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Confessions with Jess and Cindy

Cindy Wagman and Jess Campbell

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Ever wish you could pull back the curtain and see how other nonprofit consultants run their businesses? Well, we’ve got you covered! Welcome to the Confessions podcast, hosted by Jess Campbell and Cindy Wagman. We are two former in-house nonprofit pros turned coaches and consultants to purpose driven organizations. In this podcast, we are giving you access to the business leaders who serve nonprofits as their clients - you know - the people who truly get it. No more gatekeeping, no more secr ...
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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 …
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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Rachel Zant of Pen With a Purpose shares her journey from agency workhorse to boundary-setting badass. With 25 years of fundraising copywriting under her belt, Rachel dishes on the ups and downs of running a successful consulting biz while juggling motherhood and the constant urge to say "yes" to everything. From charging what she's worth (spoiler:…
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Today, we're diving into the world of client retention with Alex Lustig, co-founder of the Global Grant Writers Collective. Their business is teaching people how to build careers as grant writers, but the real magic? They're keeping 70% of their members for a second year. Alex shared insights on how they've built this success. It's not just about t…
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Ever wonder how some consultants seem to effortlessly land high-paying clients while you're still struggling to break the $5K mark? This week's guest, Kel Haney, spills the tea on her journey from theater director to six-figure fundraising consultant. Kel shares how she transitioned from a 20-year career in theater to becoming a sought-after fundra…
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Today on Confessions, we're diving into a topic that's been on all our minds lately: online courses. We all know the appeal, right? Scale your impact, ditch the time-for-money trap, and make some serious cash. But, like everything in life, it's not as simple as it seems. On our recent Mastermind retreat, we enlisted our friends Rhea Wong, Brooke Ri…
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Email marketing remains a potent tool for nurturing relationships and driving revenue. But are you truly harnessing its full potential? We're peeling back the curtain on the often overlooked strategies that separate lackluster campaigns from engagement powerhouses. With candor, we breakdown myths and discomfort surrounding email cadences, calls to …
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Have you been feeling the pinch in your nonprofit consulting business lately? You're not alone. The landscape for nonprofit consultants has been shifting, and many of us are experiencing challenges we haven't faced before. Jess recently hosted a roundtable discussion in her Build Better Together community to explore what's really going on in 2024 a…
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Ever feel like you're on an island, trying to figure out this whole business-building thing on your own? Well, shake off that isolation, because we're diving into the world of peer masterminds – where "yes, and" thinking meets the power of collective wisdom. In this episode, we're joined by Aïko Thurlow, an experienced mastermind facilitator who's …
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Building a thriving consulting business can be a challenge, but what if the key to success lies in embracing joy and redefining growth? Meena Das, CEO of Namaste Data, shares her refreshing "anti-capitalistic" approach to building a thriving consulting practice. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work, redefining growth on your ow…
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We see behind the scenes of a LOT of nonprofit consulting businesses. On today’s podcast, we’re talking about trends that we are seeing for those who are finding success this year. Discover how narrowing your niche and building strategic relationships can unlock a steady stream of ideal clients. Learn the power of offering "done-for-you" services t…
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Imagine a world where ambitious entrepreneurs gather, unbound by geographical constraints, to forge unbreakable bonds and propel their businesses to new heights. In this unfiltered conversation, you'll be a fly on the wall as Jess and Cindy prepare for our upcoming Mastermind retreat. From cross-country flights and cozy Airbnb sanctuaries to curati…
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Jennie Armstrong, founder of Wild Awake and Delve, started her second business when she kept getting people who weren’t her core audience asking for her services. Jennie shares the behind-the-scenes journey of transitioning from a solopreneur to building a thriving consulting firm and online program - under the banner of two brands. Discover her st…
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Are you struggling to find the right partners to accelerate your nonprofit consulting business growth? In this candid conversation, Dana Snyder, CEO of Missions to Movement, shares her invaluable insights on building strategic partnerships that drive revenue and impact. With over 7 years of experience in the nonprofit space, Dana reveals the behind…
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Imagine pouring countless hours of unpaid labor into cultivating a vibrant online community, only to face the daunting decision of monetizing it. That's the raw reality Jess confronted with her nonprofit consultants' group, Build Better Together. In this unfiltered convo, Jess pulls you into the emotional whirlwind of pivoting a once-free offering,…
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You know that feeling of dread when someone asks you to do unpaid work? That sinking sensation that you're being taken advantage of, yet again? Well, if you're a nonprofit consultant, requests for free labor might hit a little too close to home. But what if there was a way to turn those asks into opportunities to get properly compensated for your e…
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In this unfiltered glimpse into her entrepreneurial journey, Maria Rio pulls back the curtain on the relentless work ethic, strategic systems, and authentic team-building approach that is skyrocketing her firm's rapid growth. With refreshing candor, Maria also confesses the challenges she's faced - from difficult hiring decisions to struggles with …
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Get an inside look at the behind-the-scenes financials, marketing challenges, and partnership opportunities around hosting retreats and events in your business. Both Kamilah and Jess lost money (and not just a little) hosting their first in-person events. Yet, they continue to explore this business model for its ability to facilitate powerful in-pe…
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Bored of boring? This conversation on the Confessions podcast brings a spark of joy. Maryanne Dersh of Courageous Communication infuses playfulness into the often too-serious nonprofit sector. She shares how she’s been able to move beyond heaviness and limitation into ease and flow — in a way that’s sustainable as a business owner. We discuss the r…
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Should nonprofit consultants write a book to grow their business? Many purpose-driven entrepreneurs ponder this strategic question as they aim to establish their authority and reach new audiences. Jenny Mitchell generously shares her first-hand experience collaborating with 11 women leaders to produce the book “Embracing Ambition” in just 12 months…
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How can nonprofit consultants better manage their finances, cashflow, and profitability? It's a common pain point that keeps many consultants up at night. You're not alone! Tune into this conversation on Confessions with Jess and Cindy with Carleen Dehaney, Founder and Principal of FXO Consulting. With over a decade of experience guiding consultanc…
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Shit happens. As much as we plan and organize, there is so much about running a business that is out of our control. Which is why we invited risk expert Rosalie Ennes to the podcast - to talk about how to manage risk in your consulting business. A risk management strategy can help you plan for the future, protect yourself from bad things happening,…
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If you're feeling stuck in the feast or famine cycle of consulting, wondering if you'll ever achieve consistent success, then you are not alone! Building a thriving business as a consultant can feel like a rollercoaster, with moments of abundance followed by periods of uncertainty and doubt. It's time to break free from this cycle and create a sust…
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Running a 7-figure nonprofit consultancy is a dream for so many consultants, but we’re often held back by the fear of being overworked or overwhelmed. Find out how this business owner achieves success while maintaining balance and flexibility. This is Shavonn's story: Shavonn Richardson, the visionary behind Think and Ink Grant Consulting, was insp…
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Kara, a hospitality pro turned marketing pro, reveals her secret to balancing a thriving co-working space alongside a booming marketing agency. But what unexpected confession does she share about her business journey? Dive into this episode for an eye-opening revelation that will transform how you approach your own business ventures. This is Kara's…
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If you're feeling frustrated trying to balance inclusive collaboration and fair compensation, and finding yourself overworked and underpaid, then you are not alone! This is Renee's story: Renee's journey began with a transformative experience at a previous job. Feeling unfulfilled in a hierarchical and unsupportive environment, she made the courage…
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Are you ready to pull back the curtains on one of the legendary consultancies in our sector? With 31 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Steven Screen is a fundraising expert and the co-founder of The Better Fundraising Company. His extensive background in fundraising and agency work has equipped him with valuable insights and expertise in…
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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 …
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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 …
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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…
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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 …
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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 shif…
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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 intricat…
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"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 Ol…
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"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 attra…
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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 o…
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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 …
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In today's episode of 'Confessions with Jess and Cindy,' we sat down with Lynne Wester, an OG nonprofit consultant who built her empire from ground up, all sparked by the urgent need to fund her dog's surgery. Now leading a 16-strong team, Lynne's journey through the shifts in healthcare consulting, her strategic use of webinars, and hands-on appro…
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In today's episode, our powerhouse guests at Evenings and Weekends Consulting, Paul Taylor and Laëtitia Eyssartel, peeled back the curtain to their successful business model – and to a few confessions. We're getting real about the radical changes they've made to the established rules of the nonprofit sector. So, tune in! Key Highlights: Embrace Dec…
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Summits are a powerful tool for networking, lead generation, and collaboration. As a business owner or nonprofit leader, understanding how to effectively host a summit can propel your business forward and expand your reach globally. In this episode, we are sitting down with Krista Miller, CEO and Founder of *Summit in a Box*. Krista breaks down the…
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In this episode of "Confessions with Jess and Cindy," we're joined by Sonia Daniels, founder and CEO of S. Daniels Consulting, who has successfully grown her consulting business for nonprofit clients over six years. In this candid conversation, Sonia takes us through her unique business journey, starting as a side project and evolving into a full-t…
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In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking discussion on marketing strategies and the undeniable impact of authenticity in the industry. We unpack the confessions from the ICON conference, addressing the blurred line between self-promotion and genuine expertise, and share our experiences on making strategic business investments. Whether you'…
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“I gave a very clear example about being in pain, and when you’re in that level of pain, you are willing to literally do whatever it takes.” - Jess In this episode of Confessions podcast, we're diving deep into the world of recurring revenue. We share our experiences and insights on the benefits of offering monthly options, the shift from one-off p…
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Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s especially timely as we head into the holiday season: gift giving. Whether you’re looking to show appreciation to clients, strengthen relationships, or simply spread some joy, the art of thoughtful and purposeful gift giving is something that can truly make a difference in our work as coaches and consultants.…
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"Working for myself is a form of rest because I get to choose my clients and I don't have what I experienced in the workplace when I was working in the nonprofit sector, which is racial battle fatigue" - Dr. Asia Lyons This week's episode of Confessions featured the amazing Dr. Asia Lyons, who shared her journey to building a thriving consulting bu…
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"I think as business owners, or maybe just me personally, I like to go really fast. So slowing down to speed up is so painstakingly hard for me, but I know it's also necessary." - Stephanie Skryzowski As consultants and business owners, one of the biggest challenges we face is scaling our business in a sustainable way. A key part of scaling is buil…
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"I'm selling unapologetically through the whole thing and that's something I've really had to work on and work towards." - Christina Edwards Jess and I just sat down with Christina Edwards for this episode that will light a fire under your consulting business. Christina has built a multiple six-figure nonprofit consulting firm over the last 15 year…
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“Every investment I've made in my business has been a learning experience, even if it didn't bring the desired results. I see these investments as opportunities for growth and improvement.” - Cindy Wagman In this episode, we're diving into how our investments in our businesses have evolved over the years—and the life-changing lessons we've learned …
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