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.