Confessions with Jess and Cindy

Today on Confessions, we're diving into a topic that's been on all our minds lately: online courses. We all know the appeal, right? Scale your impact, ditch the time-for-money trap, and make some serious cash. But, like everything in life, it's not as simple as it seems.On our recent Mastermind retreat, we enlisted our friends Rhea Wong, Brooke Richie-Babbage, and Rachel Bearbower to have a raw, honest chat about the challenges of creating a course that actually sells. Spoiler alert: the world doesn't need more pretty content. As one of our peers put it, "Nobody cares about how cute your content is if it doesn't solve a problem for them." Ouch, but so true! It's a wake-up call to focus on crafting experiences that genuinely transform our clients' lives, not just info dumps.We also dove into the nitty-gritty of actually building a successful course – from how to structure it for maximum impact to finding your ideal audience and getting them excited to buy. It's a journey, guys, not a sprint.We're sharing all the behind-the-scenes secrets, from validating your ideas (goodbye, biased "mom calls" 👋) to pricing strategies that attract high-paying clients. We even get real about the emotional roller coaster of charging for your expertise.Get ready to ditch the fluff and create courses that truly matter. Tune in and join the conversation!As you immerse yourself in this unfiltered conversation, you'll uncover:Strategies for validating course ideas through authentic audience conversations, avoiding the pitfalls of biased "mom calls"A framework for scaling your business methodically, from stabilizing your core offering to optimizing and expanding strategicallyInsights into pricing models that cater to your highest-paying clients, fueling sustainable growth without burnoutCandid reflections on the emotional toll of pivoting from free to paid offerings and navigating dissenting voicesFind 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/

Email marketing remains a potent tool for nurturing relationships and driving revenue. But are you truly harnessing its full potential? We're peeling back the curtain on the often overlooked strategies that separate lackluster campaigns from engagement powerhouses.With candor, we breakdown myths and discomfort surrounding email cadences, calls to action, and general email strategy.Prepare to have your email marketing mindset reshaped as we demystify the enigma of robust inbox placement. You'll discover a muscle-building approach to nurturing email deliverability, from crafting reply-prompting messages to decoding the intricate metrics that govern inbox providers' algorithms.In this unfiltered exchange, you'll uncover:The counterintuitive magic number of hyperlinks to embed throughout emails for maximum mobile engagementEthical upselling strategies that foster genuine connections without triggering mass unsubscribesTechniques for nurturing the "email deliverability muscle" to ensure robust inbox placementA profound mindset shift: reframing relentless reminders as a generous service for the chronically forgetfulFind 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/

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/