Confessions with Jess and Cindy

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.

In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking discussion on marketing strategies and the undeniable impact of authenticity in the industry. We unpack the confessions from the ICON conference, addressing the blurred line between self-promotion and genuine expertise, and share our experiences on making strategic business investments. Whether you're navigating the world of nonprofit coaching and consulting or aiming to expand your business, this episode will empower you to carve your path to success.Key Highlights:The Power of Authenticity In the episode, we delved into the debate about the relationship between marketing and the quality of your work. One thing that stood out is the power of authenticity. Authenticity is key in making a lasting impression. As nonprofit consultants, your reputation is your number one marketing tool, and nothing beats the authenticity and credibility that comes with doing impeccable work.Finding Your Marketing Style We understand that not everyone's marketing journey will look the same. Whether you prefer a low-key approach or want to go all out, finding what works for you and your business is crucial. Understanding the platforms where you can showcase your work authentically is also important. Knowing the value of professional branding and marketing, and making investments strategically can help elevate your presence in the industry.Long-term Play: Building Community At Confessions, we've always believed in the long-term strategy of community building. With the podcast being a powerful tool for marketing, we've seen the impact of community support and organic growth. Taking opportunities to showcase your work at events, conferences, or through networking can be a game-changer for your brand awareness and growth in the industry.Making an Impact We've learned that making strategic investments in marketing can be a game-changer. It's about making a lasting impression and standing out. Your marketing efforts are an investment in your business and the impact you want to make in the nonprofit world.To our fellow nonprofit coaching and consulting friends - remember, the journey to successful marketing isn’t made overnight. It’s about finding what works for you and your business. We're here to share our knowledge and create collective empowerment.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect 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.

“I gave a very clear example about being in pain, and when you’re in that level of pain, you are willing to literally do whatever it takes.” - JessIn this episode of Confessions podcast, we're diving deep into the world of recurring revenue. We share our experiences and insights on the benefits of offering monthly options, the shift from one-off projects to long-term contracts, and the importance of marketing and positioning these offerings. Plus, we discuss the value of addressing pain points and saving time for our nonprofit clients.Tune in as we spill the beans on how we're navigating the world of recurring revenue and creating sustainable income in our businesses. It's a candid conversation that's sure to offer some valuable takeaways for fellow nonprofit coaches and consultants.Key Highlights:Why Recurring Revenue Matters Your business is like a marathon, not a sprint. If you only rely on one-time transactions, you're constantly chasing new clients, which can be exhausting. Recurring revenue brings stability, allowing you to plan and budget with more confidence. It's a win-win for you and your clients. For many nonprofits, predictable monthly expenses are a game-changer, making it easier for them to budget and manage cash flow.Navigating Pricing and Contracts Pricing can be a tricky beast. Both Jess and Cindy share insights on how to package services and offerings in a way that makes sense for recurring revenue. It's not just about setting a monthly price, but also understanding the value of your services and the needs of your clients. Jess gives an amazing example of how to create annual programs and simplify the approval process for your clients. Clever Marketing Strategies Understanding your audience and their pain points is key. Jess and Cindy discuss the importance of marketing strategies tailored to the value you provide. Jess offers a fresh take by focusing on time-saving benefits, a perspective less explored in the industry. This approach aims to resonate with nonprofits feeling the impact of time constraints. Cindy shares her experiences with marketing recurring revenue options to consulting and nonprofit audiences, offering valuable tips for consultants to position their offerings effectively.Playing Chess, Not Checkers As Jess mentions, playing chess, not checkers, in business is about working smarter, not harder. It's about being strategic and forward-thinking. Cindy chimes in, highlighting the need to create long-term contracts, especially when offering indefinite services, giving a direct boost to recurring revenue and long-term relationships.Keep in mind, recurring revenue can help stabilize your business and provide consistent income. By understanding your audience, pricing your offerings appropriately and effectively marketing the benefits, you can create a successful recurring revenue model for your nonprofit coaching or consulting business.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect 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

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s especially timely as we head into the holiday season: gift giving. Whether you’re looking to show appreciation to clients, strengthen relationships, or simply spread some joy, the art of thoughtful and purposeful gift giving is something that can truly make a difference in our work as coaches and consultants.Key Highlights:The Importance of Thoughtful Gifting As nonprofit consultants, we understand the significance of making meaningful connections. That's why we believe that thoughtful gifting can play an essential role in expressing gratitude and strengthening relationships with clients, partners, and staff.Gifting Strategies for Client Relationships When it comes to showing appreciation to clients, we've found that personalized and useful gifts can go a long way. Whether it's a hand-picked book, a personalized mug, or even a lunch treat on Giving Tuesday, the key is to consider the recipient's interests and preferences. We've also explored the idea of supporting indigenous artists and businesses by gifting items such as artist-designed adult coloring books and indigenous-made products, aligning our gestures with our values.Authenticity Over Branding During our conversation, we emphasized how the focus of gifting should be on the recipient rather than on branding or marketing opportunities. While branding has its place, it's crucial to ensure that the gifts we give reflect our values and what we stand for, resonating with the recipients on a personal level.Remember, it’s the thought and effort put into the gift that truly counts. Whether it’s a small token or a grand gesture, the intention behind the gift is what matters most. By showing genuine care and consideration, these heartfelt gestures can strengthen relationships and leave a lasting impression.Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect 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.

"Working for myself is a form of rest because I get to choose my clients and I don't have what I experienced in the workplace when I was working in the nonprofit sector, which is racial battle fatigue" - Dr. Asia LyonsThis week's episode of Confessions featured the amazing Dr. Asia Lyons, who shared her journey to building a thriving consulting business serving youth organizations. Dr. Asia's story is a reminder that we should never stop pushing boundaries or embracing new possibilities in our work. The only limits are the ones we place on ourselves!Key HIghlights:Niche down. Dr. Asia knew from the start that she wanted to support youth-serving orgs, and she built her entire business around serving that niche. Her advice? Get extremely clear on who you help and how. Niching down allows you to become an expert in your field and better serve your clients.Cold Outreach Strategy. Dr. Asia didn't wait around for new clients to come to her—she went out and found them. Even though cold outreach can be scary, Dr. Asia has developed a system that works for her. Her advice? Start small, learn as you go, and try new strategies. You'll get better and more comfortable over time.Entrepreneurship as Empowerment. Dr. Asia intentionally set up their own business to have control over their clients and avoid experiencing racial battle fatigue and racism-related stress that they previously encountered in the workplace. This choice to work for themselves gives them freedom to choose their projects and avoid oppressive environments.Breaking the burnout cycle. Dr. Asia recognizes that as business owners we need to make rest a priority. She makes sure to step away from work and recharge through self-care, community, and family. Being part of a mastermind and women's retreat allows her to connect with like-minded people who truly understand this work.The path of a nonprofit consultant isn't always easy, but Dr. Asia proves that with hard work, clarity, and self-care, you can build a thriving business that serves organizations doing important work. Her story is a reminder that we should never stop pushing boundaries in our work. The only limits are the ones we place on ourselves!Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Dr. Asia Lyons:Lyons Educational Consulting: https://www.lyonseducationalconsulting.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons The Exit Interview: https://www.exitinterviewpodcast.com Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching https://cindywagman.comThe 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.

"I think as business owners, or maybe just me personally, I like to go really fast. So slowing down to speed up is so painstakingly hard for me, but I know it's also necessary." - Stephanie SkryzowskiAs consultants and business owners, one of the biggest challenges we face is scaling our business in a sustainable way. A key part of scaling is building a team to support your growth. In this week's episode of The Confessions Podcast, we spoke with Stephanie Skryzowski, founder of 100 Degrees Consulting, about how she built her team to over 16 people. By delegating work to her team, Stephanie is able to step into her role as CEO and focus on strategy, culture, and business development. Building a team is challenging, but also rewarding. To hear more about how Stephanie scaled her business through building a team, listen to the full episode. You'll come away with actionable insights to start putting into practice in your own firm.Key Highlights: Prioritize your people. Stephanie believes that when her team can disconnect, they do higher quality work. So she offers generous PTO, limits work to 40 hours/week, and invests in her team’s wellbeing. This mindset has enabled 100 Degrees to scale in a healthy way.Don’t be afraid to change course. Stephanie made the bold choice to sell part of her business in order to refocus her efforts. While scary, it allowed her team to align around their purpose and opened up new opportunities for growth.Follow your vision. Stephanie built the business of her dreams by staying true to her purpose of empowering nonprofits to create change. Don’t cling to convention—you have the power to forge your own path.Be willing to let go of what is not working and make strategic decisions that will benefit the long-term success of your business.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com/Connect with Stephanie Skryzowski:100 Degrees Consulting: https://100degreesconsulting.com/Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/stephanieskryzowskiTwitter: https://twitter.com/Steph100DegreesConnect 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.

Guest Christina Edwards, an entrepreneur with a successful nonprofit consulting firm, shares her unapologetic approach to selling and scaling. Key topics include selling unapologetically, finding your sweet spot, building your email list, and the role of email marketing. The chapter descriptions touch on generating revenue through online courses and coaching, rapid-fire questions with Christina, the importance of list size and quality subscribers, and the role of email marketing for nonprofit consultants.