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Have you ever felt the thrill of discovering your true passion after taking an unexpected turn in your career path?  Jess Shermack of Virtual College Counselors, shares her entrepreneurship journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of support networks and the courage required to transition from a full-time job to the uncertainties of running a start-up. She uncovers the strategic branding and adaptability that have driven the success of her business, even as the pandemic reshaped the educational landscape.

Jess recounts the evolution of her collaboration with Sawyer, where skepticism turned into synergy, and long work hours blossomed into a thriving business relationship. They juggle multiple roles and set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This episode peels back the curtain on the real grind of building a startup, complete with the occasional "Shaun of the Dead" quote to keep things in perspective.

 Jess shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, the quest for credibility without an Ivy League badge, and the art of setting firm client boundaries. Through her anecdotes, you'll gain invaluable insights into the importance of specializing and building genuine connections. Tune in for an intimate look at the personal and professional growth that comes from following one's passion!

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Join Brooke Daly and special guest Chris Bell from Bell College Consulting as they dive deep into the benefits of staying solo versus growing a team. Chris shares a wealth of experiences from his career transitions to humorous marketing mishaps, and offers candid insights into establishing a client base.  Chris shares wisdom on prioritizing well-being in a lifestyle business, offering strategies for maintaining quality while managing demand. They conclude by highlighting the value of professional groups and the importance of forging a unique path in educational consulting for a fulfilling professional life.

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In this episode, Brooke talks with Liz Murphy, the founder of Liz Murphy College Advising and the creator of the "IEC's Growing Our Business" Facebook group. Liz shares her journey in business growth from starting as a part-time consultant and transitioning to full-time. She discusses her unique business model, which includes part-time college coaches assisting her clients and her approach to relationship marketing. Liz also mentions her challenges related to money mindset and how she worked on improving her pricing and financial management skills. 

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In this podcast episode, Brooke interviews Ibrahim Firat, owner of Firat Education and current president of IECA. Ibrahim discusses how he started a part-time tutoring business and expanded it into a full-time educational consulting practice. He emphasizes the importance of association membership, hiring, and how your role morphs as a business owner when you expand. They also touch on marketing strategies and the challenges of business growth. Ibrahim shares valuable advice for consultants, including adapting to varying regulations, valuing your services, and prioritizing health and family.

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In this episode, Brooke interviews Scott Hamilton. Scott is a past president of the Higher Education Consultants Association and the owner of Future Stars College Counseling. 

Scott shares his journey into the college consulting business, how he transitioned from working with students in their homes to having an office, and how he expanded his team of counselors. He discusses his marketing strategies, including speaking engagements, referrals, and raising fees. 

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In the final episode of the season, Brooke chats with Leah Beasley about her family history of working in admissions, and her journey from being a tour guide to working to admissions to starting her own business as a college consultant. 

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In this episode of The Business of College Consulting, IEC Hanna Stotland shares her story of how her own college admission experience, including being admitted to Harvard with a G.E.D, shaped her crisis management IEC practice. Hanna also shares insight and perspective on charging what you're worth. 

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In this episode, Brooke chats with Zach Galin, Founder of Galin Education, a test prep, tutoring, and college consulting business based in Madison, WI. Zach gives great advice for marketing in the early years of your business and how to grow a sellable business.

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In this episode of The Business of College Consulting podcast, Jennie Kent and Jeff Levy, superstars of the college consulting industry, share their paths from the writing and television industry to college consulting. They share the struggles of the early years of business growth, how they overcame them, and why they eventually joined forces (and businesses) to create Big J Educational Consulting.

Check out Jennie and Jeff's famous spreadsheets here! 

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Melanie Talesnick, Founder of AdmitU Consulting, shares her best marketing tips in this episode of The Business of College Consulting. Melanie was a double major in Marketing and Management at the University of Delaware. She worked with professional athletes before starting her business, giving her a unique perspective on working with teenagers.