Confessions with Jess and Cindy

What does it take to build a micro-agency that scales without sacrificing flexibility? In this episode of Confessions, Cindy and Jess chat with conversion copywriter Eman Ismail, founder of Eman CopyCo, about her journey to creating a micro-agency. With experience working in the charity sector, Eman dives deep into her decision to transition from solo work to a micro-agency model that lets her balance big projects with a flexible lifestyle. They talk about the nuts and bolts of managing client work with a contractor team, fostering client trust, and scaling up with intention (no big, overwhelming teams here!). Eman also shares her launch journey—complete with website rebranding, new team introductions, and some bold shifts in positioning.

Tune in to hear how Eman navigates hiring, pricing, and marketing, and why it’s crucial to find the right experts who can deliver quality. If you’re curious about building your own agency or hiring top-tier support, Eman’s insights will resonate!

5 Key Takeaways:

• Micro-Agency = Flexibility: Eman highlights how her micro-agency model allows her to hire when needed, avoid full-time employee obligations, and keep a flexible work-life balance.
• Client Trust in Contractors: Through careful branding and clear messaging, Eman builds trust with clients to work directly with her contractors, taking herself out of the day-to-day work loop.
• Pricing for Quality Work: Eman stresses the value of paying for quality. Her team’s expertise comes with a cost, but it’s worth it for reliable results and strong client satisfaction.
• Marketing with Intent: Post-launch, Eman found that her audience needed time to adjust. She’s now investing more than ever in intentional marketing to showcase her agency’s strengths.
• Using Senja for Social Proof: Eman’s secret tool, Senja, helps her manage, organize, and promote testimonials across platforms—crucial for building credibility and converting new leads.

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

Connect with Eman: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eman-i307/?originalSubdomain=uk 

Website: https://www.emancopyco.com/ 

Podcast: https://www.emancopyco.com/podcast 

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:

Senja

Kit (formerly ConvertKit)

BS Free Business

Six-Figure Freelance Copywriter

Eman’s  Custom Email Packages

Eman’s Evergreen Product Suite

What should nonprofit consultants do when growth starts to feel like hitting a wall? In today’s episode of Confessions, Jess and I are thrilled to welcome Natalie Ekdahl, CEO of Biz Chix, Inc., a powerhouse coach for nonprofit consultants who want to scale without burning out. Natalie shares her no-nonsense approach to building a lucrative consulting business that prioritizes both financial success and personal freedom—no more trading time for dollars! We dive into common pitfalls consultants face when hitting growth bottlenecks, and Natalie unpacks why traditional business models and advice don’t always work for nonprofits. This episode is packed with actionable advice on how to create a sustainable path for growth that aligns with your strengths and values as a nonprofit consultant.

So, if you’re at capacity, but ready to grow, get comfy, because Natalie shares how to turn overwhelm into opportunity and the practical steps to make it happen. Whether it’s tackling pricing, setting boundaries, or the big question of who and when to hire, we cover the puzzle pieces you need for your next level of success.

5 Key Takeaways:

• Positioning is Everything - Natalie emphasizes the importance of defining a clear niche and service expertise to attract high-quality clients who are ready to pay for your unique value.
• Overcoming the “One-to-Many” Myth - Digital courses and one-to-many models can look tempting, but Natalie breaks down why they’re often not sustainable for consultants with smaller audiences or niche markets like nonprofits.
• The Value of Micro-Positions - When it comes to hiring, starting small with targeted micro-positions (like admin support) can buy back your time without the overwhelm of a big team.
• Boundaries & Mindset Shifts - Building a thriving consulting practice means setting clear boundaries with clients, learning to say no, and tackling mindset barriers around pricing and hiring.
• Nonprofit Audiences Require Unique Approaches - Unlike B2C businesses, nonprofit clients often need additional consideration around budgeting, approvals, and relationship-building—things quick-sale tactics often overlook.

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

Connect with Natalie Eckdahl: 

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

Website: https://bizchix.com/ 

Podcast #1: https://nataliemba.com/The-Biz-of-Nonprofit-Consultants-Podcast

Podcast #2: https://bizchix.com/category/podcast/bizchix/ 

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/

Why do feelings sometimes mislead us in business? Cindy and Jess dive into how to keep emotions in check and focus on data, especially as we head toward 2025. Jess shares insights from her record-breaking year and explains why it’s essential to surround yourself with positive influences who push you forward. They also tackle the importance of tracking key metrics like conversion rates, lead generation, and sales calls—because knowing your numbers beats going by "gut feeling" every time! This episode offers a wealth of practical advice on setting up systems to measure success and making intentional decisions based on solid facts.

Plus, Cindy and Jess discuss the power of networking and asking for business directly. Instead of chasing shiny distractions like social media or podcasts, they encourage you to focus on face-to-face connections, especially if you're looking to wrap up the year with new clients. Jess breaks down her recent experience at a local nonprofit conference, highlighting how in-person conversations can accelerate the client-finding process. Check out this episode if you're ready to realign with your goals, take purposeful action, and enter 2025 stronger than ever!

5 Key Takeaways:

• Feelings Aren't Facts – Just because something feels hard doesn’t mean it’s reflected in your actual results. Jess emphasizes the importance of separating emotions from business data to get a clear, accurate view of success.
• Track Your Metrics – Knowing your numbers is crucial. From lead generation to conversion rates, Cindy and Jess highlight the importance of tracking these figures so you can make informed decisions and adjust as needed.
• Focus on Networking Over Social Media – While social media has its place, the fastest path to new clients often comes through personal connections and networking, especially if time is tight for year-end goals.
• Ask for Business Directly – Don’t be afraid to reach out and let your network know you’re available for work. Jess explains that simply asking can open doors, so prioritize these genuine conversations over passive marketing.
• Cut Distractions, Execute Your Plan – Set aside time-wasting activities and focus on your core tasks. Cindy and Jess remind listeners to limit consumption of new content and instead put existing knowledge into action.

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:

Airtable: https://www.airtable.com/ 

Dielle Charon Coaching: https://diellecharon.com/  

Diary of a CEO Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/TheDiaryOfACEO

Locus of Control Theory

In this episode,we chat with Shannon Bowen, a nonprofit leader who's rocking both a full-time job and a thriving side hustle. Shannon, the Chief Advancement Officer for a genetics and genomics institute in Seattle, also founded Monsoon Leadership to help people land their dream jobs. She spills the tea on salary negotiation, navigating the challenges of nonprofit leadership, and the importance of niching down.    

Plus, Shannon gets real and shares a juicy confession about how she started her business the wrong way. She originally focused on helping people avoid burnout, but quickly realized that wasn't resonating with her audience. Instead, they were craving advice on salary negotiation and landing better jobs. This led to a major pivot in her business, and she's now helping nonprofit professionals earn what they're worth.   

Want to hear more juicy confessions and learn how to build a successful side hustle? Listen to the full episode now!

5 Key Takeaways:

• Listen to your audience. Shannon's story highlights the importance of understanding the needs of your audience and being willing to adapt your offerings accordingly.
• Don't be afraid to pivot. It's okay to change direction in your business, even if it means letting go of what you've already invested in.
• Be open to feedback. Feedback can be invaluable in helping you to improve your business and better serve your clients.
• See your business as a service. When you focus on serving others, you're more likely to find success.
• Don't give up. Building a successful business takes time and effort, but it's definitely possible.

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

Connect with Shannon Bowen: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-bowen525/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monsoonleadership/ 

Website: https://monsoonleadership.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:

Dream Job Power Pack: https://monsoonleadership.com/djpp/ 

Salary Power Pack: https://monsoonleadership.com/spp/ 

Monsoon Leadership: https://monsoonleadership.com/ 

AFP Lead Conference: https://afplead.org/ 

Podia: https://www.podia.com/ 

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.