Consulting Matters

Then you’re going to love this open and honest conversation I have with corporate leader turned consulting business owner Lori Smith.

Lori Smith had over 20 years of experience working as a senior leader at Wyndham. She created a unique role in the company that combined her finance background with her six sigma efficiency skills. She used her natural relationship-building savvy to corral stakeholders around common strategic priorities.

And then she was laid off. She found herself at a crossroads.

When she and I started to work together on her business strategy and plan, her initial question was, “Do I find another corporate job or take the leap and start my own business?”

We worked on clarifying the value she offered, and this question got transformed into a better question, “How do I take the parts of my career that I loved and build a business around that?”

Lori and I get real as we talk about:

[8:36] How do people move out of one functional area and see how they can apply their skills to other roles?

[12:00] Tune into Betsy and Lori's conversations about leaving Wyndham and how her skills would transfer to a different career.

[16:05] Hear why Lori knew that recreating her old career was not the answer.

[18:00] It's hard to get people to change their perception of you. Hear why Lori had to practice her "What I do" statement and why she had to learn how to convey this with confidence.

[21:21] There is a grieving process when you leave corporate. Hear what you have to let go of to gain clarity.

[25:00] What are the things you're afraid you're going to lose when leaving corporate? How do they shape what you want to do going forward?

[29:13] Hear what Lori sees when leaders don't go through the grieving process and the consequences.

[31:45] Hear why working on the right things create results.

[34:22] If you could go back in time and talk to Lori when she leaves corporate, what would you say?

[36:04] Hear a big takeaway from Lori about jumping into consulting and coaching business ownership.

About my guest: Lori Smith has a passion for helping senior teams get aligned around strategic priorities that will actually increase profits and grow the business. She combines her 20 years of experience in complex, matrix organizations, financial acumen, project management, process improvement and natural relationship building skills to help her clients achieve their growth goals faster and with harmony among stakeholders. You can find out more about Lori at her website at LoriSmithConsulting.com. You can also get her free stakeholder alignment tool on her website.

About me: The Enough Already podcast is hosted by Betsy Jordyn. My marketing agency and mentoring firm helps consulting and coaching business owners clarify their brand messaging and positioning, create a website presence that position them as sought-after experts, land clients with ease and integrity and take their place as thought leaders and influencers in their niche. Our mission is to help consultants and coaches monetize their best-at strengths and authentic passions to make a bigger difference in the world. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com 

Links:

Download our FREE guide to kickstarting your entrepreneurial journey and building a business that makes money and a difference: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/opt-in

Learn more about our Brand Messaging & Positioning program: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/messaging-positioning

Schedule a consult call to talk about creating your consulting and coaching brand and profitable business: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episode:

Sustaining Success with Trust in Oneself with Dan Weedin

How to Embrace Your True Business Calling with Josh & Kristy Groce

How to Take the Courageous Leap into Full-Time Consulting with Bill Carl Johnson

The #1 thing that stands in the way of a great leadership career and an even better consulting and coaching business isn't lack of luck, talent, or even ambition - it's a lack of confidence.

But what is confidence? And how do you get it?

We unpack confidence in this episode so you can move forward with assurance.

I'll reveal what confidence really is (it's not what you think) and actionable strategies you can use RIGHT NOW to develop yours.

This is the third episode of my Getting Started in Consulting and Coaching series.

[2:00] Hear about what makes people take the leap and work with our team. It surprised us and gave us insight into what we needed to hone.

[6:38] What is confidence? It's not an "I can do anything" attitude. It's not arrogance. Learn what true confidence is and how to use it to your advantage.

[8:02] Hear how confidence relates to courage. Do you trust yourself? How do you act on confidence? I cover how we can build on true confidence and propel ourselves into courageous action. You'll also hear how this relates to consulting and coaching.

[9:10] The transition from executive to consulting and coaching is multifaceted. To tackle this transition, you need to develop confidence and trust in yourself.

[11:36] Hear about the deep and historical role of the consultant or coach. Do you own your new professional identity as a change agent? You should! Hear why.

[14:07] How to develop confidence and trust in your new development with money. Tune in for concrete actions you can take to improve your new relationship with money and why this is so important.

[17:58] Develop confidence and trust in a new way of developing results. Do you have a process you can trust? How do you measure success? Hear actions that will help you gain confidence in your processes.

[23:11] Find a new way of accessing support. Losing support is one of the most challenging things about becoming an entrepreneur. Tune in for what to keep in mind when choosing your support team.

About me: The Enough Already podcast is hosted by Betsy Jordyn. My marketing agency and mentoring firm helps consulting and coaching business owners clarify their brand messaging and positioning, create a website presence that position them as sought-after experts, land clients with ease and integrity and take their place as thought leaders and influencers in their niche. Our mission is to help consultants and coaches monetize their best-at strengths and authentic passions to make a bigger difference in the world. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com

Links mentioned in this episode:

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episode: 

Consulting vs. Coaching: What’s Best for You (Ep 8)

4 Types of Consulting and Coaching Business Models (Ep 7)

Laid off from Work? Here’s what to do next…

I live for a good debate.

Deep dish Chicago pizza or flat New York pizza?

Is Schitt's Creek the best TV show EVER or just okay?

But if we're talking about growing a consulting or coaching business – I don't love the debate around the difference between the two roles. 

Because the reality is – most of us do both. 

So, the real debate is the one that you should be having with yourself: 

Consulting vs. Coaching – which business MODEL should you be building?

Aka, who is going to pay you for your great advice and guidance?

And out of whose budget will they pay you? 

I have been a consultant and a coach. I have had a consulting AND a coaching business, and I can tell you this – your answer to this question has HUGE implications on the strategies you'll need to master to monetize that great advice and guidance. 

[5:00] Are consultants or coaches advisers? What is the real difference, and who benefits? Learn more about who is hiring you and what value they are looking for so you can position yourself properly.

[9:02] What is a coaching business? Learn how you're paid and the associated business model.

[11:07] Learn more about the overlap between consulting and coaching. What do you lead with to form a profitable business? How do you focus your marketing and services?

[12:19] Is there more money to be made in consulting? How does the engagement work between consultants and organizations? Why should you master your sales and contract skill and learn how to play in the political system? Learn how to maximize your sale and impact.

[16:34] What are the challenges of a coaching business? What is super important for this business model? How do you stay out of the paid-by-the-hour trap?

[18:56] How do you want to get paid, and who do you want to impact? This will help you decide your business model. Hear why it's so important.

Clarity equals power. When you can see what you need to do, you can act.  

About me: The Enough Already podcast is hosted by Betsy Jordyn. My marketing agency and mentoring firm helps consulting and coaching business owners clarify their brand messaging and positioning, create a website presence that position them as sought-after experts, land clients with ease and integrity and take their place as thought leaders and influencers in their niche. Our mission is to help consultants and coaches monetize their best-at strengths and authentic passions to make a bigger difference in the world. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com

Links:

Download our FREE guide and checklist that shows the steps to a profitable consulting or coaching business and life you love: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/opt-in

Learn more about our Brand Messaging & Positioning program: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/messaging-positioning

Schedule a consult call to talk about creating your consulting and coaching brand and profitable business: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episode: 

4 Types of Consulting & Coaching Business Models (Ep7)

Consulting vs. Leading

Consultants and Coaches vs. Subcontractors

What are the different ways that consultants and coaches launch their businesses and get clients?

Listen to today's episode for my new series on Getting Started in Consulting/Coaching to discover why the business model you choose will determine how to prioritize your time, money, and focus. In addition, it will define the results and lifestyle you create over the long term.

I share the differences between these models, the upsides and downsides of each model and who each model works best for.

I'll also reveal why it's so common for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs to accidentally recreate their career through their business and wind up going from invoice to invoice vs. experiencing the full benefits of business ownership and how to fix it.

Where to dive in:

[3:36] Are you not ready to truly branch out on your own? The business model is great for those who are looking for mentoring and learning experiences. Hear about the pros, cons, and traps of this business model choice.

[7:57] Do you have a strong network and an excellent professional reputation? This model is often used by people who've built up a strong "Rolodex." Hear about why professionals eventually hit a wall with this model.

[10:57] Are you ready to dive into marketing, sales, and scalability? Do you want the control and freedom that business ownership offers? Hear about what it takes to commit to this business model. You'll also learn why so many consultants and coaches hesitate to transition into this approach.

[17:11] Are you a highly seasoned professional or a creative idea person? This business model is for industry-shaping idea professionals. This model is typically chosen by professionals who create shifts in perceptions or share their own stories to invite people into transformation. Hear about the fears and upsides of operating this model.

Three next steps:

About me: The Enough Already podcast is hosted by Betsy Jordyn. My marketing agency and mentoring firm helps consulting and coaching business owners clarify their brand messaging and positioning, create a website presence that position them as sought-after experts, land clients with ease and integrity and take their place as thought leaders and influencers in their niche. Our mission is to help consultants and coaches monetize their best-at strengths and authentic passions to make a bigger difference in the world. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com

Links:

Download our FREE guide and checklist that shows the steps to a profitable consulting or coaching business and life you love: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/opt-in

Learn more about our Brand Messaging & Positioning program: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/messaging-positioning

Schedule a consult call to talk about creating your consulting and coaching brand and profitable business: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episode:

7 Key Decisions for Starting Your Consulting or Coaching Business Right

Want to Start a Business? 10 Reasons Why You Should!

7 Questions to Validate that Consulting/Coaching Business Ownership is Right for You

Have you experienced trauma?

If you think you haven't, think again.

And you know what? Your trauma story may feel like it crippled you, but it qualifies you for the consulting and coaching business you're creating.

My guest today is Mary Beth Simon, who is the founder of Niche Partnership Consulting.

Mary Beth and I met last fall when we both participated in Speaking Your Brand's Thought Leadership Academy. She turned my head when she shared the story of a traumatic event from her childhood that wound up protecting her body and her life.

In this episode, Mary Beth and I talk candidly about the challenges of our lives and how those struggles actually turned into strengths.

Key Takeaways:

The advice Mary Beth would give her younger self, "You are stronger than you realize. Everything will work out fine. You need to trust your instincts because they will protect you and lead you in the right direction."

The advice Mary Beth would give herself when she chose to leave corporate, "Where you are going is beyond your wildest dreams. Whatever you think it is going to be, it will be so much better. You are on the right track. Keep going!"

The advice Mary Beth would give people who want to start their dream business but are afraid their past unqualifies them: "How much you disclose it up to you. When you're ready, your power lies in your authenticity. People will welcome you with open arms."

Listen in to discover why your story holds the clues to everything you need for your ideal business. Lean into the business you are meant to create, your life purpose, and the strengths that are your true superpowers.

About My Guest: After 30+ years in corporate financial services, Mary Beth now uses her strategic talents to coach entrepreneurs and individuals on creating their contingency plans empowering their second-in-command to keep business and life flowing smoothly in an emergency. Mary Beth founded Niche Partnership Consulting because her clients’ transformations inspire her. She believes that the combination of continuous learning, growth, and change is the fountain of youth and recently became a certified Les Mills BodyFlow instructor.

About Me: I'm Betsy Jordyn and my business development firm builds strong and powerful brands for remarkable consultants and coaches and their unique strengths. Simply put we design consulting and coaching practices that position you as a thought leader and sought-after expert by helping you find the words to describe the value of what you do and use them on your website and in your marketing. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com

Links:

Download my FREE guides and training on how to position yourself as an expert consultant and coach: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads

Schedule a consult call to talk about creating your consulting and coaching brand and profitable business: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule

 Connect on social:

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episodes:

The world is beginning to see some bright spots in its battle against COVID-19. As a result, many leaders are thinking of shaking up their careers by ditching corporate and starting their own consulting or coaching businesses.

But one thing holds them back – fear.

Fears about money, the unknown, being seen, and their worth.

Today, my guest is J.Kyle Howard, a former CIO turned consulting business owner.  He and I are currently working through his brand messaging and positioning , which is playing a big role in giving him clarity and confidence in the value he brings to companies seeking to leverage technology as a competitive advantage.

What is special about J. Kyle is how aware he is of the role that fear has played in his transition from CIO to consultant and coach and the strategies the he has cultivated to make his initial move into business ownership and stay focused on achieving all that is possible for him through his business.

We talk a lot about:

How J transcends imposter syndrome and moves out of fear and into action:

How J tackles long-term messages of imposter syndrome:

It's not about how to change the past; it's how to REDEEM the past.

Listen in as he shares the business vision he has to empower CIOs to take a stronger strategic position in the organization and to create careers that support their total life priorities.

This episode is the third in my podcast series on Imposter Syndrome. If you haven't listened to the other two episodes, you're going to definitely want to check them out so you can get your mind and heart aligned with all that is possible for YOU with your business.

About My Guest: J. Kyle Howard, author, former technology executive, and the founder of The BTI Group is an innovative, strategic systems thinker, and insightful business technology catalyst with over 27 years of transformational experience integrating business and technology. He is the creator of the systemic business and technology transformation framework called CBI™ - Cognitive Business Integration. He holds an MBA in business and a Ph.D. in Metaphysics.

About Me: I'm Betsy Jordyn, and my business development firm builds strong and powerful brands for remarkable consultants and coaches and their unique strengths. Simply put, we design consulting and coaching practices that position you as a thought leader and sought-after expert by helping you find the words to describe the value of what you do and use them on your website and in your marketing. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs, and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com

Links:

Download my FREE guides and training on how to position yourself as an expert consultant and coach: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads

Schedule a consult call to talk about creating your consulting and coaching brand and profitable business: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule

Connect on social:

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episodes:

Episode 4: The CURE For Imposter Syndrome

Ever had your consulting and coaching goals hijacked by imposter syndrome?

I know I have.

Imposter Syndrome is when high-achieving people have a hard time internalizing their accomplishments and question their worth.

I've been thinking about Imposter Syndrome for myself as I have been stepping out in many new directions related to my thought leadership, such as launching this podcast and being more explicit about being a speaker.

Imposter Syndrome is also something my clients wrestle with at some point in their business build.

It's not easy to move from our zone of competence to our zone of genius! The process triggers vulnerability and fears of the unknown. With all this in mind, I share four strategies to transcend imposter syndrome in this episode.

Tune in to learn: 

Key takeaways:

Embrace imposter syndrome and celebrate it! You are experiencing this fear because you're moving to new levels of growth. Tune in to learn more about the CURE and I'd love to hear from you if you have other strategies that you use.

Email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.

This episode is the second in my podcast series on Imposter Syndrome. Hear the first episode in this series.

About Me: I'm Betsy Jordyn and my business development firm builds strong and powerful brands for remarkable consultants and coaches and their unique strengths. Simply put we design consulting and coaching practices that position you as a thought leader and sought-after expert by helping you find the words to describe the value of what you do and use them on your website and in your marketing. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com

Links:

Download my FREE guides and training on how to position yourself as an expert consultant and coach: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads

Schedule a consult call to talk about creating your consulting and coaching brand and profitable business: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule

 Connect on social:

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episodes:

Have you ever wanted to hide under the bed or rock instead of doing what you need to do to launch or grow your consulting or coaching business?

I know I have.

Listen to today's episode for my new series on Imposter Syndrome to discover why you're totally normal and doing great if you experience the agony of questioning your worth as a consultant or coach.

In this episode, I reveal all the sneaky ways that imposter syndrome gets in the way of your potential. And I show you exactly what you need to do to make it your ally in the journey towards greater success and significance with your work.

You’ll learn:

This episode is the first in my new series on imposter syndrome. Let's tackle that feeling of shameless self-promotion and find the limbic connection between our clients and us. Let's build your business in our zone of genius and capitalize on our strengths; that is the profitable path. It's time to release the golden handcuffs of your corporate identity and get the true vision of who you want to be. What you feel cripples you qualifies you for the business you want to create! Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back.

About Me: I'm Betsy Jordyn and my business development firm builds strong and powerful brands for remarkable consultants and coaches and their unique strengths. Simply put we design consulting and coaching practices that position you as a thought leader and sought-after expert by helping you find the words to describe the value of what you do and use them on your website and in your marketing. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com

Links:

Download our FREE guides and training on how to position yourself as an expert consultant and coach: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads

Schedule a consult call to talk about creating your consulting and coaching brand and profitable business: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule

 Connect on social:

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episodes:

My initial business build didn’t go exactly the way I wanted. But it was what I needed and now my future clients need from me.

Last week we talked about why some consultants and coaches are able to successful turn their careers into businesses that they love - the elements that they have in common. I’ve gotten great feedback on the episode so go back and listen to it if you haven’t already.

I decided to follow up this episode with more of my story because although I was able to quickly launch a profitable business, it took me years to have the one that feels like me and that I love. You’ll also hear all the powerful ways my partner Jen Hamilton and I are up-leveling our brand and client impact to empower all of us to change the world as consultants and coaches. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Even though I didn’t build the right business the first time, it was the right thing to do. Sometimes something really is better than nothing.

2. When you’re making a massive career shift, you need a beginner’s mind so you can quickly and with openness acquire the necessary strategies, mindset and tools

3. Follow your bliss. It takes the same amount of money and time to create an on-purpose business instead of an off-purpose business.

4. Find alignment between who you are, what makes you happy, and the clients you want to serve.

5. Stop hiding in plain sight and bring out the chemical core of who you are.

6. Making money and a difference is not for a lucky few. It's our birthright obligation.

About Me:

I'm Betsy Jordyn and my business development firm builds strong and powerful brands for remarkable consultants and coaches and their unique strengths. Simply put we design consulting and coaching practices that position you as a thought leader and sought-after expert by helping you find the words to describe the value of what you do and use them on your website and in your marketing. Check out our marketing agency services, mentoring programs and courses at https://www.betsyjordyn.com

Links:

Download our FREE guides and training on how to position yourself as an expert consultant and coach: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads

Schedule a consult call to talk about creating your consulting and coaching brand and profitable business: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule

Connect on social:

Related Blog, Video or Podcast Episodes:

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review this show on Apple podcasts and subscribe wherever you listen.

Had enough already? Are fear and questions about your worth keeping you on the sidelines instead of making a powerful impact and income with your consulting or coaching? Listen in as Betsy Jordyn, organizational consultant, business mentor, and personal brand builder, interviews and guides purpose-driven consultants, coaches, thought leaders, and change agents to build businesses out of who they are. It’s time to find your voice, shape your message and make a meaningful difference. Are you ready to shake up the world and forge new paths in business and life? This is Enough Already – your place to learn how to empower transformation…from the inside out.