those booth walls? Cindy sure did! But after two experiences, one exhilarating, the other... well, let's just say "eye-opening," we’re here to share the raw, unfiltered truth about what it's REALLY like to be a small fish in a big conference pond.In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on Cindy’s adventures at AFP Icon and Raise. We'll talk about the hidden costs, the surprising challenges, and the hard-earned lessons about ROI. Get ready for some real talk about diversity, pay equity, and why speaking up, even when it's scary, is essential. Key Takeaways:Conference exhibiting is a gamble: It's important to go in with realistic expectations and a willingness to experiment. Not every conference will be a home run, and that's okay.Do your homework: Before committing to a conference, research its values, audience, and reputation. Make sure it aligns with your business goals and your personal values.Speak up and advocate for change: Don't be afraid to share your experiences and push for a more equitable and inclusive conference landscape. Your voice matters!There are alternatives to traditional conferences: If the cost and ROI of exhibiting aren't adding up, consider virtual summits, webinars, or other online events to connect with your audience.Community matters: Building relationships with other small businesses and consultants can lead to creative solutions and collaborative opportunities. Let's support each other and create a more accessible and inclusive conference experience for everyoneFind Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/Resources :Raise ConferenceAFP IconBridge ConferenceNonprofit Storytelling ConferenceRachel Rogers

Kristi Scott, an email marketing expert who transitioned from cold-calling tech sales to nonprofit consulting, shares her authentic sales insights. She reveals how she abandoned pushy tactics and embraced genuine strategies that reflect nonprofit values. Discover the power of niching down, utilizing workshops for lead generation, and building trust with clients through effective email marketing. Kristi emphasizes community connections and transparency in business, highlighting the journey behind the polished facade of success.