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Kate Kompelien, founder of The Insight, shares her journey as a customer experience consultant and qualitative researcher. She helps companies understand key moments that matter to their customers and identifies pain points that hinder a better customer experience. Kate started her own business after realizing she wanted to focus on smaller projects and provide a more personalized experience for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships, both with people she knows and with new connections. Kate also highlights the value of face-to-face meetings and taking a genuine interest in others' businesses and lives. Kate Kompelien shares her journey of starting her own customer experience consulting business. She discusses her core offerings, the industries she works with, and the size of companies she targets. Kate also talks about her three-pronged approach to acquiring clients: direct, subcontracting, and referrals. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying revenue streams and being open to different opportunities. Kate encourages listeners to believe in themselves, take risks, and have fun in their entrepreneurial journey.
Kate’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katekompelien/
Website: https://www.theinsightshopllc.com/
Takeaways
Focus on your sweet spots and provide a personalized experience for your clients.
Networking and building relationships are crucial for finding new opportunities.
Take a genuine interest in others' businesses and lives during networking meetings.
Face-to-face meetings can be valuable for establishing connections and building trust. Identify your core offerings and consider peripheral offerings to round out your total offering.
Industry is less important in customer experience and qualitative research work.
Target companies with a billion dollars or less in revenue, as they often lack a full customer experience team.
Diversify your revenue streams by working directly with clients, subcontracting, and forming referral partnerships.
Believe in yourself, take risks, and have fun in your entrepreneurial journey.
Titles
Finding Success as a Customer Experience Consultant
The Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings in Networking Believing in Yourself and Taking Risks
Diversifying Revenue Streams in Consulting
Sound Bites
"I'm really trying to help companies understand those key moments that matter to their customers and what are those pain points that are getting in the way that they need to solve to provide a better experience, higher customer retention."
"It's been a combination of getting customers on my own, working with some research companies for fill-in work, and then having some partners where I can be their customer experience resource on projects."
"Most people are happy to have conversations and hear what you're up to. And I love to hear what other people are doing because you kind of shared some space. Maybe they're doing something you can help with."
"I really wanted to focus in on those two spaces as my core and looking for work around the core."
"I'm working in very different industries. I like to call them the manly industries of the trades."
"My focus is a billion dollars or less, because generally those industries and those companies don't have a full customer experience team."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Kate's Work
06:27 Building Relationships and Networking
10:24 The Importance of Following Up
12:52 Sales and Running Your Own Business
14:47 Finding Opportunities in a Competitive Market
17:48 Focusing on Your Sweet Spots
21:38 Building a Consulting Business: Finding Your Niche
22:39 Targeting Industries and Company Size
24:33 The Three-Pronged Approach to Acquiring Clients
This bonus episode is a recording of a panel discussion we had during one of the Escapee Collective educational sessions. I had 4 escapees share their strategies and tips for effective networking
The conversation focuses on the importance of networking and provides tips and strategies for effective networking. The speakers discuss the value of building relationships, finding the right networking opportunities, and targeting ideal clients. They emphasize the need to give before asking for anything in return and the importance of establishing trust and credibility. The conversation also touches on the distinction between referrals and introductions and the significance of engaging with content and demonstrating understanding. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and practical advice for successful networking.
Takeaways
Building relationships is key to successful networking.
Find the right networking opportunities and target your ideal clients.
Give before asking for anything in return.
Engage with content and demonstrate understanding to establish credibility.
Differentiate between referrals and introductions.
Establish trust and credibility before making a pitch.
Focus on quality connections rather than quantity.
Engage with thought leaders and comment on their posts to expand your network.
Personalize your outreach and show genuine interest in the other person.
Share valuable content to get on someone's radar.
Establish a clear ideal client profile and referral partner profile.
Protect and prioritize your top networking connections.
Establish a reputation as a connector and provide valuable introductions.
Be patient and focus on building relationships before making an ask.
Use multiple channels, such as LinkedIn and email, to connect with potential networking contacts.
Tailor your approach based on the individual and their preferred communication method.
Sound Bites
"Your vibe attracts your tribe."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Networking
16:05 Building Relationships in Networking
23:27 Defining Ideal Clients and Referral Partners
27:46 Referrals vs. Introductions
31:12 Give Before You Ask: Providing Value
36:03 Engaging with Content and Demonstrating Understanding
39:13 Establishing Trust and Credibility
41:33 Quality Connections Over Quantity
43:01 Conclusion and Call to Action
Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson share their stories of escaping the corporate world and starting their own businesses.
Eileen, the CEO of the Harbinger Group, left her job at a PR agency to start her own agency, driven by a desire for a different way of working and a lack of fulfillment in the corporate structure.
Rob, a former television professional, transitioned into consulting after his contract in the media industry was not renewed. Both Eileen and Rob emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with clients and prioritizing trust and partnership. They also discuss the challenges of pricing their services and the need to adapt and pivot in response to changing circumstances.
The conversation explores the concept of value pricing and the benefits of establishing long-term relationships with clients. The guests discuss their approach to pricing, which involves creating a program for clients with a clearly outlined strategy and detailed tactics. They also emphasize the importance of trust and flexibility in client relationships. The conversation touches on the topic of building a solo business and the advantages of hiring specialists on a project basis.
The guests share their insights on networking, highlighting the value of deep, meaningful connections over quantity. They stress the importance of authenticity and a long-term mindset in networking.
Guest Links:
Eileen Rochford:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenrochford/
Website: https://theharbingergroup.com/
Rob Johnson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-johnson-communications-advisor/
Website: https://www.rj47llc.com/
Takeaways
Leaving the corporate world to start your own business requires careful planning and consideration.
Building strong relationships with clients and prioritizing trust is crucial for long-term success.
Pricing services can be challenging, but it's important to understand the value you provide and adjust pricing as you gain experience.
Being adaptable and willing to pivot is essential in the ever-changing business landscape. Value pricing involves creating a program with a clearly outlined strategy and detailed tactics for clients.
Establishing trust and flexibility in client relationships is crucial for success.
Building a solo business allows for more control over time and work-life balance.
Networking should focus on building deep, meaningful connections rather than quantity.
Authenticity and a long-term mindset are key in networking.
Sound Bites
"Why do we all have to physically be in the same place?"
"I'm gonna resign today... I called my husband first, which was probably a good idea."
"Every time Eileen and I would see each other, it was like, oh my gosh, is every day like this?"
"We have value pricing in place, which to us means we've constructed a program for you consisting of X number of campaigns."
"I just think it's so much easier... I mean, nobody wants to see that."
"It just makes so much more sense to build relationships in the business comes with it."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Multiple Guests
00:41 Escaping the Corporate World: Eileen's Story
04:04 Transitioning from Television to Consulting: Rob's Journey
07:08 Building Strong Client Relationships and Trust
09:35 Navigating Pricing Challenges
13:07 The Importance of Adaptability and Pivoting
26:10 Value Pricing and Constructing a Program
28:44 Building a Solo Business and Hiring Specialists
32:38 The Importance of Trust and Flexibility in Client Relationships
39:36 Networking: Quality Over Quantity
44:37 Authenticity and a Long-Term Mindset in Networking
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett Trainor interviews Marcus Sheridan, author of 'They Ask, You Answer.' They discuss the concept of 'They Ask, You Answer' and how it involves meeting the needs and answering the questions of customers. Marcus emphasizes the importance of understanding the buyer's journey and being obsessed with the questions, worries, fears, and concerns of buyers. He also highlights the power of being a rule breaker and disruptor in the market, especially for solopreneurs and small businesses. The conversation also covers the importance of video in marketing, the types of videos every business needs, and the value of networking and outreach.
Key Takeaways
The 'They Ask, You Answer' approach involves meeting the needs and answering the questions of customers.
Understanding the buyer's journey and being obsessed with the questions, worries, fears, and concerns of buyers is crucial.
Being a rule breaker and disruptor in the market can give solopreneurs and small businesses a competitive advantage.
Video marketing is powerful and can help businesses connect with their audience.
Creating different types of videos, such as the 80% video, bio video, and product/service videos, can set a business apart.
Networking and outreach should be sincere and focused on providing value to others.
Being authentic and human in marketing efforts can resonate with the audience.
Outsourcing video editing and utilizing tools like ScoreApp and PriceGuide.ai can simplify the video creation process.
Networking can be done through sincere direct messages and thoughtful outreach.
Being yourself and providing valuable content can help build a personal brand and connect with potential customers.
Marcus Sheridan Links
Website: https://marcussheridan.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/
Sound Bites
"They ask, then you answer means we're obsessed with the questions, the worries, the issues, the concerns, the behaviors of the buyers and we're willing to meet them where they are."
"If you take these questions, worries, fears, issues, concerns, behaviors, whatever it is, and you, instead of ignoring them, you lean into them, now they can become your competitive advantage."
"What's so wonderful about the disruptors and the rule breakers is because, you know, in every industry, you've got these rule makers, right. And they're just establishing the norms and everybody's following them. But then somebody comes along and they break the rules, right?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation
00:45 Defining 'They Ask, You Answer'
02:06 The Divide Between Sales Process and Buyer's Journey
03:58 Pushing Buyers Through Processes vs. Answering Questions
05:18 The Advantage of Being a Solopreneur
06:23 Being Your Own Media Company and Answering Core Questions
10:48 The Basics of Video Creation and Authenticity
11:39 The Six Videos Every Business Needs
16:24 Creating Different Types of Videos for Business Success
20:33 Lead Generation Tools: ScoreApp and PriceGuide.ai
23:07 Networking and Outreach Strategies
25:12 The Importance of Authenticity and Being Human in Marketing
28:31 Simplifying Video Creation with Outsourcing and Tools
30:08 Building a Personal Brand through Valuable Content
33:45 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, host Brett Trainor interviews Paul Durelli, founder of Digital Kahuna, about his journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. They discuss the challenges of toxic work environments and the importance of personal development for solo business owners. They also explore the use of automation and AI tools to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Paul shares insights on virtual assistants, documenting processes, and leveraging technology to scale a business. The conversation highlights the need for delegation, creativity, and effective communication in building a successful solo business.
Paul Durelli Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-durelli-86394343
Website: digitalkahuna.com
Takeaways
Toxic work environments exist not only in the entertainment industry but also across corporate America.
Delegating and orchestrating tasks to virtual assistants is an emotional and mental muscle that needs to be developed.
Documenting processes and using tools like Loom can help streamline workflows and ensure effective communication with virtual assistants.
Giving virtual assistants creative license can lead to surprising and innovative solutions.
Building a well-oiled machine requires leveraging technology, delegating tasks, and fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment.
Sound Bites
"Toxic work environments exist across corporate America."
"Flipping the switch, turning the tables on the whole situation."
"Export the audio, export the text, and create a multi-sequence email using your voice."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:52 Escaping Toxic Work Environments
09:10 The Power of Automation and AI
18:52 Delegating and Orchestrating with Virtual Assistants
24:02 Documenting Processes and Leveraging Tools
32:00 Fostering Creativity and Collaboration
In this conversation, Brett Trainor and Don discuss the topic of guest podcasting as a way to create awareness and grow your solo business. They share their strategies for getting on podcasts, including watching what people are podcasting about, commenting on LinkedIn posts, and finding topics that align with the show's theme. They emphasize the importance of understanding the target audience and tailoring the pitch accordingly.
They also discuss the value of networking and asking for referrals to podcast hosts. Other tips include having strong opinions, being prepared with a good headshot and bio, and promoting the podcast episode after it's released. They encourage guests to be themselves and not be afraid of making mistakes or being imperfect.
Overall, they highlight the power of human connection in podcasting.
Takeaways
Guest podcasting is an effective way to create awareness and grow a business.
Strategies for getting on podcasts include watching what people are podcasting about, commenting on LinkedIn posts, and finding topics that align with the show's theme.
Understanding the target audience and tailoring the pitch accordingly is crucial for success.
Networking and asking for referrals to podcast hosts can be helpful in getting guest opportunities.
Having strong opinions, a good headshot, and a well-crafted bio are important for making a good impression.
Promoting the podcast episode after it's released can benefit both the guest and the podcast host.
Being authentic and embracing imperfections can make for a more engaging podcast episode.
Human connection is a key factor in successful podcasting.
Sound Bites
"Look at what the audience is looking for, the much better success."
"Throw in something about AI. Everybody wants to hear about AI stuff."
"Give me something different, a different perspective, a different look."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Mixing Concoctions
00:03 The Value of Guest Podcasting
01:00 Strategies for Getting on Podcasts
02:41 Researching the Show and Suggesting Topics
07:12 Being Yourself and Providing Value
16:15 Improving the Guest Experience
20:32 Promoting the Podcast Episode
23:10 Asking for Audio and Video
25:44 Embracing Mistakes and Human Connection
29:14 Conclusion
John Browning shares his journey from working at large financial firms to starting his own independent financial planning business. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and providing value to clients. Browning also discusses the challenges of acquiring a small firm and the lessons he learned from that experience. He highlights the significance of networking and making introductions for others as a key strategy for finding new clients.
In this conversation, John Browning and Brett Trainor discuss the importance of networking and building relationships in business. They emphasize the value of introductions and learning from others in networking groups, rather than focusing solely on sales pitches.
John shares his experience of writing a book and starting a podcast as effective ways to share knowledge and build credibility. He also highlights the importance of outsourcing tasks that you don't enjoy or excel at, and the need for sales training when transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship.
John’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrowningfinancialsolutions/
Website: guardianrockwealth.com
Book: https://a.co/d/iLeCDMM
Takeaways
Building relationships and providing value to clients is crucial in the financial planning business.
Acquiring a small firm can be challenging, and it's important to carefully consider contracts and agreements.
Networking and making introductions for others is an effective strategy for finding new clients.
Involving and communicating with your spouse or partner is essential when starting your own business.
Transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship requires a shift in mindset and approach. Networking is about making introductions and learning from others, not just exchanging sales pitches.
Writing a book and starting a podcast can be effective ways to share knowledge and build credibility.
Outsource tasks that you don't enjoy or excel at, and focus on what you do best.
Sales training is important when transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship.
Be careful with contracts and seek legal advice to protect yourself in business.
John Browning's website, podcast, and daily market update provide valuable resources for those interested in his services.
Sound Bites
"Build your best life, not your portfolio."
"Be careful with contracts, they may not mean the same thing as in the corporate world."
"You need somebody to complain to at the end of the day and somebody to celebrate your wins too."
"I think that's where most networking groups go the wrong way is they see it as a leads group or a friends group that gets together to exchange stories or something like that. And I think it's introductions."
"Yeah, it's definitely the anti sales sales pitch is counterintuitive, but it works a lot better."
"I think that's one of the so the bulk of the rest of my business comes from there. People because I I believe that you put as much as you possibly can out there for free."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:40 The Tipping Point and Leaving Corporate
08:08 Lessons from Acquiring a Small Firm
13:04 The Power of Networking
18:12 Involving Your Spouse or Partner
19:18 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
21:11 The Power of Introductions and Learning in Networking
23:17 Building Credibility Through Books and Podcasts
28:20 Outsourcing and Focusing on Your Strengths
29:32 Sales Training for Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
33:01 Protecting Yourself in Business: Be Careful with Contracts
39:05 Valuable Resources from John Browning: Website, Podcast, and Daily Market Update
Keywords
financial planning, small business, corporate escapee, independent, networking, acquisitions, networking, relationships, introductions, learning, sales pitches, book, podcast, credibility, outsourcing, sales training, corporate, entrepreneurship
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee podcast, we welcome Shannon, a seasoned project management and HR consultant who partners with CEOs in growing organizations. Shannon focuses on building infrastructure that drives business results through human performance. She shares her escapee journey from corporate to solo business owner, having been solo for two and a half years, with a clear vision of her ideal clients and the work she wants to pursue.
Shannon shares her insights on the varied reputation of HR, emphasizing that most HR professionals take their roles seriously and are willing to face challenges head-on. Her eclectic career before going solo revealed her challenging nature and desire for results, leading her to realize that she didn't belong in the corporate world. The decision to go solo came after a job acquisition and a subsequent role that didn't fit.
Initially, Shannon struggled with networking and selling her services. However, once she embraced her work with pride, she found people receptive and willing to help. She advises newcomers to remain flexible with their offerings and not get caught up in perfection.
Shannon began with hourly work but soon realized it wasn't the right path. Now, she offers three types of engagements: emergency project management retainers, fractional engagements, and long-term retainers. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking to establish trust and credibility. Partnering with other professionals and surrounding yourself with experts is key to success, she notes.
Additionally, Shannon highlights the value of LinkedIn as a platform for networking and building a strong online presence. Join us as Shannon shares her journey, challenges, and valuable advice for fellow escapees.
Takeaways
Focus on building infrastructure that drives business results through human performance.
HR professionals take their roles seriously and are willing to take the heat for everything.
Be flexible with your offerings and don't get caught up in having the perfect offering.
Networking and being proud of what you do can lead to receptive and helpful connections. Hourly pricing may not be the best approach for solopreneurs offering specialized services.
Building relationships and networking are crucial for establishing trust and credibility.
Partnering with other professionals and surrounding yourself with experts in different areas can enhance your capabilities and provide better solutions for clients.
LinkedIn is a valuable platform for networking and building an online presence.
Quick Hits:
"Building infrastructure that's gonna drive business results through human performance."
"Focus on the ones that get it so you don't have to educate them."
"HR professionals will take the heat for everything."
"Hourly was not the path for me and the kind of things that I offer."
"You get all the value, you get all the good stuff without the overhead or the unnecessary meetings."
"Networking is really good for me. It helps people see that I'm not a threat to their business."
Chapters00:00: Introduction and Current Work
02:53: Challenging the Status Quo in HR
07:58 Realizing the Need to Go Solo
12:09 Building a Network and Finding Clients
13:36 Embracing Discomfort for Growth
16:59 Time Management and Work-Life Balance
20:01 The Evolution of Offerings: From Hourly Work to Flexible Services
20:54 Pricing for Results: Shifting the Focus from Hours
21:44 The Power of Partnership: Building Collaborative Relationships
22:16 Tactical Tips for Starting a Solo Business
27:40 The Importance of Networking and Building Relationships
36:01 The Empowerment of Setting Up an LLC
In this conversation, Brett Trainor interviews John Tyreman about his escapee journey and the benefits of podcasting for expertise-driven businesses. John shares his experience of transitioning from working in agencies to becoming a fractional marketing director and launching his own consulting business. He also discusses how he got into podcasting and the advantages it offers, such as building trust, generating leads, expanding networks, and creating endless content. In this conversation, Brett Trainor and John Tyreman discuss the value of podcasting for business growth. They emphasize the importance of providing value to both the audience and the business through the podcast. They also discuss the different podcast formats and how to choose the right one for your goals. They touch on the topics of strategy, operation, and marketing, and provide tips for finding the right topics and discovering channels for your podcast. They conclude by highlighting the importance of taking action and getting started with podcasting.
Takeaways
Podcasting is a powerful tool for expertise-driven businesses to build trust and authenticity with their audience.
Podcasts can generate leads through strategic promotion and partnerships.
Podcasting allows for networking and creating connections with industry experts and potential clients.
Podcast episodes can be repurposed into various forms of content, expanding the reach and impact of the original episode. Provide value to both the audience and the business through your podcast.
Choose the right podcast format that aligns with your goals.
Consider the strategy, operation, and marketing aspects of your podcast.
Research topics that your audience cares about and use that to inform your content calendar.
Find the right discovery channels to reach new listeners.
Take action and get started with podcasting.
Sound Bites
"A podcast is a way for you to be more human with your marketing and be more authentic with your marketing."
"Podcasting can absolutely lead to lead generation for expertise-driven businesses."
"A podcast enables you to create endless content."
"People like the human nature. We're over indexing more into real conversations."
"Even if you have 10 listeners, if those 10 listeners represent your ideal clients, then that is absolutely a great investment."
"If you're having great conversations and you bring a curious mindset, you can uncover layers deeper into your guests' experience."
John's Links
Website: www.redcedarmarketing.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntyreman/
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:18 John's Escapee Journey
22:08 Creating Endless Content with Podcasting
23:02 Providing Value to Your Audience and Business
25:08 Choosing the Right Podcast Format
26:14 Uncovering Deeper Layers in Conversations
28:40 Keeping it Real and Providing Value
29:37 Getting Comfortable with Hearing Yourself
30:19 Focusing on Your Mount Rushmore Listeners
33:48 The Importance of Strategy and Goals
35:14 Considering the Host's Personality in Format
37:18 Researching Topics for Audience Engagement
40:18 Finding the Right Discovery Channels
44:05 Finding Customers vs Finding Jobs
45:10 Taking Action and Getting Started
Keywordsescapee journey, podcasting, expertise-driven businesses, trust, authenticity, lead generation, networking, content creation, podcasting, business growth, value, audience, strategy, operation, marketing, topics, discovery channels
In this episode of "The Corporate Escapee," I'm excited to share my conversation from Beau Billington's "Finding That Next Gear" podcast. Special thanks to Beau for allowing me to feature this insightful discussion.
In the latest episode of "Finding That Next Gear," I had the pleasure of speaking with Brett Trainor, an inspiring entrepreneur on a mission to empower 10,000 Gen Xers to escape the 9-to-5 grind and find true freedom.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
◾ Brett's journey from a 25-year corporate career to discovering fractional leadership and entrepreneurship.
◾ The accidental yet impactful discoveries that shaped his new path.
◾ The importance of taking action and embracing imperfection in entrepreneurial success.
🌟 Brett shared invaluable insights on:
◾Creating Awareness: Helping others understand the vast possibilities outside corporate life, from fractional roles to solo consulting.
◾Building Community: The significance of finding like-minded individuals and creating support systems.
◾Transparency & Support: How regular communication with family is crucial during major career transitions.
◾ Taking Action: The critical trait that separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest.
🚀 Key Takeaway: "Confidence and action are the cornerstones of entrepreneurial success. Don't wait for perfection; start now, learn as you go, and keep pushing forward."
If you're feeling stuck in your corporate job and yearning for a change, this episode is for you. Brett’s story is a testament to the power of taking control of your career and creating a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.
👉 Tune in to the full episode here and join the conversation.
Beau’s Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asBFYwp3REE
Beau’s Website: thefreeagent.com
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/beaubillington
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