Confessions with Jess and Cindy

Have you been feeling the pinch in your nonprofit consulting business lately? You're not alone. The landscape for nonprofit consultants has been shifting, and many of us are experiencing challenges we haven't faced before.Jess recently hosted a roundtable discussion in her Build Better Together community to explore what's really going on in 2024 and brainstorm solutions. The insights shared were eye-opening and we want to pass them along to you.Get ready for some real talk about:Current Nonprofit Landscape: Nonprofits face funding uncertainties, post-pandemic shifts, trust issues, and changing donor preferences. How are consultants adapting?What's Working for Consultants: Discover the back-to-basics approach, the power of collaboration, flexible pricing models, niche specialization, and community engagement that are yielding results for consultants.Overcoming Obstacles: Learn how to navigate proposal purgatory, LinkedIn fatigue, and scarcity mindset – common challenges faced by consultants in the nonprofit sector.Moving Forward: Find out how building a supportive community, clear communication, nurturing existing relationships, and prioritizing self-care are crucial for consultants to thrive in these evolving times.The nonprofit consulting landscape may be evolving, but with creativity, adaptability, and a supportive community, we can continue to make a significant impact.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/

Ever feel like you're on an island, trying to figure out this whole business-building thing on your own? Well, shake off that isolation, because we're diving into the world of peer masterminds – where "yes, and" thinking meets the power of collective wisdom.In this episode, we're joined by Aïko Thurlow, an experienced mastermind facilitator who's helped many entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Aïko's sharing insights on how these small groups can significantly improve your consulting practice.Get ready for some real talk about:Why flying solo is so 2019 (and how masterminds can be your secret weapon)The art of curating a kickass mastermind group (hint: it's not just about finding other consultants)How to create a vibe where vulnerability isn't just okay, it's celebratedStructured chaos: Aïko's tips for meetings that actually get sh*t doneThe facilitator's toolbox: Techniques to keep your mastermind humming alongWhether you're new to masterminds or looking to improve your existing group, this episode offers practical advice to help you build the support system your consulting business needs.So grab your favorite note-taking tool (we won't judge if it's a cocktail napkin), and let's explore how peer support can fuel your growth. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Aiko:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aikothurlow/ Website: https://www.infounders.org/ 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/

Building a thriving consulting business can be a challenge, but what if the key to success lies in embracing joy and redefining growth? Meena Das, CEO of Namaste Data, shares her refreshing "anti-capitalistic" approach to building a thriving consulting practice. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work, redefining growth on your own terms, and utilizing AI tools strategically. If you're ready to break free from the traditional consulting mold and create a business that truly lights you up, tune in to this episode. Get ready to redefine success, embrace joy, and build a business that aligns with your values.Key Highlights:Embrace joy as a driving force in your business, infusing your offerings with authentic passion to connect meaningfully with your audience.Redefine "growth" through an anti-capitalist lens, measuring success by your ability to sustain your desired lifestyle while centering fulfillment.Strategically leverage AI as a supportive tool for content ideation, social media planning, and as a logical "thought partner" voice.Nurture an abundance mindset by reflecting on past successes and tracking personal wins, cultivating self-trust during entrepreneurial ebbs and flows.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Meena:LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/meenadas Website: https://www.namastedata.org/ 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/

We see behind the scenes of a LOT of nonprofit consulting businesses. On today’s podcast, we’re talking about trends that we are seeing for those who are finding success this year.Discover how narrowing your niche and building strategic relationships can unlock a steady stream of ideal clients. Learn the power of offering "done-for-you" services to provide immense value while commanding premium prices.Key Highlights:Understand the importance of specializing in a specific niche to position yourself as the go-to expert and attract clients seeking your unique expertise.Master the art of networking and relationship-building to cultivate a loyal following of raving fans who actively refer business your way.Explore the rising demand for "done-for-you" services that alleviate the burden on overstretched nonprofit leaders and justify higher investment.Gain insights into crafting irresistible "done-for-you" offers that provide tangible results while freeing up your clients' time and resources.Hear real-world examples and success stories from consultants who have implemented these strategies to skyrocket their revenue and impact.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/

Imagine a world where ambitious entrepreneurs gather, unbound by geographical constraints, to forge unbreakable bonds and propel their businesses to new heights. In this unfiltered conversation, you'll be a fly on the wall as Jess and Cindy prepare for our upcoming Mastermind retreat. From cross-country flights and cozy Airbnb sanctuaries to curating local flavors and fostering an environment ripe for vulnerability, every detail is meticulously orchestrated to cultivate a judgment-free zone where entrepreneurial dreams can flourish.Key Highlights:The art of striking a delicate balance between structured "hot seat" sessions and organic, free-flowing conversations that seamlessly interweave business and personal growth.The nuances of hosting duties, from securing accommodations to infusing local flavors, creating an immersive experience that transcends mere logistics.The dynamics of a tribe of driven individuals who breathe and live their businesses, blurring the lines between work and play in a harmonious dance of collective growth.The evolution of their masterminds, from the early days of unstructured exploration to the refined formula that harnesses the collective wisdom of the group.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/

Jennie Armstrong, founder of Wild Awake and Delve, started her second business when she kept getting people who weren’t her core audience asking for her services. Jennie shares the behind-the-scenes journey of transitioning from a solopreneur to building a thriving consulting firm and online program - under the banner of two brands. Discover her strategies for attracting ideal clients, creating irresistible offers, and managing a remote team - all while serving as an elected state representative.Key Highlights:Understand Jennie's decision-making process for hiring employees versus subcontractors as her business expanded.Learn her proven tactics for generating a consistent pipeline of clients through relationship-building and word-of-mouth marketing.Gain insights into effectively onboarding and leading a remote team aligned with your vision and values.Explore the systems and processes she implemented to facilitate growth while maintaining quality and work-life balance.Discover her candid confessions about the challenges, lessons learned, and privileges that enabled her entrepreneurial journey.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Jennie:Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennieForAlaska LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniemarmstrong/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniemariearmstrong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild_awake_creative/ Delve: https://www.delveforgood.com/ Wild Awake: https://www.wildawakecreative.com/ The Legacy Collective: https://www.wildawakecreative.com/legacy 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/

CEO Dana Snyder from Missions to Movement shares insights on building strategic partnerships for nonprofit consulting. She discusses creating win-win opportunities, negotiating fair compensation, and tracking ROI. Learn how to structure creative partnerships and hear about Dana's challenges and lessons learned along the way.

Imagine pouring countless hours of unpaid labor into cultivating a vibrant online community, only to face the daunting decision of monetizing it. That's the raw reality Jess confronted with her nonprofit consultants' group, Build Better Together. In this unfiltered convo, Jess pulls you into the emotional whirlwind of pivoting a once-free offering, sharing the psychological toll and resilience required.From agonizing over potentially alienating loyal members to weathering scathing criticisms questioning her integrity, Jess holds nothing back. Yet her vulnerability gives way to triumph as the vast majority rallied behind the change, empowering her vision. Discover how this pivotal shift transformed the community's dynamics, fostering deeper engagement, generous knowledge-sharing, and an environment of mutual respect.But behind the tactics lies a profound lesson in nurturing communities aligned with your values. Witness Jess's journey from trepidation to fulfillment as she cultivated this cherished digital space. Her tenacity exemplifies the mindset shift required to monetize your offerings without compromising authenticity.Key Highlights:Understand Jess's decision-making process and the factors that influenced her transition to a paid model.Learn how she managed member expectations and addressed dissenting voices during the monetization process.Gain insights into fostering a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages knowledge-sharing and networking.Explore the systems, processes, and roles Jess implemented to facilitate community growth while maintaining quality.Hear her candid reflections on the lessons learned and the impact the transition has had on her business one year later.If you've ever wrestled with the complexities of building a paid community or simply crave an honest look at an entrepreneur's trials and triumphs, immerse yourself in this empowering narrative. You'll emerge with a deeper appreciation for the grit required and inspiration to boldly pursue your own passion projects.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/

You know that feeling of dread when someone asks you to do unpaid work? That sinking sensation that you're being taken advantage of, yet again? Well, if you're a nonprofit consultant, requests for free labor might hit a little too close to home.But what if there was a way to turn those asks into opportunities to get properly compensated for your expertise? In this refreshingly candid discussion, we pull back the curtain on a topic that's often brushed under the rug: referral fees.Key Highlights:How to reframe your mindset around monetizing referrals, breaking free from the "martyr mentality" that plagues the nonprofit sector.Practical tips for initiating referral fee conversations upfront, setting clear expectations with potential partners.Specific percentage structures Jess and Cindy implementFind 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/

In this unfiltered glimpse into her entrepreneurial journey, Maria Rio pulls back the curtain on the relentless work ethic, strategic systems, and authentic team-building approach that is skyrocketing her firm's rapid growth.With refreshing candor, Maria also confesses the challenges she's faced - from difficult hiring decisions to struggles with boundaries and self-care amidst her relentless work ethic. Her resilience and commitment to constant growth will leave you feeling empowered to tackle your own entrepreneurial obstacles with renewed clarity and determination.In this episode of Confessions, Maria shares:Her multi-pronged lead generation tactics that keep her pipeline consistently full, from leveraging LinkedIn to hosting webinars and fostering strategic partnerships.The meticulous preparation and onboarding systems she implemented to seamlessly embed her first hire and maintain a consistent, values-driven client experience.Her evolved mindset on transitioning from a subcontractor model to hiring employees, and the unique considerations involved in that pivotal decision.The authentic, community-centric principles that guide her firm's culture and approach to building a diverse, mission-aligned team.So tune in as Maria shares the truth about her first year building a thriving, multiple six-figure nonprofit consulting firm. You'll walk away with actionable strategies to implement in your own business and the inspiration to approach your ambitions with the same tenacious passion that propelled Maria's success.Connect with Maria: Go Further Together (Website): https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/ The Small Nonprofit Podcast: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/podcast Maria Rio (Linkedin):https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mariario 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/