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. 

Caroline Griffin's journey from the world of nonprofit internships to establishing her own thriving business is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. Her unconventional start, propelled by a decision to live and work on the road, led her to embrace collaboration and community in a way that transformed her professional trajectory. Through her unwavering determination and scrappiness, Caroline built a network of consultants and professionals in the nonprofit sector, establishing a foundation of support and opportunity. By prioritizing partnerships and valuing the expertise of her peers, she has not only expanded her business but also cultivated a community that drives mutual success. Caroline's story exemplifies the transformative impact of collaboration, illustrating how interconnectedness and shared values can lead to unexpected growth and meaningful connections. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that embracing community and working in tandem with others can pave the way for sustainable business growth and personal fulfillment.

Key Highlights:

• Discover effective tactics for building and engaging your email list.
• Plan and prepare for maternity leave as an independent consultant.
• Explore collaboration opportunities to expand your network and projects.
• Overcome niche marketing struggles and embrace your unique skills for business success.

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

Connect with Caroline Griffin: 

Caroline Griffin (Website): https://marketeronamission.work/ 

Caroline Griffin (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/carolinethemarketer

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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

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!

In this episode of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, Olanike Akanbi-Ayomide, the founder of Mosaic Consulting, shares her journey of transitioning her business to operate based on anti-capitalist principles. Olanike reflects on the shifts in her business model, aligning her approach with personal values and cultural influences. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, ethical leadership, and the need for consultants to consider their own characteristics when crafting their approach to securing clients. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing business growth and sustainability with personal well-being, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to establish a successful practice while staying true to themselves. Olanike's narrative serves as a powerful example of challenging conventional norms and reimagining success through a lens of social justice and accountability. By embracing anti-capitalist principles and fostering ethical leadership, Olanike's experiences provide valuable lessons for consultants prioritizing ethical business practices and seeking more sustainable and socially conscious operations.

Key Highlights:

• Embrace socially conscious values to build a consultancy business that makes a positive impact on society and the environment.
• Implement effective business development strategies to attract clients and grow your consultancy with ethical principles at the core.
• Transition your business to anti-capitalist principles for a more equitable and socially responsible approach to entrepreneurship.
• Prioritize personal well-being to enhance your effectiveness as an entrepreneur and create a more sustainable business.
• Build financial sustainability while incorporating equitable practices to drive positive change in the business world.

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

Connect with Olanike: 

Olanike Akanbi-Ayomide  (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/mosaic_4equity/   

Olanike Akanbi-Ayomide (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/olanike/ 

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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

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.

Key Highlights:

• The Myth of Perpetual Positivity: Breaking the chains of toxic positivity isn’t just liberating, it’s necessary. As Shulamit discussed, the real power lies in acknowledging the full spectrum of our emotions. This is especially true in the world of entrepreneurship, where terms like VUCA are the daily alphabet soup we slurp up. Remember, admitting that navigating uncertainty is tough doesn’t make you weak—it makes you real, and equipped to deal with the complexity of running a business.

• A Revolution Against Comparison: Cindy pointed out the snare of FOMO and the constant comparison, a plight many of us face. Shulamit urges us to manage these feelings by first understanding the biological roots of comparison and then actively practicing techniques that anchor us into our uniqueness. You are more than your bank balance or social media likes; you're a powerhouse who brings irreplaceable value to the table.

• Building A Supportive Community: Echoing Shulamit, Jess highlighted the transformation that comes from consistent, supportive practice. It's like building muscle – the more you work it, the stronger it gets. And let’s not forget the magic of having a tribe. As we preach, standing shoulder to shoulder with people who get it can multiply your growth personally and professionally.

• Healing Financial Trauma: Talking about money can feel icky—but it's a necessary discomfort. Often, we associate shame and self-worth with our financial situation, thanks to our capitalist culture. But through vulnerable conversation and community, we can heal the wounds that hold us back from fully embracing our value.

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

Connect with Shulamit Ber Levtov: 

Shulamit Ber Levtov (Website): https://www.shula.ca/ 

Shulamit Ber Levtov (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/shulamitberlevtov

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 

Key Highlights:

• Build Your Business Strong: Miriam started just like many of us, working gig to gig. But she had bigger dreams. She wanted a business that didn't just pay the bills but made a real difference. Like putting together a puzzle, she put systems in place that helped her business grow bigger than she ever imagined.

• The Magic of Good Management: You might think talking about systems and operations is a snooze fest. But not for Miriam! She says that’s the secret sauce for keeping everything running smoothly. Let's remember that a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.

• Juggling Jobs and Dreams: It’s tough sometimes, isn’t it? Miriam gets real about the struggle of holding down a day job while building her dream. It’s like having two full-time jobs. She was tired, but guess what? She never gave up. And that’s a big lesson for all of us. 🎢

• Business Partnerships and Collaboration: It examines the dynamic of business partnerships and collaboration with insights on how Miriam and her husband balance their roles in their church with their business responsibilities.

• Navigating Career Transitions: Transition from healthcare operations to consulting and the pivot that took place due to shifts in the industry and market demands, especially during the pandemic.

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

Connect with Miriam Dicks: 

180 Management Group (Website): https://www.180managementgroup.com/ 

Miriam Dicks (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/miriampdicks  

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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Hosted on Acast. See

Today, we are super excited to introduce Heather Nelson, Founder and President ofat 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.

Key Highlights:

The Agency Advantage: Dive deeper with Heather as she shares how her passion for teamwork and client success steered her towards running an agency. Juggling HR, hiring, and maintaining profitability while being a compassionate boss, Heather gives us a candid look at navigating the complexities of agency management.

Client Relationships and Boundaries: Setting boundaries is vital, and Heather's agency is no exception. From planned vacation periods to choosing clients who resonate with the agency's values, discover how to maintain a healthy work-life balance and foster respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with clients.

Heather's Pricing Journey: Join us as Heather unveils her transition from solo consulting to establishing a robust firm, which brought about a pivotal change in her pricing strategy. Learn how she almost doubled the pricing of each product and further tweaked it over time, underlining the correlation between pricing, client access, and psychological hurdles like fear of client loss.

The Importance of Self-Investment: Investing in personal development isn't just motivational jargon. Heather reveals her own commitment to coaching and courses to buff up her business acumen. She didn't shy away from prioritizing personal development, addressing issues head-on, and it's reflected in her business's success today.

Choosing the Right Clients: Heather shares the evolution of her decision-making when taking on clients, emphasizing the need to value emotional well-being and her own terms. From early-career struggles with saying 'No' to harnessing confidence in her marketing and pipeline, she now opts for clients aligned with her agenda and values.

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

Connect with Heather Nelson: 

Heather Nelson (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/nelsonheather

Heather Nelson (Twitter): heathernelson12

BridgeRaise (Website): https://www.bridgeraise.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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 

Key Highlights:

Delivering Indispensable Solutions to Nonprofits: The secret sauce Cherian brought to the table is simple yet profound: zero in on the pain points, then tailor a solution that nonprofits can't imagine going without. He walked us through captivating product demonstrations and authentic testimonials that are driving a stake into the heart of nonprofit inefficiencies. It’s about commitment to their cause, wrapped up with a bow of strategic thinking.

Striking a Balance: Free Content and Fiscal Wisdom: One of the big questions we get asked is how to stay true to our giving nature while still making a living. Cherian's strategy of providing free value up front, with upscaling to paid services, is a golden nugget for all of us. It's not about selling out; it's about smartly selling your services in a way that's as viable financially as it is invaluable to your clients.

Masterful Partnerships for Amplified Results: Cherian's storytelling of his partnership experience, especially with the iWave deal, serves as a masterclass in aligning with the right partners for a mutually beneficial outcome. His insights show us that valuing our expertise is key to forging alliances that extend our reach and deepen our impact.

Confessions from the Front Lines of Success: Cherian's tale is more than just an account of winning; it's evidence that aligning profits with non-profit missions is not just possible but necessary for sustainable success. His journey underscores a core truth — recognizing your worth and the value of your contributions is as paramount as any work you do for the cause.

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

Connect with Cherian Koshy: 

Cherian Koshy (Website): https://www.cheriankoshy.com/

Cherian Koshy (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriankoshy/

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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/

"I now get paid mostly through clients, nonprofit executive directors who enroll in my group program called Thrive and stay there usually for at least a year. My big pet peeve as the thing I can't do that crushes my soul is when you give clients support and they don't implement. I just need it for my own sanity for clients to implement." - 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.

Key Highlights:

• Building a Successful Nonprofit Business: Sarah discusses her journey of starting PivotGround, a marketing agency for nonprofits and eventually shifting to a focus on improving nonprofit operations. She shares her experience with Mariah Coz’s High Ticket Hybrid program and her group program called Thrive.
• Transitioning to a Scalable Coaching Program: Transition from one on one coaching to a one to many model in the coaching business. Sarah shares her experience of making this transition and how it resulted in exponential growth in both time and money.
• Transitioning to a Simpler Sales Process: Challenges of selling to nonprofits and how their selling process has evolved to avoid lengthy proposals. Sarah shares her success with a three webinar sequence that speeds up the closing process.
• Understanding Objections in Marketing: Insights from Sarah on overcoming objections in sales and marketing, highlighting how understanding what people really want can be more effective than focusing on money-related objections.   

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

Connect with Sarah Olivieri: 

Sarah Olivieri (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri 

PivotGround (Website): pivotground.com  

PivotGround (Twitter): PivotGround

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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Looking for more inspo and strategies to make 2024 your most successful year yet?

Join us in California for the Make It Happen Conference, February 28-29!

Link: themakeithappenconference.com/?affiliate=goodpartners

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's okay to have a small list. It's good to have a small list because they'll be more engaged. There are people who actually care about you." - 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.

Key Highlights:

• Expert Positioning: Want to attract the crème de la crème of clients? Katelyn advises positioning yourself as an authority in your field. By polishing her professional presence and sharing her knowledge through various platforms—including podcast interviews—Katelyn has become the go-to consultant for sizable nonprofits seeking top-tier email marketing guidance.
• Building Deep Relationships: High-ticket clients aren't just looking for transactions; they crave transformative partnerships. Katelyn tells us about the value of investing time and energy into understanding the unique challenges and goals of her clients. This relationship-centric approach isn’t just good business; it’s a fulfilling way to ensure meaningful, lasting impacts on the organizations she works with.
• The Retainer-Based Model: Katelyn gives us the low-down on the stability and advantages of retainer agreements. By shifting to this model, non-profit consultants can focus on delivering consistent, high-quality work without the constant hustle for new one-off projects. It’s a win-win: reliable revenue for the consultant and ongoing expert support for the client.
• Going Above and Beyond: Those high-ticket clients yearn for the personal touch, says Katelyn. This might mean an annual in-person visit or a tailored strategy that goes beyond the standard email marketing campaign, providing both superior results and a personalized experience.

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

Connect with Katelyn Baughan: 

Katelyn Baughan (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-baughan/

Katelyn Baughan (Website): https://katelynbaughan.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/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Looking for more inspo and strategies to make 2024 your most successful year yet?

Join us in California for the Make It Happen Conference, February 28-29!

Link: themakeithappenconference.com/?affiliate=goodpartners

Hosted on Acast. See

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.

Elevate Your Consulting Game In the world of nonprofit consulting, it’s not just about hard work; it’s about smart work—integrating passion with strategy. Tammy embodies this like a boss! From moving her mission forward at the crack of dawn (seriously, she’s up at 4:00 a.m.!) to knowing when to say a polite “no,” Tammy’s approach is the mentorship gold we all need.

Building Revenue Streams That Work for You Tammy’s genius lies in her diversified business model. High-end consulting mixed with her "Fundraising Transformers" community and an array of on-demand learning resources, Tammy’s teaching us to spread our wings and soar toward sustainable revenue. Remember folks, it's about creating that sweet spot between making a living and making a difference.

Partnerships In and Out of Business Tammy shares how she collaborates with her life partner in running their business. She points out the presence of respect, complementing skill sets and clear communication in making the partnership successful.

Say "Yes" to Boundaries Listen up, friends; it's boundary-setting time! Tammy's got it down to an art—saying no means saying yes to alignment, loyalty, and value. And isn't that what we're all here for? To fuel our passions and empower organizations while respecting our time and genius.

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

Connect with Tammy Zonker:

Tammy Zonker (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyzonker 

Tammy Zonker (Twitter): https://twitter.com/TammyZonker 

Fundraising Transformed: https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-intentional-fundraiser-podcast/id1493678510 

Connect 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

Looking for more inspo and strategies to make 2024 your most successful year yet?

Join us in California for the Make It Happen Conference, February 28-29!

Link: themakeithappenconference.com/?affiliate=goodpartners

Hosted on Ac

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.

Entertainment Meets Philanthropy: Lane, the auctionista, underscores the substantial role entertainment plays in galvanizing gala guests and maximizing fundraising efforts. They shed light on how other nonprofit service providers might integrate entertainment into their work to form deeper, more authentic connections without resorting to pressured sales pitches.

Valuing Authenticity Over Desperation: We all agree—connection beats a sales pitch any day. Lane talks authenticity and building relationships in fundraising, capturing the essence of how we too believe in connecting with our clients for success in nonprofit consulting.

Self-Care Isn't Optional: Lane shared the essential role of self-care, especially after the heightened stimulation of event fundraising. They've mastered the art of working hard, then unwinding equally hard. As consultants, it's crucial we follow suit, remembering that recovery is just as important as the grind.

Scaling with Stories: Lane candidly discusses how embracing personal storytelling, especially their experiences as a non-binary person, has enhanced their keynote speaking engagements. Their upcoming Impact Workshop focuses on gender identity and creating inclusive workspaces, which is already garnering uplifting responses and inspiring the younger generation.

Lane's episode is a masterclass in personal branding, storytelling, and authentic engagement. These are essential tools for anyone consulting!

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

Connect with Layne: 

Layne (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/laynetheauctionista

Layne (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/TheAuctionistaLayne 

Layne (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/TheAuctionista 

Layne (Twitter): https://twitter.com/The_Auctionista 

Layne Talent Inc. o/a The Auctionista (Website): auctionista.ca 

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/jess-campbell-outintheboons