Confessions with Jess and Cindy

Today, we are super excited to introduce Heather Nelson, Founder and President ofat boutique fundraising consultancy, BridgeRaise. Her agency is dedicated to forging corporate partnerships for mid-sized charities. In this episode, we'll explore her journey from an individual consultant to the leader of a thriving firm and discuss her strategic shift to the agency model.Key Highlights:The Agency Advantage: Dive deeper with Heather as she shares how her passion for teamwork and client success steered her towards running an agency. Juggling HR, hiring, and maintaining profitability while being a compassionate boss, Heather gives us a candid look at navigating the complexities of agency management.Client Relationships and Boundaries: Setting boundaries is vital, and Heather's agency is no exception. From planned vacation periods to choosing clients who resonate with the agency's values, discover how to maintain a healthy work-life balance and foster respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with clients.Heather's Pricing Journey: Join us as Heather unveils her transition from solo consulting to establishing a robust firm, which brought about a pivotal change in her pricing strategy. Learn how she almost doubled the pricing of each product and further tweaked it over time, underlining the correlation between pricing, client access, and psychological hurdles like fear of client loss.The Importance of Self-Investment: Investing in personal development isn't just motivational jargon. Heather reveals her own commitment to coaching and courses to buff up her business acumen. She didn't shy away from prioritizing personal development, addressing issues head-on, and it's reflected in her business's success today.Choosing the Right Clients: Heather shares the evolution of her decision-making when taking on clients, emphasizing the need to value emotional well-being and her own terms. From early-career struggles with saying 'No' to harnessing confidence in her marketing and pipeline, she now opts for clients aligned with her agenda and values.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Heather Nelson: Heather Nelson (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/nelsonheatherHeather Nelson (Twitter): heathernelson12BridgeRaise (Website): https://www.bridgeraise.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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s consider this – if you're immersed in the nonprofit consulting world, the constant hustle to provide affordable, effective solutions can feel like an uphill battle. But our guest on the Confessions podcast, Cherian Koshy, has masterfully tackled this challenge, not only by creating an innovative AI resource but also by navigating the intricate process of nurturing and then selling this brainchild in a multi-seven-figure deal.Get ready for some raw, honest insight into the journey from concept to creation to cashing out. Cherian spills the details on the necessary grind, the mindset shift involved in scaling a product, and the secrets to sealing a lucrative tech sale. Key Highlights:Delivering Indispensable Solutions to Nonprofits: The secret sauce Cherian brought to the table is simple yet profound: zero in on the pain points, then tailor a solution that nonprofits can't imagine going without. He walked us through captivating product demonstrations and authentic testimonials that are driving a stake into the heart of nonprofit inefficiencies. It’s about commitment to their cause, wrapped up with a bow of strategic thinking.Striking a Balance: Free Content and Fiscal Wisdom: One of the big questions we get asked is how to stay true to our giving nature while still making a living. Cherian's strategy of providing free value up front, with upscaling to paid services, is a golden nugget for all of us. It's not about selling out; it's about smartly selling your services in a way that's as viable financially as it is invaluable to your clients.Masterful Partnerships for Amplified Results: Cherian's storytelling of his partnership experience, especially with the iWave deal, serves as a masterclass in aligning with the right partners for a mutually beneficial outcome. His insights show us that valuing our expertise is key to forging alliances that extend our reach and deepen our impact.Confessions from the Front Lines of Success: Cherian's tale is more than just an account of winning; it's evidence that aligning profits with non-profit missions is not just possible but necessary for sustainable success. His journey underscores a core truth — recognizing your worth and the value of your contributions is as paramount as any work you do for the cause.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Cherian Koshy: Cherian Koshy (Website): https://www.cheriankoshy.com/Cherian Koshy (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriankoshy/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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/

"I now get paid mostly through clients, nonprofit executive directors who enroll in my group program called Thrive and stay there usually for at least a year. My big pet peeve as the thing I can't do that crushes my soul is when you give clients support and they don't implement. I just need it for my own sanity for clients to implement." - Sarah OlivieriIn this episode, we welcome Sarah Olivieri, mastermind behind PivotGround, to share her blueprint for balancing a successful nonprofit consultancy while juggling the responsibilities of single parenthood. From strategic shifts to innovative program structuring, Sarah is candid about the significance of time management, profitability, and the personal lifestyle choices that fuel her success.Key Highlights:Building a Successful Nonprofit Business: Sarah discusses her journey of starting PivotGround, a marketing agency for nonprofits and eventually shifting to a focus on improving nonprofit operations. She shares her experience with Mariah Coz’s High Ticket Hybrid program and her group program called Thrive.Transitioning to a Scalable Coaching Program: Transition from one on one coaching to a one to many model in the coaching business. Sarah shares her experience of making this transition and how it resulted in exponential growth in both time and money.Transitioning to a Simpler Sales Process: Challenges of selling to nonprofits and how their selling process has evolved to avoid lengthy proposals. Sarah shares her success with a three webinar sequence that speeds up the closing process.Understanding Objections in Marketing: Insights from Sarah on overcoming objections in sales and marketing, highlighting how understanding what people really want can be more effective than focusing on money-related objections.   Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Sarah Olivieri: Sarah Olivieri (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri PivotGround (Website): pivotground.com  PivotGround (Twitter): PivotGroundConnect 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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/Looking for more inspo and strategies to make 2024 your most successful year yet?Join us in California for the Make It Happen Conference, February 28-29!Link: themakeithappenconference.com/?affiliate=goodpartners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's okay to have a small list. It's good to have a small list because they'll be more engaged. There are people who actually care about you." - Katelyn BaughanThis episode zeroes in on the coveted goal for all consultants: securing high-ticket clients. We're joined by Katelyn, a nonprofit email consultant who's not only mastered the art of attracting premium contracts but has also built a thriving six-figure business. As a mother and entrepreneur, Katelyn is a testament to the power of integrating professional ambition with personal life, all while sidestepping the relentless hustle culture.Key Highlights:Expert Positioning: Want to attract the crème de la crème of clients? Katelyn advises positioning yourself as an authority in your field. By polishing her professional presence and sharing her knowledge through various platforms—including podcast interviews—Katelyn has become the go-to consultant for sizable nonprofits seeking top-tier email marketing guidance.Building Deep Relationships: High-ticket clients aren't just looking for transactions; they crave transformative partnerships. Katelyn tells us about the value of investing time and energy into understanding the unique challenges and goals of her clients. This relationship-centric approach isn’t just good business; it’s a fulfilling way to ensure meaningful, lasting impacts on the organizations she works with.The Retainer-Based Model: Katelyn gives us the low-down on the stability and advantages of retainer agreements. By shifting to this model, non-profit consultants can focus on delivering consistent, high-quality work without the constant hustle for new one-off projects. It’s a win-win: reliable revenue for the consultant and ongoing expert support for the client.Going Above and Beyond: Those high-ticket clients yearn for the personal touch, says Katelyn. This might mean an annual in-person visit or a tailored strategy that goes beyond the standard email marketing campaign, providing both superior results and a personalized experience.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Katelyn Baughan: Katelyn Baughan (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-baughan/Katelyn Baughan (Website): https://katelynbaughan.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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/Looking for more inspo and strategies to make 2024 your most successful year yet?Join us in California for the Make It Happen Conference, February 28-29!Link: themakeithappenconference.com/?affiliate=goodpartners Hosted on Acast. See

In today's episode, our guest Tammy Zonker, founder and president of Fundraising Transformed, peeled back the curtain to her successful business model – and to a few confessions. What she's built is not just a business but a thriving community that champions work-life balance and profitability through diverse and strategic offerings for nonprofit organizations. We're getting real about the boundary-setting, strategic planning, and partnership synergy that makes Tammy's operation soar. So, tune in and join us on a journey that goes beyond revenue to the heart of impactful and intentional nonprofit work.Elevate Your Consulting Game In the world of nonprofit consulting, it’s not just about hard work; it’s about smart work—integrating passion with strategy. Tammy embodies this like a boss! From moving her mission forward at the crack of dawn (seriously, she’s up at 4:00 a.m.!) to knowing when to say a polite “no,” Tammy’s approach is the mentorship gold we all need.Building Revenue Streams That Work for You Tammy’s genius lies in her diversified business model. High-end consulting mixed with her "Fundraising Transformers" community and an array of on-demand learning resources, Tammy’s teaching us to spread our wings and soar toward sustainable revenue. Remember folks, it's about creating that sweet spot between making a living and making a difference.Partnerships In and Out of Business Tammy shares how she collaborates with her life partner in running their business. She points out the presence of respect, complementing skill sets and clear communication in making the partnership successful.Say "Yes" to Boundaries Listen up, friends; it's boundary-setting time! Tammy's got it down to an art—saying no means saying yes to alignment, loyalty, and value. And isn't that what we're all here for? To fuel our passions and empower organizations while respecting our time and genius.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Tammy Zonker:Tammy Zonker (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyzonker Tammy Zonker (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TammyZonker Fundraising Transformed: https://www.fundraisingtransformed.comThe Intentional Fundraiser Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-intentional-fundraiser-podcast/id1493678510 Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.comConnect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.meLooking for more inspo and strategies to make 2024 your most successful year yet?Join us in California for the Make It Happen Conference, February 28-29!Link: themakeithappenconference.com/?affiliate=goodpartners Hosted on Ac

In this episode of we're rolling out the red carpet for 'Layne, the Auctionista.'' Layne is a master of the gala stage. They shared serious confessions about the thrilling yet demanding live fundraising world. Or should we say, philanthrotaining. Yes, you read that right!Now - think for a minute - if you’re business was centered around taking the stage at live fundraising events, the last few years probably have been pretty brutal. But Layne has navigated that and found success in this changing world.Entertainment Meets Philanthropy: Lane, the auctionista, underscores the substantial role entertainment plays in galvanizing gala guests and maximizing fundraising efforts. They shed light on how other nonprofit service providers might integrate entertainment into their work to form deeper, more authentic connections without resorting to pressured sales pitches.Valuing Authenticity Over Desperation: We all agree—connection beats a sales pitch any day. Lane talks authenticity and building relationships in fundraising, capturing the essence of how we too believe in connecting with our clients for success in nonprofit consulting.Self-Care Isn't Optional: Lane shared the essential role of self-care, especially after the heightened stimulation of event fundraising. They've mastered the art of working hard, then unwinding equally hard. As consultants, it's crucial we follow suit, remembering that recovery is just as important as the grind.Scaling with Stories: Lane candidly discusses how embracing personal storytelling, especially their experiences as a non-binary person, has enhanced their keynote speaking engagements. Their upcoming Impact Workshop focuses on gender identity and creating inclusive workspaces, which is already garnering uplifting responses and inspiring the younger generation.Lane's episode is a masterclass in personal branding, storytelling, and authentic engagement. These are essential tools for anyone consulting! Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Layne: Layne (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/laynetheauctionistaLayne (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/TheAuctionistaLayne Layne (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/TheAuctionista Layne (Twitter): https://twitter.com/The_Auctionista Layne Talent Inc. o/a The Auctionista (Website): auctionista.ca Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/ LinkedIn:  ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-campbell-outintheboons

In today's episode of 'Confessions with Jess and Cindy,' we sat down with Lynne Wester, an OG nonprofit consultant who built her empire from ground up, all sparked by the urgent need to fund her dog's surgery. Now leading a 16-strong team, Lynne's journey through the shifts in healthcare consulting, her strategic use of webinars, and hands-on approach to change management, has been nothing short of inspiring. Tune into this episode to hear Lynne's raw and real success story, and grasp invaluable insights that could ignite your next breakthrough. Don't miss out on this game-changing episode! Key Highlights:Taking the Leap into Nonprofit Consulting Lynne's journey to becoming a nonprofit consultant started unexpectedly when her dog needed surgery. This urgent need led her to explore new ways to earn money, eventually leading her to create a successful consultancy in the nonprofit sector.Balancing Instruction and Impact Lynne today splits her time evenly between teaching and direct client work, which not only demonstrates the importance of diversification but also presents a model of sustainable growth.Embracing the Winds of Change The world of nonprofit consulting can be tumultuous, with shifts like the Affordable Health Care Act reshaping entire landscapes. Lynne’s adaptability shows us that when change comes knocking, the savvy consultant swings the door wide open and invites it in for coffee.Authenticity Above All Lynne’s journey to prioritizing authentic self-representation over the temptation of selling out her voice is a testament to the power of integrity. She has built her audience on the rock-solid foundation of who she truly is, and she encourages every consultant to do the same. Growing a following isn't about appealing to the masses; it's about resonating with the right people.Investment in Knowledge is Non-Negotiable From webinars to in-person retreats, Lynne's commitment to accessible professional development is a cornerstone of her success. It's a vital cue fornonprofit consultants that investing in your own expertise is integral to providing the best service to your clients.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Lynne Wester:Lynne Wester (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewester/  Donor Relations Guru (Website): https://www.donorrelations.com/ Donor Relations Guru (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/donorguru/  Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com Fractional Fundraising Network https://www.fractionalfundraising.coLinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-campbell-outintheboons  Hosted on Acast. See

In today's episode, our powerhouse guests at Evenings and Weekends Consulting, Paul Taylor and Laëtitia Eyssartel, peeled back the curtain to their successful business model – and to a few confessions. We're getting real about the radical changes they've made to the established rules of the nonprofit sector. So, tune in!Key Highlights:Embrace Decent Work: This episode has showcased how Paul and Laëtitia's business, Evenings and Weekends Consulting, not only talks the talk but walks the walk. They've built their business around the philosophy of 'decent work' - striving to provide an environment where each individual's labor, experience, and expertise are valued and respected. This is something we can all take inspiration from, as promoting a culture of respect and appreciation strengthens the overall work environment.Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Paul and Laëtitia's success is also a testament to how collaboration and team focus can drive success. They're able to offer a diverse range of services and manage a large volume of projects because they've created a strong, cohesive team. If we keep this in mind, we too can create dynamic teams that can deliver high quality work and achieve shared goals.Be Intentional: Paul and Laëtitia didn't just stumble onto success, they've been intentional in their efforts, focusing on clear communication, establishing boundaries, and prioritizing deeper relationships over transactional connections. So, whether it's with your clients or team members, remember to be intentional with your interactions. Every communication and decision should align with your vision and goals for your business.Put Happiness First: Laëtitia confessed something we all need to remember - it's okay to prioritize ourselves and do what brings us joy. Being a consultant doesn't mean sacrificing personal growth and happiness for your clients. Remember to keep a balance between your professional and personal life that works for you!Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Paul Taylor:Paul Taylor (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/paultaylortoWebsite (Personal): paulmichaeltaylor.ca Evenings & Weekends Consulting: https://www.eveningsandweekendsconsulting.com/Connect with Laëtitia Eyssartel:Laëtitia Eyssartel (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/laetitiaeyssartelEvenings & Weekends Consulting: https://www.eveningsandweekendsconsulting.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.comConnect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me Hosted on Acast. See

Summits are a powerful tool for networking, lead generation, and collaboration. As a business owner or nonprofit leader, understanding how to effectively host a summit can propel your business forward and expand your reach globally. In this episode, we are sitting down with Krista Miller, CEO and Founder of *Summit in a Box*. Krista breaks down the complexities of summit hosting and guides us on how to create a worthwhile event that both attendees and sponsors can rave about! What are the secrets to creating a summit that both attendees and sponsors will rave about? How do you balance summit planning with your work-life? Join us as Krista answers these questions and more, providing insights into everything from scheduling to promotion. This episode is not just a conversation; it’s a masterclass in making your summit a success.Key Highlights:The Role of Summits Today Krista fiercely advocates for the influence of online events, even amid Zoom fatigue. She underlines, crisp and clear, that summits are far from fizzling out. On the contrary, they're top-notch tools to ignite business momentum, sharpen your email game, and foster industry connections. And did we mention the revenue potential? It's all about being unique, catering to a specific audience, and putting care into the execution.Combining Summits with Your Launch Strategy Krista is a treasure trove of great advice for all you nonprofit visionaries out there. Together we challenge the misconception that summits are overdone. Instead, we guide you to consider their potential as dynamic launch platforms. Combining them with other methods like webinars and email sequences can produce real change. The key is to lead with service and empathy before focusing on sales.Engaging Speakers and Participants Krista also delve into how to manage speakers effectively, highlighting communication, empathy, and recognizing the respective journeys of each speaker.Making Summits Accessible and Adaptable In these heavy screen-times, it's about striking a balance. By keeping sessions short, offering a private podcast feed, and adapting to shifts like shorter summit durations, an accessible and fruitful experience is completely within your reach!Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Krista Miller:Krista Miller (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-miller-summit-in-a-box/Summit in a Box (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/summitinabox/ Summit in a Box: https://www.summitinabox.co/ Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Consulting https://cindywagman.comNetwork https://www.fractionalfundraising.co/Connect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for

In this episode of "Confessions with Jess and Cindy," we're joined by Sonia Daniels, founder and CEO of S. Daniels Consulting, who has successfully grown her consulting business for nonprofit clients over six years. In this candid conversation, Sonia takes us through her unique business journey, starting as a side project and evolving into a full-time passion. We delve into the challenging decisions she's made, her strategies to supporting employees during maternity leave, and how she balances personal passions and business responsibilities. Stick around for Sonia's valuable insights on recognising team gaps, the importance of open communication, and the role of strategic pricing in the consulting world.Key Highlights:Embrace the evolution: Running a consulting business is not a job for the faint-hearted. It’s a road often marked with ups and downs; our guest, Sonia Daniels, can testify to this. Starting her consulting business as a side project, she gradually transitioned into making it her full-time occupation. The desire for autonomy and flexibility were her driving forces. Sonia’s confession shed light on her journey, highlighting the questioning and the reward of starting her business.Employee Support and Management: A central concern of growing a business is managing and supporting your team effectively. Sonia's intent to have a detailed and considerate plan for her employee's maternity leave underlines the importance of nurturing employee well-being for the success of the business.Strategic Pricing: Sonia's approach to pricing–charging market rates, being flexible for clients with limited budgets, and considering salaries and business expenses–provides a practical framework for consultants when setting their prices. It emphasizes the need to balance profitability, fairness, and business sustainability.The Importance of Networking and Client Relationships: Sonia attributes much of her success to referrals and word of mouth, treating clients like friends and family to ensure a positive experience. It underlines the value of building strong, authentic relationships with clients and maintaining an active network.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Sonia Daniels:Sonia Daniels (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniadanielsSonia Daniels (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/sdanielsconsulting/S. Daniels Consulting: https://www.sdanielsconsulting.com/Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.com The Good Partnership https://www.thegoodpartnership.comConnect with Jess: Out In the Boons: https://www.outintheboons.me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.