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.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: 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.com

Connect with Lauren Tudor:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenelysetudor

Website: https://www.architectyourambition.com/

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/

Resources

Architect Philanthropic Collective

Daylight Advisors

AFP Greater Charlotte

ICON 2024

Duke University Nonprofit Management Program

United Way Greater Charlotte

Nonprofit Quarterly

Community 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 takeaways

• Relationships 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.com

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/

Resources:

Boys and Girls Club

RAISE Conference

Blacks in Nonprofit

The Ethical Storytelling Framework

The Ethical Nonprofit Summit

4DaHood

The Ascending Leaders in Color Program

Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

Swaim 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 everyone

Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/

Resources :

Raise Conference

AFP Icon

Bridge Conference

Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

Rachel Rogers

Ever felt like you needed a shower after a sales call? You're not alone! This week, we're diving into the world of authentic sales strategies with email marketing queen Kristi Scott.

Kristi spills the tea on her journey from cold-calling tech sales to building her nonprofit consulting business. She shares how she ditched the pushy tactics and found her groove with a more genuine approach that aligns with our sector's values.

We chat about the power of niching down (spoiler alert: it's not as scary as you think), how to leverage workshops for lead generation, and why being part of a consultant community is a game-changer. Kristi even drops a truth bomb about her financial situation that'll make you rethink those picture-perfect Instagram posts.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authentic beats aggressive: Learn how to sell your services without feeling like you need to take a decontamination shower afterward.
2. Workshops work wonders: Discover how offering value upfront can lead to long-term client relationships.
3. Clarity is king (or queen): Find out why getting crystal clear on your offerings can make sales conversations a breeze.
4. Community is your secret weapon: Hear how connecting with fellow consultants can skyrocket your business growth.
5. Transparency trumps perfection: Get inspired to be real about your business journey, struggles and all.

Ready to transform your sales approach and build a consulting business that feels as good as it looks on paper? Tune in and let's get to work!

Ever wondered what it's really like to ditch your nonprofit job and start a consulting business with your work buddy? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on that exact scenario. No sugar-coating, no BS - just the raw, unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a values-driven consulting firm from the ground up.

Sarah Steiger joins us to share the rollercoaster journey of how she and her former boss, Laura, transitioned from nonprofit employees to co-founders of Steiger Vitelli and Associates. Buckle up, because this conversation gets real fast.

From their "aha" moment on Laura's back porch to navigating the murky waters of pricing and client acquisition, Sarah holds nothing back. We dive deep into the nitty-gritty of building a business that aligns with your values (hello, community-centric fundraising!) while still paying the bills.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows, folks. Sarah gets real about the challenges of putting yourself out there as a consultant and dealing with criticism. Spoiler alert: sometimes it involves hiding under the covers with your dog for a few hours. (No judgment here!)

Key Takeaways:

1. Volunteer gigs can be a goldmine for future clients. Don't underestimate the power of showing up and doing good work, even when you're not getting paid.
2. Your values can be your superpower. Sarah and Laura's commitment to community-centric fundraising principles has become their unique selling point.
3. Partnerships can be a game-changer. Two heads (and two sets of skills) really can be better than one when it comes to building a consulting business.
4. Self-care isn't just a buzzword. It's crucial for surviving the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Sometimes that means taking a mid-day break to ugly cry or read a book.
5. Pricing is an art, not a science. Don't be afraid to get creative with your pricing structure to align with your values and serve your ideal clients.

Look, starting a consulting business isn't for the faint of heart. It's messy, it's challenging, and sometimes it downright sucks. But for those of you ready to take the leap, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical insights. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your existing practice, Sarah's story will give you plenty to chew on.

Rachel Zant of Pen With a Purpose shares her journey from agency workhorse to boundary-setting badass. With 25 years of fundraising copywriting under her belt, Rachel dishes on the ups and downs of running a successful consulting biz while juggling motherhood and the constant urge to say "yes" to everything.

From charging what she's worth (spoiler: it's way more than when she started) to firing clients who don't respect her expertise, Rachel keeps it real about the struggles and triumphs of being a solopreneur in the nonprofit world. She even shares her secret sauce for packaging her services and why she's totally cool with sometimes choosing Netflix over networking.

Get ready for a no-holds-barred chat about embracing your true self in business, even if that means ugly crying in client meetings.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ditching the hourly rate trap: Rachel breaks down her journey to value-based pricing and why it's a game-changer for your bank account and your sanity.
2. The art of the graceful "no": Learn how setting boundaries can actually lead to more fulfilling work and happier clients (yes, really!).
3. Embrace your quirks: Rachel spills on how leaning into her emotional side made her more successful, not less "professional".
4. Balance is bull... but priorities are everything: Get the scoop on how Rachel juggles single motherhood, client work, and self-care (hint: sometimes self-care wins).
5. Your expertise has value: Discover why it's okay to charge premium prices and fire clients who don't respect your experience. (Your future self will thank you!)

Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com

Connect with Rachel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelzant/

Website: https://www.penwithapurpose.com/

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/

Today, we're diving into the world of client retention with Alex Lustig, co-founder of the Global Grant Writers Collective. Their business is teaching people how to build careers as grant writers, but the real magic? They're keeping 70% of their members for a second year.

Alex shared insights on how they've built this success. It's not just about teaching grant writing - they've created a program that's part skill-building, part business training, and a whole lot of community. Their members aren't just learning a new skill; they're reimagining their lives.

While Alex's focus is grant writing, the strategies we discussed apply to any consulting business. We explored client retention, community building, and creative ways to make your clients feel valued and supported.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize onboarding. Get your clients taking action and seeing results from day one.
• Use surprise and delight tactics. Keep your clients engaged with unexpected perks and milestone celebrations.
• Build a strong community. Facilitate connections between your clients to boost retention and satisfaction.
• Focus on one marketing channel at a time. Master it before moving on to others.
• Play to your strengths. You don't need to be an expert in everything - build a team or network that complements your skills.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your consulting business, this episode offers practical strategies to boost your retention rates and create a business that truly serves both you and your clients.

Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com

Connect with Alexandra:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-edwards-lustig-09220644

Instagram: @learngrantwriting

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/