Peek Behind-the-Scenes: Is Hosting a Retreat/Gathering Good For Your Business? with Kamilah Martin
Get an inside look at the behind-the-scenes financials, marketing challenges, and partnership opportunities around hosting retreats and events in your business.
Both Kamilah and Jess lost money (and not just a little) hosting their first in-person events. Yet, they continue to explore this business model for its ability to facilitate powerful in-person connections in an online world.
In this raw conversation, Kamilah shares her experience hosting annual luxury retreats for Black and brown women entrepreneurs and the pivots her business has gone through.
Jess discusses her virtual and in-person events for nonprofit fundraisers and consultants and her learnings around pricing, format, content, and size that create an intimate experience.
They both explore potential sponsorships and partnerships to make their events more financially viable in the future while remaining aligned to their personal brands.
Unlocking Fun and Flow with Maryanne Dersch
Bored of boring? This conversation on the Confessions podcast brings a spark of joy.
Maryanne Dersh of Courageous Communication infuses playfulness into the often too-serious nonprofit sector. She shares how she’s been able to move beyond heaviness and limitation into ease and flow — in a way that’s sustainable as a business owner.
We discuss the root causes of nonprofit drudgery and how to transform that energetically. Maryanne explains why it’s essential we give ourselves permission to have fun and prioritize enjoyment. She offers insights on self-care, managing difficult emotions skillfully, and building true confidence.
Owning Ambition with Jenny Mitchell
Should nonprofit consultants write a book to grow their business? Many purpose-driven entrepreneurs ponder this strategic question as they aim to establish their authority and reach new audiences.
Jenny Mitchell generously shares her first-hand experience collaborating with 11 women leaders to produce the book “Embracing Ambition” in just 12 months. She breaks down the full process from initial conception to securing a publisher and coordinating author retreats for writing and editing. Jenny is remarkably transparent about the financial model and initial investment required. Writing and publishing the book cost over $30,000 when factoring in expenses like editorial services, author gifts and hotel accommodations. However, Jenny maintains it was worth the meaningful conversations sparked about authentic women’s leadership journeys.
With over 25 years of experience in the sector, Jenny Mitchell is perfectly positioned to provide this rare glimpse behind the curtain.
From Panic to Profit: Demystifying Money with Carleen Dehaney
How can nonprofit consultants better manage their finances, cashflow, and profitability?
It's a common pain point that keeps many consultants up at night. You're not alone!
Tune into this conversation on Confessions with Jess and Cindy with Carleen Dehaney, Founder and Principal of FXO Consulting. With over a decade of experience guiding consultancies and nonprofits, she shares her proven framework for getting your numbers in order.
Learn how to calculate your gross and net profits to know where you stand each month. Discover easy-to-use budget forecasting models to plan for the future and make informed decisions about growth. Plus, strategies to improve cash flow management when working with nonprofits who (sadly) often pay late.
Carleen also tackles the mindsets and behaviours that hold many back from getting financially savvy. As she reminds us, "If you don't take care of the business, it won't survive and then you can't help anybody."
Managing Risk (because consulting can be risky)with Rosalie Ennes
Shit happens. As much as we plan and organize, there is so much about running a business that is out of our control.
Which is why we invited risk expert Rosalie Ennes to the podcast - to talk about how to manage risk in your consulting business.
A risk management strategy can help you plan for the future, protect yourself from bad things happening, and also help you consider and calculate the upside of your business.
From Start-Up to Six Figures with Luz Reyna
If you're feeling stuck in the feast or famine cycle of consulting, wondering if you'll ever achieve consistent success, then you are not alone! Building a thriving business as a consultant can feel like a rollercoaster, with moments of abundance followed by periods of uncertainty and doubt. It's time to break free from this cycle and create a sustainable, fulfilling business that brings you steady income and joy. Let's explore how to make that transition from consultant to successful business owner a reality.
How I Grew My Nonprofit Consulting Biz to 7 Figures with Shavonn Richardson
Running a 7-figure nonprofit consultancy is a dream for so many consultants, but we’re often held back by the fear of being overworked or overwhelmed. Find out how this business owner achieves success while maintaining balance and flexibility.
This is Shavonn's story:
Shavonn Richardson, the visionary behind Think and Ink Grant Consulting, was inspired to start her nonprofit consulting business after facing the intricacies of grant writing firsthand as a nonprofit leader and a funder. Her unique perspective led her to establish Think and Ink Grant Consulting, with a mission to empower nonprofits by providing strategic consulting, comprehensive research, and efficient grant management services. Shavonn's journey is characterized by her unwavering faith and a deep sense of purpose, further fueled by the revelation of her family's multi-generational involvement in this impactful work.
Balancing Hospitality and Numbers with Kara Alicia
Kara, a hospitality pro turned marketing pro, reveals her secret to balancing a thriving co-working space alongside a booming marketing agency. But what unexpected confession does she share about her business journey? Dive into this episode for an eye-opening revelation that will transform how you approach your own business ventures.
This is Kara's story:
Kara's journey into the world of business ventures began with a passion for marketing and sales, which eventually led to the creation of KC Creative. Her deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape prompted the expansion of her services to include social media marketing and content creation. Her involvement with nonprofits, driven by a desire to support and uplift her community, opened new doors for collaboration and partnerships. With a keen eye for relationship-building, Kara's approach to consulting with nonprofits focuses on genuine interest and understanding, paving the way for impactful collaborations. Balancing her marketing business and the acquisition of a co-working space is inspiring for anyone who has multiple passions.
Changing the Status Quo Through Consulting with Renee Rubin Ross
Renee's journey began with a transformative experience at a previous job. Feeling unfulfilled in a hierarchical and unsupportive environment, she made the courageous decision to seek change. After a period of self-reflection and regrouping, she emerged with a newfound clarity of purpose. Through her blog, she shared her reflections and learnings, creating a space for others to relate and engage in meaningful conversations. This experience led her to establish the Ross Collective, a platform where she collaborates with an array of talented individuals, sharing a common goal of advocating for equity and inclusion. Renee's story is one of resilience and growth, a testament to the power of embracing change and turning adversity into opportunity. Her journey illustrates the importance of fostering open dialogue and building positive, collaborative relationships, which have become the cornerstone of her work in the nonprofit sector.
31 Years of Nonprofit Consulting with Steven Screen
With 31 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Steven Screen is a fundraising expert and the co-founder of The Better Fundraising Company. His extensive background in fundraising and agency work has equipped him with valuable insights and expertise in helping organizations with their fundraising strategies.
Get ready to be amazed by the power of email and the surprising marketing strategy that transformed his client acquisition game. Dive into this eye-opening conversation to unlock the key to attracting more nonprofit clients and making a meaningful impact in the sector.
Less Work & More Collaboration with Caroline Griffin
Ready to uncover the secrets to successful collaboration and community building for business growth? Today on the Confessions podcast, social media and content marketing expert, Caroline Griffin joins us to share how she has leveraged collaboration and community to do less work and still grow her business.
Building an Anticapitalist Consultancy with Olanike A. Mensah
Have you heard these three myths about building an anti-capitalist consultancy? Myth 1: Anti-capitalist means you can't make money. Myth 2: Consulting ethically means sacrificing profits. Myth 3: Implementing anti-capitalist principles is too complicated. But fear not, I'm about to reveal the truth behind these myths. Get ready for a game-changing approach to sustainable and socially conscious business operations. Stay tuned for the surprising strategy!
A Journey of Self-Compassion in Entrepreneurship with Shulamit Ber Levtov
Ever felt like you're stuck in a loop of always trying to stay positive, scared of missing out, and endlessly comparing yourself to others in the nonprofit consulting world? This constant pressure can really mess with your head, leaving you anxious and your mental health taking a hit. It's a tough cycle that can make your work life feel like you're running on empty. This is why understanding the mental and emotional battles that come with entrepreneurship is super important for nonprofit consultants and coaches looking to grow their businesses without burning out.
Join us on this episode where we get real with Shulamit Ber Levtov, a therapist who's a pro at helping entrepreneurs navigate these choppy waters. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of mental health for entrepreneurs, tackling the big challenges head-on, and sharing ways to come out on top with a healthier mindset and a business that's not just surviving, but thriving. Get ready for some eye-opening conversations and tips that could change the game for you.
How An Operations Expert Runs Her Consulting Business with Miriam Dicks
Today’s episode is a goldmine for anyone in the nonprofit space ready to shift from freelancer to bona fide business visionary. We sit down with the brilliant Miriam Dicks of 180 Management Group, who shares her evolution and the strategic pivot that transformed her consulting. She'll unravel the often misunderstood fabric of operations, revealing how it's the backbone of every successful organization—and yes, it can be as sexy as it is essential. You’ll learn about the real grind behind turning your skillset into a systematized powerhouse, the truth about balancing the roles of employee and entrepreneur and building a brand that resonates with your values and expertise. Prepare for an episode rich with insights, and don't forget to connect with us after the show to continue the conversation. Let's transform your drive into a thriving, operational engine.
Transitioning From Consultancy to Agency with Heather Nelson
Today, we are super excited to introduce Heather Nelson, Founder and President of 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. As we chat, you'll learn how Heather figured out the tricky world of pricing and choosing the right clients - choices that help her live a full life and run a successful business. She keeps it real with us, sharing the highs and lows of her work. So, come on in and join us for a down-to-earth talk that'll give you some golden nuggets for your own nonprofit work. Get ready to get inspired!
Navigating a 7-Figure Exit Plan with Cherian Koshy
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.
Transitioning to a Group Model with Sarah Olivieri
In 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. She's redefining the game, from scrapping caffeine to transforming webinar strategies, all while keeping an eye on engaging and retaining her audience. Brace yourselves for a dose of reality and wisdom as we explore Sarah's unique approach to optimizing her consulting practice without sacrificing the essentials. Tune in for a session packed with insights and the honest confessions of a nonprofit consultant trailblazer!
The Art of the High-Ticket Offer with Katelyn Baughan
This 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. She's unpacking her strategies for securing upper-tier clients and doing it in a way that honors her love for purposeful work and being a present parent.
Diversify Your Revenue with Tammy Zonker
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.
Becoming the go-to for Philanthrotainment with Layne, the Auctionista
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.