Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you are a self-employed consultant who has ever felt like you were starting from zero, because of a slow start, an unexpected setback, a market that shifted underneath you, or a pipeline that just will not fill, this episode is for you. Joanna’s story is not about overnight success. It is about what it actually takes to keep building when circumstances are hard, when old strategies stop working, and when you have to rediscover your own resilience. She also shares a critical insight about LinkedIn outreach that every consultant relying on generic messaging needs to hear right now, and a deceptively simple approach to niching that makes every conversation more authentic and every close more natural.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why your ideal client might already be you: Joanna explains how defining her niche as women in corporate who felt exactly where she had been made every outreach message more resonant and every sales conversation easier to have.

• Why generic LinkedIn outreach has stopped working: Joanna shares what her franchise association’s updated training revealed about why mass messaging no longer converts, and what personalized, human-first outreach looks like instead.

• How to keep a business alive through a major life crisis: Joanna describes how she maintained just enough pipeline momentum during a year of cancer treatment to have something to return to, and what that minimal-effort strategy actually looked like.

• Why pivoting is the most essential consulting skill: Joanna reflects on what it means to rebuild in a market that has fundamentally changed, and why the willingness to let go of what used to work is what separates consultants who grow from those who stall.

• How in-person networking and referral fees can break through the noise: Joanna outlines the multichannel strategy she is building now, local events, virtual networking, and a referral program, to connect with prospects who want her service but do not yet know it exists.

• What Atomic Habits taught her about showing up every single day: Joanna shares the one principle from her most-recommended book that keeps her consistent even when results are slow and motivation is hard to find.

About Joanna Murray

Joanna Murray is a franchise consultant with Quantum Franchise Group based in Massachusetts. After more than two decades in corporate America,  including a long career in commercial and industrial real estate, Joanna left the corporate world to help other professionals do the same, on their own terms. She specializes in working with women at the VP level and above who are ready to leave corporate and find a business that fits their values, lifestyle goals, and financial ambitions. In 2024, Joanna was diagnosed with cancer and underwent two surgeries followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiation. She is now in recovery with a clean scan and is rebuilding her consulting practice with a focus on Massachusetts and New England.

Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-murray-mba-1ab3b3/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Chris Ellis, founder of Chris Ellis Consulting and Coaching. With 20 years as a managing partner at a global management consulting firm and 16 years running his own practice, Chris brings a rare combination of enterprise-scale expertise and solo practitioner wisdom to the conversation.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you’re a self-employed consultant wrestling with inconsistent income, a pipeline that relies too heavily on who happens to remember your name this month, or the nagging question of how to scale beyond trading time for money, this conversation is for you.
Chris Ellis has spent 35-plus years inside the consulting and coaching world, first as a managing partner at a major firm and now running his own solo practice. He shares with refreshing candor how he keeps a stable practice through an active, relationship-first approach to business development, and why the biggest untapped consulting.

The opportunity most of his clients are missing isn’t at the C-suite level at all. This episode is packed with practical, experience-tested insight for consultants who want to build a practice that lasts.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Turning Referrals Into an Active Strategy: How Chris transforms what most consultants treat as a passive waiting game into a consistent, intentional lead generation system.
• The Alumni Network Approach: A simple, low-tech system for staying top of mind with past clients and contacts so they refer you when the moment is right.
• Fixed-Price vs. Hourly: Why It Changes Everything: Why Chris fixed-prices nearly all his work and how it eliminates awkward billing conversations while
protecting the client relationship.
• The Management Development Gap: Chris’s contrarian argument for why organizations should shift investment from C-suite leadership coaching to developing managers and directors, and why this represents a major consulting opportunity.
• How the Best Senior Leaders Got There: The progression from strong professional to great manager to great senior leader, and why skipping the middle step is where most leadership pipelines break down.
• Scaling a Solo Practice Without Losing Quality: How Chris structures his consulting-coaching hybrid model with built-in capacity limits that protect the quality of his work and his own well-being.

About Chris Ellis:

For over 35 years, Chris Ellis has served hundreds of organizations and thousands of people worldwide as an executive, consultant, adviser, coach, and mentor. He serves clients of all ages, stages, and roles, with an emphasis on middle-management and senior executive development in professional services, health services, and technology services. Chris is a past senior leader and managing partner of a global professional services firm, and currently runs his own consulting and coaching practice. He is also a board member and adviser, university educator, local and national speaker, and published author. Chris is the creator of the Management Accelerator Program (MAP), a comprehensive management development framework drawn from over three decades of client work and consulting experience. His contrarian conviction: the biggest development gap in most organizations isn’t at the top, it’s in the middle.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisellis-consulting/

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on thriving through change, growth, and entrepreneurship.

#ThrivingThrough #KatyHill #ConsultingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #NicheMarketing #SelfEmployment #PodcastEpisode101

With over 20 years of experience in higher education operations, Katy opens up about her non-linear journey into entrepreneurship, how she discovered her ideal niche in architectural and engineering firms, and why thriving is less about hustle and more about being in the right environment.

This episode is packed with insights on self-employment, niche clarity, business partnerships, energy management, and long-term vision. Whether you're a consultant, entrepreneur, or someone navigating a career pivot, this conversation will challenge how you think about success and alignment.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What “thriving” actually means (and why it looks different for everyone)
• How to find your niche and become a category of one
• The power of values alignment in choosing the right clients
• How to manage multiple ventures without burnout
• Real strategies for building strong business partnerships
• Why coaching and mentorship can accelerate your growth
• How writing a book can support your business strategy
• Katy’s bold 3–5 year vision for impact and freedom

Katy also shares practical frameworks for communication, leadership, and creating sustainable growth—without forcing a path that doesn’t fit your life.

If you're feeling stuck, exploring self-employment, or trying to scale your consulting business, this episode will give you clarity and direction.

🔗 Connect with Katy Hill:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-hill-consulting/

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on thriving through change, growth, and entrepreneurship.

#ThrivingThrough #KatyHill #ConsultingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #NicheMarketing #SelfEmployment #PodcastEpisode100

Staci shares how she rebuilt her consulting career after losing everything, leveraged networking to create unexpected opportunities, and developed a 23-rule AI system to maintain quality, authority, and human voice in legal content.

If you're a freelancer, consultant, or content creator feeling the pressure of AI or struggling with inconsistent pipelines, this episode is packed with real, practical insights.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What “thriving” actually means in business and life
The biggest mistake new entrepreneurs make (and how to avoid it)
How networking quietly drives long-term success
The real impact of AI on content writing and consulting
Why law firms abandoned and then returned to human experts
How to build systems that make AI work for you, not against you

Connect with Staci - https://www.linkedin.com/in/staci-rivera-nichols/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations with consultants and creators navigating change.

#Consulting #AIContent #Freelancing #Entrepreneurship #LegalMarketing #BusinessGrowth #ContentStrategy

Ebbi shares her journey from a journalist and event planner to a digital strategist, explaining how she pivoted her business during shifts in the economy. She breaks down the "paradox of modern marketing" why having more tools can actually make it harder to stand out—and how to cut through the noise using strategic storytelling and "activated" networking.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

The Definition of Thriving: Why success isn't just about work, but about finding joy and "touching grass."
The Pivot Strategy: How to transition from a generalist to an authority-focused consultant for leaders and founders.
Activated Networking: A deep dive into Ebbi's "journalist approach" to networking—how to research guest lists and choose the right rooms to ensure your ideal clients are present.
Storytelling as a Bridge: Why stories remain the most powerful tool for connection in a transactional digital world.
The LinkedIn Gap: Leveraging the fact that less than 5% of users actually post content to build your authority.

🔗 Connect with Ebbi Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebbinicole/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the channel for more interviews on how to navigate professional shifts and thrive through every chapter of your career.
#Consulting #PersonalBranding #Storytelling #NetworkingStrategy #Visibility #AuthorityBuilding #ThrivingThrough #DigitalMarketing2026

Rachel shares powerful insights from her 20+ years in industry, her transition into coaching, and how she built a blended model of consulting, advisory, and leadership development. This conversation dives deep into fulfillment, resilience, and what it takes to grow a meaningful and sustainable business.

You’ll learn why celebrating small wins matters, how to handle rejection without taking it personally, and how playing the long game can lead to real success.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

The difference between surviving and truly thriving
Why celebration fuels motivation and growth (backed by neuroscience)
The real challenges of becoming a self-employed consultant
How to deal with rejection, silence, and slow progress
Why most consultants underestimate the time it takes to succeed
The power of 360 coaching in uncovering business opportunities
How to balance coaching, consulting, and advisory work
Building long-term client relationships vs transactional work
Managing burnout and staying aligned with your values
The importance of playing the long game in business

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, entrepreneur, or leader, this episode will help you rethink success, not just as profit, but as fulfillment, impact, and growth.

Connect with Rachel Wexler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlwexler/

About the Podcast:
Thriving Through is a podcast for self-employed consultants and professionals who want to build profitable, sustainable, and most importantly, fulfilling practices.

Keywords:
thriving vs surviving, consulting business, leadership coaching, self employed consultant, entrepreneurship journey, business growth, coaching business, leadership development, personal growth, consultant life, mindset, fulfillment, professional development, resilience, women in leadership

Hashtags:
#ThrivingThrough #ConsultingBusiness #LeadershipCoaching #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #BusinessGrowth #WomenInLeadership #Coaching #Mindset #Fulfillment

Rebecca shares how she built a thriving consulting practice by partnering with other firms, leveraging existing client relationships, and focusing on delivering high-value work without the pressure of direct client acquisition. If you're a consultant, freelancer, or aspiring entrepreneur looking for a more predictable and balanced business model, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

Learn how subcontracting can help you:

✔ Build consistent income streams
✔ Reduce the stress of sales and marketing
✔ Strengthen professional partnerships
✔ Focus on your zone of expertise
✔ Scale your consulting career strategically

To connect with Rebecca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-faith-bauer/

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your consulting approach, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on creating a business that works for you.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders and experts.

#ConsultingBusiness #Freelancing #Subcontracting #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #CareerGrowth #ConsultantLife

About Kendra Whitney

Kendra Whitney is the founder of Perigo Partners, a small business operations consultancy based in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area. With 25 years of experience leading IT and operations teams at Fortune 500 companies, Kendra specialized in project management, process improvement, and change management — overseeing multi-year technology implementations that impacted tens of thousands of employees. After a corporate layoff, she made the deliberate decision to bring those enterprise-level best practices to small business owners, helping them build the systems, processes, and structures they need to run efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and scale — without the bureaucracy. She is currently in her first year of running Perigo Partners as her sole focus, and is building toward a team-based model that can serve more small businesses at scale.
 
Connect with Kendra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendrawhitney

From spending 20+ years in corporate sales and marketing to building a thriving consulting business, Sarka shares how finding purpose, overcoming fear, and letting go of perfectionism transformed her life. She dives deep into how LinkedIn can become a powerful tool for lead generation, community building, and long-term business growth.

You’ll learn:
How to build a strong LinkedIn personal brand
The 3 key pillars of LinkedIn success (profile, community, content)
Why relationships matter more than impressions
How to overcome fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism
The mindset shifts needed to grow as an entrepreneur
How investing in yourself accelerates success

Sarka also shares her journey to being featured in Forbes, delivering a TEDx talk, and how consistent self-development helped her create new opportunities.

If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or professional looking to grow on LinkedIn and build meaningful connections that convert into real opportunities, this episode is for you.

Connect with Sarka Risch on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarka-risch/

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on business growth, mindset, and entrepreneurship.

#LinkedInMarketing #PersonalBranding #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadGeneration #BusinessGrowth #SelfDevelopment #PodcastInterview

Samantha shares how hitting a breaking point after 11 layoffs pushed her to finally step off the corporate “rollercoaster” and step into the role of CEO of her own life. From navigating uncertainty to mastering the difference between marketing and sales, this conversation is packed with real, practical insights for anyone considering self-employment.

You’ll discover how to shift from an employee mindset to a CEO mindset, why networking (even as an introvert) is the most powerful lead-generation tool, and how saying “yes” to opportunities can unlock unexpected growth.

This episode is especially valuable for consultants, coaches, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build multiple income streams without burning out.

✨ Key topics covered:
• The real definition of “thriving” and why it goes beyond survival
• Samantha’s journey through 11 layoffs and career pivots
• The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur
• Why marketing alone isn’t enough (and how to sell with confidence)
• The power of networking and building genuine relationships
• How to identify your ideal client and refine your niche
• Why becoming a “yes person” can transform your business

If you're feeling stuck in your career or thinking about starting your own business, this episode will give you the clarity and courage you need.

🔗 Connect with Samantha:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-m-elizabeth/

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on thriving through life, business, and personal growth.

#ConsultingBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #CareerGrowth #Networking #SelfEmployment #ThrivingThrough #BusinessCoaching #PersonalDevelopment

You’ll also learn how Gaby navigated early struggles like client acquisition, marketing failures, and financial learning curves, and how networking and partnerships became his strongest tools for success. He dives into building multiple revenue streams, including launching an e-learning platform, and how consultants can scale without burning out.

This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals looking to take control of their careers and grow sustainably.

✨ Key Topics Covered:
• Thriving through challenges & resilience mindset
• Transition from corporate to self-employment
• Client acquisition & networking strategies
• Building multiple income streams
• Importance of partnerships & mentorship
• Marketing realities & competition
• Scaling with e-learning platforms
• Adapting to AI and future business challenges

🔗 Connect with Gaby Sedra:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabysedra/

🎧 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

#ConsultingBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #SelfEmployed #BusinessGrowth #ThrivingThrough #Podcast #StartupJourney #Networking #Leadership #AIinBusiness

Sara opens up about:

Overcoming personal and professional adversity
Transitioning from nonprofit CEO to independent consultant
The hard lessons learned after 8 years in business
Why sleep, self-care, and boundaries are non-negotiable
How to price your services with confidence
Building stable, recurring revenue streams
Turning rejection into growth opportunities
The mindset required to keep going when things get tough

If you're an entrepreneur, consultant, or anyone navigating a difficult season, this episode is packed with real talk, practical wisdom, and inspiration to keep pushing forward.

Key Takeaways:
✔ Believe in yourself even when it’s hard
✔ Say no to what doesn’t align
✔ Your pricing reflects your value
✔ Stability comes from clarity and consistency
✔ Healing and growth go hand in hand

Connect with Sara Orellana:
🌐 Website: www.3raptorconsulting.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-c-orellana/

About the Podcast:
Thriving Through is a podcast dedicated to real stories of resilience, growth, and navigating life’s ups and downs with strength and purpose.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations!

#ThrivingThrough #Entrepreneurship #Consulting #Resilience #BusinessGrowth #SelfDevelopment #Mindset #WomenInBusiness #NonprofitLeadership #PersonalGrowth

Tommy talks about growth mindset, entrepreneurship, networking, imposter syndrome, and modern stoicism, along with practical insights on getting consulting clients, using LinkedIn for business development, and building strategic partnerships.

If you're an aspiring consultant, entrepreneur, or professional looking to start a consulting practice, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and inspiration.

🚀 What You'll Learn in This Episode

✔ What “thriving” really means in business and life
✔ How Tommy went from restaurant work to consulting leadership
✔ Why growth mindset and curiosity are critical for career success
✔ How to start and grow a consulting business
✔ The power of strategic partnerships and alliances
✔ How consultants use LinkedIn and networking to get clients
✔ Managing imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur
✔ Daily routines, journaling, and modern stoicism for productivity
✔ How discipline and structure help consultants stay focused

💡 Key Topics Covered

Consulting business strategy
Client acquisition for consultants
LinkedIn marketing for consulting
Growth mindset and entrepreneurship
Stoicism and productivity habits
Overcoming imposter syndrome
Building a consulting network
Personal development for entrepreneurs

👤 About the Guest

Tommy Rhoads is a consultant and alliance builder who helps organizations drive transformation, operational excellence, and leadership development. He is part of the Strategy Elevation Alliance, a collaborative consulting network focused on helping companies navigate complex strategic challenges.

🔗 Connect With Tommy -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-rhoads-8191358/

🎧 About the Podcast

The Thriving Through Podcast explores the journeys of entrepreneurs, consultants, and leaders who share real lessons on growth, resilience, and building meaningful careers.

#ConsultingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #ConsultantLife #BusinessStrategy #LinkedInMarketing #ImposterSyndrome #Stoicism
#StartupAdvice #ThrivingThrough

Leo shares his journey from early success after publishing The Personal Vision Workbook to building his consulting practice, stepping away, and then restarting nearly 20 years later with a completely different mindset. The conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable consulting practice from overcoming imposter syndrome to finding clients, setting boundaries, and creating meaningful conversations instead of “selling.”

If you're starting a consulting business, transitioning out of corporate, or trying to build momentum with your independent practice, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest reflections.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why saying “yes to everything” can hurt your consulting career
The biggest mindset shift from employee to independent consultant
How to build a consulting pipeline using existing relationships
Why most consultants overthink websites instead of talking to clients
The role of confidence, curiosity, and genuine conversation in winning work
How Leo structures his day to avoid “procrasti-working”
Why boutique consultants can thrive in uncertain economic times
How AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude can become creative partners for consultants

Connect with Leo Sevigny:
🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/in/leosevigny/ 

About the Podcast

The Thriving Through Podcast with AJ Riedel shares conversations with experienced consultants and business leaders about building resilient, successful consulting practices.

👍 If you found this conversation helpful, like, subscribe, and share to support more insights for consultants and independent professionals.

#ConsultingBusiness #IndependentConsultant #ConsultingCareer #BoutiqueConsulting #Entrepreneurship

Nicole shares the real story behind launching a consulting business including the early challenges of networking as an introvert, figuring out how to generate leads, and discovering the power of outbound email marketing that eventually drove most of her client growth.

She explains how her firm grew from a solo consulting idea into a 7-person team, why fractional CFO services are becoming essential for growing businesses, and the systems she built to create strong client relationships and scalable growth.

Nicole also discusses marketing strategies like targeted outbound email, LinkedIn prospecting, newsletters, and networking, and offers valuable advice for consultants on choosing the right rooms, refining messaging, and building a sustainable pipeline of clients.

Whether you're a consultant, entrepreneur, CFO, or business owner looking to scale, this episode offers practical insights into business development, consulting growth, and strategic finance leadership.

Topics Covered:

Fractional CFO services
Starting a consulting business
Outbound email marketing for B2B
Building a consulting team
Lead nurturing and client relationships
Strategic finance leadership
Networking for consultants
Scaling a professional services firm

Connect with Nicole Sithithavorn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemsith/

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who are building meaningful careers and thriving through challenges.

#FractionalCFO #ConsultingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #B2BMarketing #BusinessGrowth #PodcastInterview #ThrivingThrough

In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, Nancy Ward shares her powerful journey from financial struggle to becoming a self-employed financial coach helping solopreneurs untangle personal and business finances.

Nancy explains why many consultants and small business owners don’t actually know if they’re making money until the end of the year and how simple financial systems can completely change that.

If you're a consultant, freelancer, coach, or solopreneur, this conversation will help you understand how to separate business and personal money, create clarity in your finances, and remove the shame around not knowing “money language.”

✨ In this episode you’ll learn:
• How Nancy paid off $40K in credit card debt
• Why many solopreneurs mix personal and business finances
• Simple financial systems every consultant should set up
• The mindset shift that removes shame around money
• Why tracking numbers monthly is critical for business success
• The power of a strong elevator pitch for entrepreneurs

Nancy also shares how she pivoted from consumer financial coaching to helping solopreneurs build clear financial systems that make their businesses sustainable.

Whether you’re starting your consulting journey or already running a solo business, this episode will help you gain clarity, confidence, and control over your finances.

🔗 Connect with Nancy Ward
Website: https://weeklydebtplan.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyward1/

🎙️ About the Podcast
Thriving Through Podcast brings conversations with entrepreneurs, consultants, and thought leaders who share real experiences, strategies, and insights to help you grow your business and life.

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Bob Greene, Principal Consultant of RCG Workgroup specializing in business development and leadership strategy. Bob brings a unique neuroscience-based approach to sales training and leadership development, and he's currently rebuilding his practice after being hit hard by the government shutdown.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode
If you're struggling with feast-or-famine cycles, an empty pipeline, or recovering from a major business setback, this conversation will change how you think about consulting business development. Bob shares the exact systems he uses to maintain consistent revenue, including his 10-project pipeline methodology that ensures he always has work in various stages of development. Whether you're building your practice from scratch or rebuilding after disruption, Bob's strategic approach to pipeline management, pricing, and team building offers immediately actionable insights for creating a more predictable and profitable consulting business.

What You'll Learn in This Episode
• [The 10-Project Pipeline Strategy] How to maintain a consistent flow of consulting work by always keeping 10 projects in various stages from prospect to signed contract, ensuring you never face an empty calendar or desperate acceptance of low-paying work.
• [Why Traditional Training Fails] The three critical reasons training doesn't create lasting change in organizations and how understanding the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve can transform your consulting approach and ROI for clients.
• [Building Revenue Through Workgroups] How to expand your consulting capacity and revenue potential by building a network of specialized experts you can bring in on contract, allowing you to serve 5 clients simultaneously without burnout.
• [The Upwork Strategy for Building Credibility] A counterintuitive approach to using freelance platforms to test your market value, build a portfolio of 5-star reviews, and systematically increase your rates from $25 to premium pricing.
• [Negotiation Tactics That Build Partnership] How to reframe sales conversations using Chris  Voss's "Never Split the Difference" principles, including why getting prospects to say "no" is more powerful than pushing for "yes."
• [Recovery After Business Disruption] Practical strategies for rebuilding your consulting practice after major setbacks, including the financial buffer you need and the mindset shifts required to turn disruption into strategic momentum.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
• Book: "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss - FBI hostage negotiation tactics applied to business negotiations and sales conversations
• Upwork - Freelance platform for testing market value and building consulting reputation
• MIT Sloan School - Certificate programs in leadership development
• Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania - Certificate programs in organizational leadership

About Bob Greene
Bob Greene is the Principal Consultant at RCG Workgroup, specializing in business development and leadership strategy. With a background that evolved from sales management to sales training to comprehensive organizational development, Bob brings a neuroscience-based approach to helping organizations improve performance through customized, outcome-focused consulting. His expertise spans three key areas: sales enablement, leadership development, and conflict resolution. Bob's unique "immersive leadership" model involves taking on executive roles within client organizations to implement sustainable, process-driven change rather than personality-dependent systems. He holds certificates in leadership development from MIT Sloan School and Wharton School at the
University of Pennsylvania.

Connect with Bob Greene on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgreene10/
Learn more about RCG Workgroup: https://rcgworkgroup.com/

In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, AJ interviews David Hermann, founder of Herman Group and Herman Digital Media, about his transition from corporate consulting to entrepreneurship.

David shares how he:

• Rebuilt authority after leaving a major healthcare consultancy
• Used content marketing, authority building, and networking as a “three-legged stool” growth strategy
• Leveraged LinkedIn newsletters and moved to Substack to reach founders outside corporate circles
• Paused sales to earn business brokerage credentials
• Structured value-based consulting fees tied directly to measurable client outcomes
• Built social proof without relying on a website
• Published his first book, The Change Agent Code
• Navigates revenue uncertainty, pipeline rebuilding, and imposter syndrome

If you're a consultant, founder, coach, or service professional wondering how to price confidently, generate qualified leads, or transition from corporate to independent work, this episode delivers practical strategy and honest insights.

David also explains:
– How to qualify leads using 3 powerful questions
– Why hourly pricing misaligns incentives
– How to handle pushback on premium fees
– Why speaking engagements outperform websites for lead generation
– How founders should prepare emotionally and strategically for exit

Whether you're building a consulting firm, preparing for acquisition, or trying to create sustainable authority in your niche, this conversation will help you thrive through uncertainty.

To connect with David Herman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhermann/

In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, AJ sits down with Diane Davidson, founder of Clever Fox Advisory, to talk about building a sustainable consulting business through strategic partnerships, LinkedIn visibility, and long-term contract stability.

With 8 years as a solopreneur, Diane shares how she carved out a niche in post-merger integrations and business transformation by partnering with major consulting firms like Ernst & Young, Slalom, Capgemini, and Wipro.

Instead of relying solely on cold outreach or C-suite networking, Diane built recurring revenue through consulting firm partnerships that provide 3–9 month contracts, 40-hour workweeks, and predictable income.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to secure long-term consulting contracts
• Why partnering with consulting firms can create income stability
• A practical LinkedIn strategy that takes just 10 minutes a day
• How to stay top of mind through referrals and reciprocal relationships
• Why nurturing relationships matters more than constant lead generation
• How to stay relevant in the age of Gen AI
• The power of a 90-day experimentation philosophy
• When to walk away from toxic clients
• Why trusting your gut is critical in entrepreneurship

Diane also shares powerful lessons on blocking out noise, ignoring doubters, and building a business aligned with your values — even when others think you’ll fail.

If you’re a consultant, solopreneur, or aspiring independent professional looking for sustainable growth strategies, this episode is packed with practical insight.

Connect with Diane Davidson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-davidson-clever-fox/

In this conversation, Nathan shares how a life-changing family moment led him to leave the road and build a home-based bookkeeping business that supports solopreneurs, consultants, and small service providers. He opens up about learning bookkeeping from scratch, building persistence through tough years, and how consistency and availability brought unexpected clients and long-term success.

You’ll also learn how Nathan built a smart referral system using ChatGPT and GoHighLevel to automate networking, manage connections, and create meaningful business relationships. From intentional coffee meetings to structured CRM tagging and landing page workflows, Nathan explains how authentic networking can generate consistent leads without sounding salesy.

This episode also highlights lessons from Daniel Ruke, focusing on relationship-driven sales, discovery conversations, and turning casual meetings into strategic growth opportunities. Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, coach, or small business owner, this discussion offers practical insights on building a sustainable self-employed career through service, systems, and genuine connections.

Connect with Nathan on -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-stadler-bookkeeping/

From starting as a computer science graduate to becoming a global leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Blue Streak Consultants, George reveals what it really takes to transition from corporate employee to successful self-employed consultant.

You’ll learn how to stay visible, generate consistent leads, and position yourself as an expert even while working a full-time job.

This episode is packed with practical insights for consultants, coaches, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to build a thriving business with long-term impact.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- How George built his consulting practice on the side for nearly a decade before going full-time
- The biggest mindset shift required to move from employee to entrepreneur
- Why staying “top of mind” is critical for consultants and coaches
- Simple lead generation strategies using speaking, writing, and direct outreach
- How to manage time, clients, and marketing as a solo consultant
- What it takes to grow into a national speaker in a competitive market

George also shares tools and platforms that support his business development, including using LinkedIn for visibility and HubSpot for managing relationships and outreach.

If you’re building a consulting or coaching business or planning to start one this conversation will give you a realistic roadmap to grow without burning out.

To connect with George - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgesample/

Blending neuroscience with modern sales coaching, Shannon shares how understanding your brain can transform the way you sell, communicate value, and connect with clients. From escaping corporate burnout to navigating toxic bosses and impostor syndrome, this conversation dives deep into mindset, self-talk, and the psychology behind successful selling.

You’ll hear Shannon’s personal journey from traditional hard sales to neuroscience-driven coaching, including how the pandemic pushed her into deep research on anxiety, habits, and mental resilience and how that led to a completely new approach to sales and personal growth.

If you’re a coach, consultant, freelancer, or solopreneur who struggles with charging what you’re worth, showing up in DMs, or confidently selling your services, this episode is for you.

Discover:
How neuroscience can rewire your relationship with sales
Why most solopreneurs fear selling themselves
The mindset shifts needed to charge what you’re worth
How to handle self-doubt and negative self-talk
Ways to communicate your value clearly to ideal clients
How to escape corporate burnout and build meaningful work

This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, coaches, and professionals ready to grow their business without feeling pushy or inauthentic.

To connect Shannon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonsmithjdms/

Raina shares her non-linear career journey from investment banking and microfinance to higher education, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. Drawing on her experience as a career relauncher and senior leader, she explains how deeply ingrained narratives like “I’m not enough,” “I should just be grateful,” and fear of being seen as bossy or aggressive can quietly hold women back at work.

This episode dives into how women can recognize and rewrite limiting beliefs, build confidence, and create a new self-concept that supports growth and leadership. Raina also opens up about the challenges of starting her own consulting business, pricing her services, overcoming scarcity mindset, and reframing sales as service. She discusses why so many women struggle with visibility, promotions, and self-advocacy, especially in male-dominated industries like tech and STEM.

You will also hear practical insights on managing imposter syndrome, advocating for promotions and raises, navigating workplace dynamics, and why investing in personal development can be career changing. Raina explains how her clients consistently achieve tangible results like promotions, raises, and high-visibility projects, even when the benefits feel hard to quantify at first.

If you are a professional woman feeling stuck, questioning your value, or struggling to move to the next level in your career, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and actionable guidance.

Key topics discussed:
• overcoming limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome
• self-advocacy and career visibility for women
• navigating workplace narratives and bias
• transitioning into entrepreneurship and consulting
• pricing your value and investing in yourself
• supporting women in tech and stem careers
• redefining success and thriving at work

Learn more about Raina Gandhi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rainabgandhi/

Subscribe to Thriving Through for more conversations on growth, resilience, leadership, and building a career that truly fits your life.

#thrivingthrough #womeninleadership #careercoaching #womenintech #impostersyndrome #selfadvocacy

In Episode 2 of the Thriving Through Podcast with executive coach and entrepreneur Stever Robbins returns to break down why traditional consulting models no longer work in today’s world. With over 26 years of experience as a self-employed consultant and a career spanning Harvard Business School, MIT, startups, and executive coaching, Stever shares the uncomfortable truths most professionals avoid.

This episode dives deep into why the conventional path of “do great work and clients will come” is flawed, how discomfort stops consultants from standing out, and why being different is now your biggest competitive advantage. Stever explains how old-school corporate thinking keeps consultants invisible and what it really takes to build authority, credibility, and a thriving independent career.
You’ll discover why differentiation matters more than ever in the age of AI and sameness, how embracing your uniqueness can transform your positioning, and why breaking away from traditional consulting rules is essential for growth.

If you’re a consultant, coach, freelancer, or entrepreneur struggling to stand out, get clients, or build a powerful personal brand, this episode will challenge your thinking and push you toward a bolder approach to success.

🎧 Listen now and rethink everything you’ve been told about consulting and success.

👉 Learn more about Stever Robbins:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stever/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through

With over 26 years as a self-employed consultant and a background that spans Harvard Business School, MIT, startups, and executive coaching, Stever shares why doing great work is not enough and why visibility, relationships, credibility, and differentiation matter far more than most people realize. From being mistaken for a waiter at a CEO conference to discovering that self-promotion can be the difference between success and invisibility, this conversation is packed with real-world insights for consultants who want to be taken seriously.

Stever also dives into what success truly means beyond money, sharing a powerful framework for evaluating your life, your work, and your impact. He explains how embracing what makes you different not trying to fit the corporate mold can become your greatest advantage, especially in the age of AI and ChatGPT, where sameness is everywhere.

If you’re a self-employed consultant, executive coach, freelancer, or entrepreneur struggling with positioning, authority, sales, or standing out in a crowded market, this episode will fundamentally change how you think about success, credibility, and growth.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to stop blending in and start being chosen.

👉 Learn more about Stever Robbins: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stever/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through

In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Kit Friday, an independent marketing consultant with 15 years of experience, to explore her journey from paralegal and private investigator to creative entrepreneur and strategic marketer. Kit shares the challenges of stepping fully into self-employment, overcoming self-doubt, and realizing the value of her innate talents.

Throughout the conversation, Kit opens up about:

How she blended analytical skills and creative passions to define her career path

The long road to confidence and believing in her own value as a consultant

Learning to differentiate instinct from anxiety and make strategic decisions under pressure

Structuring a consulting practice around tailored marketing, authenticity, transparency, and goal-setting

Building repeat clients and maintaining long-term relationships through clarity and communication

Developing prospecting systems to escape the feast-or-famine cycle

Expanding her practice through workshops, speaking engagements, and teaching

Kit also reflects on the personal lessons she’s learned from early client experiences, including the power of self-reflection surveys and the importance of setting boundaries to deliver high-quality work consistently. She shares practical strategies for consultants who struggle with imposter syndrome, inconsistent revenue, or finding the confidence to scale their businesses.

In this episode, we cover:

Kit Friday’s path from paralegal and private investigator to marketing consultant

The creative and analytical duality that shaped her career

Overcoming self-doubt and finding professional confidence

Tailoring consulting services to clients’ needs and budgets

Goal-setting and measuring consulting impact

Prospecting, repeat clients, and stabilizing income

Transitioning toward workshops, teaching, and speaking engagements

Lessons from early projects and self-reflection practices

If you’re a consultant, freelancer, or small business owner seeking clarity, confidence, and a sustainable approach to client work, this episode offers actionable insights to help you thrive through your consulting journey.

👉 Learn more about Kit Friday:
Website: kitfriday.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitfriday/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through

In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Andy Sherman, an experienced consultant and former CEO, to explore his unique journey through self-employment three times over. Andy shares how he transitioned from leading sales teams and running companies to building a consulting business focused on helping owner-operated small and mid-sized businesses scale their sales and operations.

Throughout the conversation, Andy opens up about:

Re-entering self-employment after corporate and entrepreneurial experiences

Leveraging his sales background to build a referral-driven consulting practice

Systematically nurturing referral networks and identifying high-potential partners

Creating strategic partnerships, including fractional CFO and MSP consulting initiatives

Incorporating AI tools to accelerate clients’ go-to-market strategies

Defining success through client impact, scalability, and improving quality of life for business owners

Learning from early mistakes and the importance of client qualification

Staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market and technology landscape

Andy also reflects on the personal lessons that shaped his consulting approach, including the value of a multi-pronged business development strategy, selective client alignment, and continuously evolving his practice to provide measurable value.

In this episode, we cover:

Andy Sherman’s journey through multiple phases of self-employment

Rebuilding a consulting practice and regaining momentum

Referral networks and systematic business development

Strategic partnerships with Whitman Advisory and Strategic Impact Partners

Using AI to drive real client revenue and operational impact

Success metrics beyond revenue: scalability, independence, and owner impact

Lessons learned from misaligned projects and client selection

Planning for the future while enjoying ongoing professional growth

If you’re a consultant, entrepreneur, or small business owner looking to build a high-value practice, scale operations, or integrate AI into growth strategies, this episode offers actionable insights to help you thrive through the consulting journey.

👉 Learn more about Andy Sherman:
Website: apexgrowthadvisors.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysherman2/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through

In this episode of Thriving Through, presented by AJ Riedel, AJ sits down with leadership coach, consultant, and author Jacob Karnes to unpack his journey from being turned down for promotions to building a purpose-driven consulting business serving leaders who employ Gen Z and young professionals.

Jacob shares how leaving corporate life led him to clarity around niching down, why most coaches struggle to define who they serve, and how getting hyper-specific transformed his sales, confidence, and impact. He opens up about the painful lessons of the first year and a half of entrepreneurship, the reality of the revenue roller coaster, and how recurring clients helped him stabilize his income.

You’ll also hear how writing his book, Master Your First Job, became the single most powerful growth tool in his business building authority, generating leads, and opening doors without feeling “salesy.” Jacob breaks down his outbound sales process, why certifications don’t close deals, and how frameworks not credentials create trust and results.

This episode is packed with practical insights for:

Coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs

Business owners navigating inconsistent revenue

Leaders managing Gen Z and young employees

Entrepreneurs struggling with sales and niching

Anyone turning setbacks into meaningful growth

In this episode, we cover:

Why corporate “no’s” can lead to the right entrepreneurial “yes”

How niching down increases quality leads and conversion rates

The truth about certifications vs. real authority

Using a book as a lead generator and trust builder

Outbound vs. inbound sales for small businesses

Leading young people and building a Gen Z talent pipeline

Creating predictable income while maintaining lifestyle freedom

Jacob also shares his long-term vision for licensing his leadership frameworks, growing a team, and building a business that supports both impact and family life.

If you’re looking to thrive through uncertainty, clarify your niche, and build a business aligned with your values, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Get a free copy of Jacob’s book:
masteryourfirstjob.com/free

👉 Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through

In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Alyssa Schaefer, aka The Business Cowgirl, to unpack her journey from being part of dismantled tech teams to thriving as a self-employed consultant. Alyssa shares the mindset shifts, technical know-how, and strategic systems that helped her build a successful consulting practice and overcome challenges like imposter syndrome and pricing uncertainty.

Throughout the conversation, Alyssa opens up about:

Her transition from corporate tech roles to independent consulting

How bartending skills helped her excel at client communication and bridging tech gaps

Building scalable business systems for coaches, consultants, and agencies

Common mistakes in software integrations and workflow automation

Why 95% of AI implementations fail—and how to use AI effectively without overreliance

Pricing strategies, delivering high-value consulting, and growing your credibility

The importance of mindset in leveraging technology and systems to scale

Alyssa also reflects on her next phase: moving from one-to-one consulting to one-to-many models and helping more people with practical systems and guidance. She shares resources like her Tech Health Scorecard, which helps businesses assess their systems, integrations, data quality, and workflow efficiency.

In this episode, we cover:

Alyssa Schaefer’s journey from corporate layoffs to independent consulting

Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence as a consultant

Using bartending and interpersonal skills to enhance business communication

Key mistakes in software and data integration for scaling businesses

Practical AI strategies for consultants and small business owners

Pricing, value delivery, and growing your consulting business sustainably

Transitioning to one-to-many consulting and creating scalable resources

If you’re a coach, consultant, or agency owner struggling with tech, AI, or business systems, this episode offers actionable insights and mindset strategies to help you thrive through the complexities of business growth.

👉 Learn more about Alyssa Schaefer, The Business Cowgirl:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebusinesscowgirl/

YouTube: The Business Cowgirl

Free Resource: Tech Health Scorecard

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through

Brandon shares his journey into self-employment during the pandemic, the early mistakes he made around pricing and positioning, and how false humility nearly held his consulting practice back. From charging $15 an hour to confidently pricing high-impact, premium consulting projects, Brandon explains why consultants must own their expertise and communicate it clearly to clients.
This conversation dives deep into pivotal moments in Brandon’s career, including launching and temporarily leaving, Launch Point Labs, returning with a clearer sense of purpose, and balancing mission-driven work with high-growth SaaS and tech consulting. Brandon also breaks down how he helps organizations build predictable, repeatable, and profitable sales systems, especially during high-stakes moments like mergers and acquisitions.

You’ll learn:

Why confidence matters more than credentials in consulting
How to price your expertise without imposter syndrome
The difference between arrogance and stating facts
Why inbound and outbound sales teams must be structured differently
How Brandon uses free audits to convert custom consulting work into long-term engagements
What consultants often misunderstand about lifestyle freedom and fulfilment

Brandon also shares honest insights about the future of his consulting journey, his desire to mentor the next generation of sales consultants, and why consulting is far more demanding but more rewarding than it looks from the outside.
Whether you’re an aspiring consultant, a seasoned advisor, or a founder building sales teams and go-to-market strategy, this episode offers practical lessons on confidence, pricing, pivots, and sustainable growth.

🔗 Connect with Brandon Mahoney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorsales/

WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE
If you're struggling with inconsistent income, feeling burned out from trying to serve everyone, or uncomfortable with self-promotion, Kirstin's journey offers a refreshing perspective on building a sustainable consulting practice. She shares how an "accidental entrepreneur" transformed corporate burnout into a fulfilling business by trusting her instincts, reframing marketing as service, and making strategic pivots based on energy alignment rather than forcing a preconceived business plan. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for self-employed consultants who want to attract ideal clients, overcome the discomfort of visibility, and build businesses that are both financially successful and personally rewarding.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
• [The Accidental Entrepreneur Path] How corporate burnout and motherhood can become catalysts for discovering your true calling as a consultant, and why testing ideas before going "all in" reduces risk while building confidence
• [Finding Your Ideal Client Through Energy Alignment] Why paying attention to which client conversations light you up is more valuable than forcing yourself to stick with your original niche, and how to recognize when it's time to pivot
• [Reframing Marketing as Service] How to overcome the discomfort of self-promotion by understanding that marketing yourself helps potential clients find the solutions they desperately need, transforming visibility from vanity into service
• [The Power of Community for Solo Consultants] Why connecting with other entrepreneurs—both online and in person—accelerates your comfort with marketing, helps you find your authentic voice, and combats the isolation of independent consulting
• [Strategic Social Media Study] How to use social media as a learning tool rather than just consumption, studying what content resonates with you to shape your own authentic marketing voice and attract ideal consulting clients
• [Mindset as a Business Asset] Why healing from burnout and managing self-talk are critical business skills for self-employed consultants, and how essentialism can help you build a sustainable consulting practice without sacrificing work-life balance

LISTEN TO THESE KEY MOMENTS
[00:00:25] From Corporate to Consultant 
[00:02:02] Testing the Freelance Waters 
[00:04:05] The Pivot Point: When Women Started Calling 
[00:08:44] Paying Attention to What Lights You Up
[00:13:00] Overcoming the Discomfort of Narrowing Your Niche
[00:19:30] Building Systems as a Solo Consultant
[00:26:50] The Comparison Trap and Finding Your Voice
[00:33:47] Essentialism: The Book That Healed Burnout
[00:35:06] Marketing as Service, Not Self-Promotion
[00:36:09] Building the Marketing Muscle

[00:37:57] Study Social Media, Don't Just Consume It - Kirstin's powerful advice for finding your authentic marketing voice by analyzing what content you're drawn to and why you're saving or liking specific posts

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

"Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown

ABOUT KIRSTIN BRENDERS

Kirstin Brenders is an online business coach and mentor who helps women build sustainable businesses after leaving corporate careers. With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate architecture and interior design—specializing in team building, client management, and project management—Kirstin understands firsthand the challenges of corporate burnout and the journey to entrepreneurship. After becoming an "accidental entrepreneur" during the pandemic, she initially helped interior designers and architects with behind-the-scenes business systems and processes. Recognizing that her true passion was mentoring women through the corporate-to-consultant transition, Kirstin pivoted her business to focus on coaching creative professionals and service-based entrepreneurs. She believes in building businesses that are both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling, emphasizing energy alignment, authentic marketing, and mindset work as foundations for sustainable success.

Connect with Kirstin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstinbrenders/
Visit her website: KirstinBrenders.com
Follow her on Instagram: @KirstinBrenders.co

In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with independent consultant Dave de Céspedes to explore his journey from teaching and creative work to building a thriving consulting practice—one now highly specialized in serving venture capital firms.

Dave shares how his early years as a generalist consultant led to inconsistent lead flow, volatile revenue, and scattered engagements—and how niching down into the VC space completely transformed his business. He explains how working within Notion’s consultant ecosystem initially fueled inbound leads, but also exposed the risk of relying on lead sources you don’t control.

This episode dives deep into consulting lead generation, relationship-based growth, and why longer-term, sprint-based retainers create far more predictable revenue than traditional project work. Dave also breaks down how workflow audits, change management, and flexible sprint planning help VC teams actually adopt new systems—rather than letting them collect dust.

If you’re a consultant, coach, or solopreneur navigating feast-or-famine income, wondering whether to niche down, or trying to design a business that supports both time freedom and financial stability, this conversation delivers practical, real-world insight.

In this episode, we cover:

Dave de Céspedes’ path from teaching to consulting

Navigating the consulting revenue roller coaster

Why relying solely on inbound leads is risky

How niching down into venture capital builds authority

Relationship-driven lead generation strategies

Structuring retainers and sprint-based engagements

Solving workflow and operations challenges for VC firms

Staying relevant as AI and productivity tools evolve

Designing a consulting business around lifestyle and family

Dave also reflects on how consulting has enabled him to be present for his family while building a profitable, fulfilling business—without sacrificing impact or flexibility.

If you want to thrive through uncertainty, create consistent consulting income, and become a recognized expert in a clear niche, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Learn more about Dave’s work:
workcraft.co

👉 Connect with Dave de Céspedes:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmdecespedes/

Mark opens up about his transition from large consulting firms to independent consulting, how COVID accelerated his move, and the biggest mindset shifts required when running your own consulting business. He also discusses why the most effective consultants focus on influence, leadership, and enterprise-level thinking, not just execution.

You’ll learn how to:
• Identify which type of consultant you are, and which one you should be
• Position yourself as a strategic advisor instead of a “gun for hire”
• Use LinkedIn and thought leadership to attract inbound consulting opportunities
• Build a consulting network that actually generates business
• Say no to the wrong projects so you’re available for the right ones
• Price your services confidently and explore alternative compensation models
• Turn consulting engagements into retainers and recurring revenue
• Stay relevant by continuously preparing for the “next wave” in your career

Mark also shares insights from his time as an interim CIO, lessons from uncovering hidden organizational risks, and how writing his book helped strengthen his authority and consulting pipeline.

If you’re a consultant, coach, advisor, freelancer, or professional service provider looking to grow your influence, raise your rates, and build a consulting practice that doesn’t burn you out, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.

In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Jacki DeVries, founder of FireUp AIO
, to explore her journey from inside sales professional to self-employed entrepreneur. Jacki shares how she overcame challenges like building a sales process from scratch, stepping outside her comfort zone with in-person networking, and pivoting her services to meet evolving client needs in AI and digital marketing.

Jacki opens up about the lessons she learned working at NP Digital and IQS Directory, the trial-and-error involved in finding her ideal target market, and how she structures outreach and content strategies to generate leads effectively in 2025.

Throughout the conversation, Jacki covers:

Transitioning from inside sales to consulting entrepreneurship

The challenges of in-person networking and stepping outside her comfort zone

Time management and productivity as a solo business owner

Pivoting to AI-driven marketing with FireUp AIO

Outreach strategies and building a sales pipeline in a competitive market

Differentiating herself and her services in a crowded digital landscape

Learning from mentors, books, and real-world trial-and-error

Building confidence and resilience as a first-year entrepreneur

Jacki also shares actionable strategies for consultants and marketers looking to scale services online while maintaining personalized client relationships. Her approach emphasizes adaptability, quick learning, and leveraging AI-driven marketing strategies to stay ahead in the evolving SEO and digital marketing landscape.

In this episode, we cover:

Jacki DeVries’ career journey from inside sales to consulting

Launching and growing FireUp AIO

Managing time, productivity, and client work as a solo entrepreneur

Networking and outreach strategies that actually work

Developing a repeatable sales process

Differentiating yourself in a competitive market

Lessons learned from trial-and-error

Resources and books that guided her entrepreneurial growth

If you’re a consultant, marketer, or business owner navigating AI-driven marketing and digital outreach, this episode offers a grounded, practical, and honest perspective on what it means to thrive through launching and scaling a consulting business.

👉 Learn more about Jacki DeVries:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackidevries/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through

Paul shares why he waited years after becoming certified to finally make the leap, how launching his business in January 2020 collided head-on with COVID, and why writing a book became both a stabilizing force and a powerful marketing tool. His Amazon best-selling book, Get Squared: Goal Getting with Balance, grew out of a simple insight: most business owners fail at goals not because they lack ambition, but because they lose balance.

Throughout the conversation, Paul speaks candidly about coaching clients through challenges he’s actively navigating himself, including inconsistent revenue, program selection, and business model evolution. He also offers a thoughtful, contrarian take on niching, explaining why he believes business fundamentals transfer across industries and how marketing niches can exist without limiting who you serve.

In this episode, we cover:

Paul Moehring’s path from corporate life to coaching

Launching a business weeks before the pandemic

Writing a book as a credibility and lead-generation tool

Goal setting across business, family, personal, and spiritual life

Coaching while still on the revenue roller coaster

One-on-one vs. group coaching models

The risks of shiny-object syndrome in business programs

Lessons from failure, persistence, and long-term vision

Paul also shares his ambition to reach seven figures not as an endpoint, but as a platform to expand his impact and bring a message of hope, balance, and ownership to one million people.

If you’re a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur navigating uncertainty, questioning conventional advice, or building a business later in your career, this episode delivers honesty, wisdom, and perspective you won’t find in highlight-reel success stories.

👉 Learn more about Paul Moehring:
paulmoehring.com 

Connect with Paul on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmoehring/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
✨ Keep Thriving Through

Jamie shares her journey into consulting, discussing the importance of consistency, patience, and showing up even when growth feels slow. She reflects on breaking away from the “revenue roller coaster” mindset and explains how long-term success is built through trust, relationships, and steady effort rather than quick wins.

The conversation highlights how community, referrals, and word-of-mouth have played a critical role in Jamie’s business growth. She also speaks candidly about confidence, boundaries, and the mindset shifts required to stay committed to the process of self-employment.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:
• The reality of building a consulting business from the ground up
• Why consistency matters more than immediate results
• How referrals and relationships drive sustainable growth
• The role of community in expanding professional opportunities
• Overcoming uncertainty and maintaining momentum as a consultant
• Developing confidence and discipline in self-employment

This episode offers honest insights and practical takeaways for consultants, small business owners, and professionals navigating the challenges of growing a service-based business.

Dr. Raya shares how the uncertainty of the COVID era led him to reassess his path in academia and ultimately step into entrepreneurship. He walks through the mindset shifts required to leave a stable career, the early challenges of building credibility in a new industry, and the patience needed to earn trust, especially when working with business finances.

The conversation explores what it really takes to grow a consulting business, from separating personal and business finances to creating systems that support long-term scalability. Dr. Raya also opens up about the realities of the first year in business, the role of consistent content creation in establishing authority, and how trust is built over time through relationships rather than hard selling.

As the discussion unfolds, listeners gain insight into scaling beyond a solo operation, preparing to hire and lead a team, and developing the self-awareness required to grow as both a business owner and a leader. This episode offers practical guidance and honest reflection for entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals considering a bold career transition.

Christi shares her incredible journey, which started with a side-hustle during her corporate job and eventually led to her going full-time during COVID. She still keeps a few VA clients to stay current, which enhances her credibility as a trainer. She openly discusses the critical challenges of burnout and overcoming the dreaded feast or famine cycle that plagues many consultants.

Discover Christi’s unique strategies for sustainable growth, including the essential concept of Mise en Place (having everything in place), why faceless marketing failed her, and how to use irrational generosity to nurture leads and build a robust client waiting list.

Christi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christibalfour/

🛠️ Key Takeaways & Business Strategies:
The Pivot: Christi's transition from the corporate A/V world to launching a successful VA training and coaching practice.

Beating Burnout: How she created boundaries to overcome the exhaustion of juggling a 9-to-5 job and a full-time side business.

Mise en Place: Learn the French chef's secret for business preparation—setting up systems (proposals, contracts, invoices) before you even land your first client.

Conquering Famine: The non-negotiable strategy of constant marketing and why building a client waiting list is crucial for long-term stability.

Authenticity Wins: The turning point where she moved beyond faceless marketing and used her presence to build trust and fill her pipeline.

Irrational Generosity: How giving away massive value without expecting an immediate sale generates powerful leads and referrals.

Starting Advice: The one thing she would do differently if starting over today: immediately starting an email list and a lead magnet.

The Shiny Object Trap: Why you don't need expensive software and how starting simple with Google Sheets/Docs is sufficient.

Kelsey recounts her journey through corporate roles—from aerospace to Starbucks and finally as Director of Admission Systems, where she earned her MBA and PMP certification. Despite the accolades, she realized corporate life wasn't "filling her cup." Now, two and a half years into consulting, she discusses how she quickly surpassed her corporate income by moving to a retainer model and redefined success as achieving a true work-life blend, complete with vacation time and freedom.

Discover Kelsey's most valuable business lessons, including the importance of emotional intelligence and learning to trust your gut when dating clients (the "force versus flow" concept). Most importantly, learn the practical delegation and process improvement strategies she uses to help business owners buy back their time:

🛠️ Key Takeaways & Operations Frameworks:

The Leap: How Kelsey met her financial goal and decided to ditch the corporate mentality for full-time entrepreneurship.

Decisive Clients: Why being open-minded and decisive are non-negotiable traits in an ideal client match.

Force vs. Flow: The story of the client that taught her to trust her gut and walk away when a relationship feels forced.

The 10/80/10 Delegation Rule: A powerful project management framework for empowering your team and freeing up the owner's time (10% vision, 80% execution, 10% refinement).

1/3/1 Problem Solving: How to empower your team to solve problems by bringing one problem, three solutions, and one recommendation to the table.

Future Growth: Kelsey's vision for launching a podcast and a group coaching membership program.

Must-Read Advice: The value of the book Who Not How and why you must "stop overthinking it and do it scared."

What You'll Learn in this episode:

- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to recognize when you're wearing masks in your consulting business and the physical signs that indicate you're not operating from your authentic self

- Fear-Based vs. Authentic Decision Making: The difference between legitimate business caution and fear-driven choices that sabotage your consulting practice

- Networking with Intention: A proven approach to networking that builds genuine relationships instead of transactional connections

- The Reset It Methodology: How shedding programs and conditions inherited from corporate environments can transform your consulting effectiveness

- Breaking the Revenue Roller Coaster: Why operating from presence and authenticity naturally attracts ideal clients and consistent income

- Building Client Relationships: How to conduct consultative sales conversations that feel natural and build long-term partnerships

Connect with Anthony Calleo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonybcalleo/

What You'll Learn in this episode:

 - How to vet potential business partners for long-term success
 - Practical strategies for overcoming feast or famine consulting cycles
 - Why setting aside 20% of monthly revenue is crucial for financial stability
 - Business development tools and systems that actually work for solo consultants
 - How to manage the emotional ups and downs of inconsistent consulting income

Key Topics & Timestamps

[00:05:15] From Corporate Executive to Solo Consultant Kyle explains his path from various corporate roles to becoming a fractional Chief of Staff consultant and what ultimately drove him to leave his president position.

[00:06:54] What is a Corporate Chief of Staff? Breaking down the role beyond the White House version - how a Chief of Staff serves as the "synergist" of an organization, bridging gaps between C-suite and employees.

[00:09:23] The Difficult Decision to Leave The emotional and professional process of walking away from a corporate leadership role and the year-long journey to process that transition.

[00:14:38] Finding the Right Business Partner Kyle's three-step framework for vetting potential partners and how finding Stephanie Denton transformed his business capabilities.

[00:22:02] Business Reality Check at 10 Months Honest assessment of where the business stands versus expectations and the biggest lessons learned in year one.

[00:23:21] Biggest Mistakes and Key Lessons Why neglecting business development pipeline was costly and the importance of setting aside 20% of monthly revenue for stability.

[00:24:59] Business Development Challenges The struggle of balancing service delivery with sales activities and specific tools Kyle is testing to solve this problem.

[00:31:40] Managing Mental Challenges How being "extremely hard on yourself" can both help and hurt as a consultant, plus strategies for building mental endurance.

[00:36:13] The Revenue Roller Coaster Reality Kyle's honest description of the emotional highs and lows of inconsistent consulting income - from "pure ecstasy" to "3 AM wake-ups." [00:41:05] Vision for Growth Plans to build an industry-agnostic Chief of Staff consultancy with multiple teams across different sectors.

Connect with Kyle Mlakar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemlakar/

What You'll Learn in This Episode

How to overcome pricing fears and charge what you're worth. Marc shares his transformation from undercharging to confidently pricing his services, and why clients actually see you as more of an expert when you charge appropriately.

The monthly recurring revenue strategy that changed everything. Discover how Marc built a "snowball business" with hosting, maintenance, and ongoing services that now covers his entire salary and team costs – even if he never signs another new client.

Gap selling techniques that feel natural, not pushy. Learn Marc's approach to helping prospects understand the gap between their current situation and where they want to be, making the sale feel like a natural conversation.

Pipeline management for consistent lead flow. Get the inside scoop on how Marc diversified his lead sources beyond social media, focusing on local SEO, partnerships, and word-of-mouth referrals that actually convert.

Why investing in coaching accelerated his growth. Marc breaks down his experience with multiple coaches and how they helped him 3x his business by changing his mindset and systems.

Key Takeaways for Self-Employed Consultants
[00:56] The Bathroom Renovation Pricing Breakthrough - Marc shares his bathroom renovation analogy that helped him understand why clients pay premium prices for professional expertise.
[03:57] The Pricing-Perception Connection - The counterintuitive truth that higher prices actually increase client confidence in your abilities.
[14:46] From Panic Attack to Predictable Income - How Marc's lowest moment became the catalyst for building predictable income that now covers his entire salary.
[20:45] Pipeline Diversification Beyond Social Media - Marc's diversification strategy using partnerships, local SEO, and word-of-mouth referrals that actually convert.
[33:33] Strategic Coaching Investments That Paid Off - The three coaches who helped Marc 3x his business and change his mindset around pricing and positioning.
[40:31] Game-Changing Books and Resources - Key resources including "The Win Without Pitching Manifesto" and "Free Money" that shifted Marc's client engagement strategy.

Resources Mentioned
The Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns
Free Money by Austin Church

Connect with Marc Hyde on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmarchyde/

Visit Marc's special landing page created for Thriving Through listeners: marchyde.com/ajr

This page includes quick links, a personal video from Marc, free resources, examples of his recent work, and information on how to work with him.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you're a self-employed consultant struggling with inconsistent income, feast-or-famine cycles, or feeling stuck despite your expertise, this episode reveals how personal development work directly impacts your business success. Tricia shares her journey from survival mode entrepreneur to visionary business leader, showing exactly how addressing underlying limiting beliefs and mindset blocks can unlock new revenue streams and business opportunities you never thought possible.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The Hidden Connection Between Personal and Professional Growth - How unresolved personal issues create glass ceilings in your consulting business and why professional development alone isn't enough
• Breaking the Survival Mode Cycle - Practical strategies for moving beyond feast-or-famine income patterns and building predictable revenue systems that support long-term growth
• The Power of Clear Business Vision - Why most consultants fail to scale beyond solopreneur status and how to develop a compelling vision that attracts the right opportunities and team members
• Data-Driven Business Growth - Simple tracking methods that reveal what's actually working in your business versus what's wasting your time and resources
• Scaling Without Losing Your Soul - How to transition from doing everything yourself to building systems and teams while staying true to your core mission and values
• The Entrepreneurial Pivot Strategy - Real-world insights on how to leverage existing business skills and client relationships to launch completely new ventures

Listen to These Key Moments

• [01:47] From Web Designer to Business Consultant - How expertise naturally evolves into consulting relationships and why this transition is crucial for income growth
• [03:17] The Rock Bottom Moment - Tricia's personal crisis that revealed how avoiding inner work was sabotaging both her relationships and business potential
• [04:36] The Leadership Challenge - Why technical skills don't automatically translate to business leadership and the costly mistakes that come from trying to scale without proper vision
• [06:38] The Tracking Revelation - How a simple whiteboard system transformed Tricia's business by revealing exactly which activities generated real results
• [07:29] The Multi-Million Dollar Vision - Tricia's bold projection for Portrayals XR and why thinking bigger actually makes success more achievable
• [09:29] The Divine Download - How a 3am inspiration led to a revolutionary business idea combining AI, virtual reality, and healing work
• [16:49] Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself - The one book that changed everything and how subconscious reprogramming creates lasting business transformation
• [18:03] The Vision Question - The most important advice for new consultants: defining where you want your business to go before you start making decisions
• [20:05] The Purpose Formula - How to identify your unique value proposition by examining what you've overcome, your natural passions, and developed skills

Connect with Tricia Keightley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-keightley/

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

As a self-employed consultant, you know that feast-or-famine cycles are often caused by empty pipelines and inconsistent lead generation. Julie reveals how strategic networking can become your most reliable marketing channel, creating a steady flow of referrals and opportunities. She shares practical frameworks for turning networking events and relationship building into measurable business results, helping you break free from reactive prospecting and build a proactive system for consistent client acquisition.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
• Strategic vs. Random Networking - How to evaluate events and organizations based on business alignment rather than convenience, ensuring your networking energy generates maximum ROI
• Building Your Network Systematically - Specific tactics for identifying decision makers and connectors in your target market, plus scripts for confident introductions and meaningful conversations
• Converting Relationships into Revenue - Julie's proven follow-up system for nurturing networking contacts into referral partners and potential clients without being pushy or salesy
• Networking ROI Tracking - Practical approaches for measuring networking effectiveness and managing time investment while maintaining authentic relationship building
• Confidence Building for Introverts - Actionable strategies for introverted consultants to network effectively by leveraging natural listening skills and preparation techniques
• Balancing Multiple Priorities - How to develop a side consulting practice while managing full-time work and family obligations without burning out

Listen to These Key Moments

[04:49] Strategic vs Random Networking - Learn why evaluating events based on business goals and target audience dramatically improves networking results compared to attending convenient local events
[08:27] Finding the Right People at Events - Discover Julie's intuitive approach for identifying and approaching decision makers and high-value connectors at networking events
[10:11] Creating an Omnichannel Networking Strategy - How to combine in-person events, social media, and content creation to maximize your networking reach and stay top-of-mind
[12:54] Tracking Networking ROI - Practical methods for measuring networking effectiveness, including the "always-on networking" approach that generates unexpected opportunities
[18:48] Networking for Introverts - Confidence-building strategies specifically designed for introverted consultants, including preparation techniques and conversation frameworks
[23:27] Balancing Business Development with Life - How to manage side business growth alongside full-time work and family responsibilities while avoiding burnout
[32:41] Building Confidence as a Consultant - Essential mindset shifts for overcoming imposter syndrome and recognizing the value you bring to potential clients

Connect with Julie Kirsch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-cantola-kirsch/
Website: thefriendshipstrategist.com
Instagram: @thefriendshipstrategist

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Todd Bertsch, Owner of Birch Consulting Group and Evolve Marketing. Todd transformed his leadership style and business approach after discovering positive intelligence during COVID, building what he calls an "internal pause button" that changed how he responds to business challenges, client rejections, and unexpected setbacks.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you're tired of letting client rejections derail your entire week or struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of feast-or-famine cycles, this episode reveals how mental fitness can become your secret weapon for building a more resilient consulting practice. Todd shares specific techniques you can use immediately when facing revenue dips, lost proposals, or unexpected business challenges - plus practical advice on building a professional online presence that attracts premium clients.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The Internal Pause Button Technique - How to create space between challenging situations and your responses to avoid knee-jerk reactions that damage relationships and derail your focus
• The SAGE Perspective Framework - A systematic approach to finding gifts and opportunities in every business setback, from client rejections to revenue dips
• Professional Speaking Business Model - Why speaking can be a powerful lead generation tool for consultants, plus realistic expectations about the professional speaking industry hustle
• Mental Fitness for Revenue Challenges - Specific techniques to shift from panic mode to productive action when facing income volatility or major client losses
• Website Investment Strategy - Why most consultants underinvest in their online presence and the minimum standards needed to appear credible to premium clients
• Continuous Learning Mindset - How to avoid the "ping-pong effect" between growth and fixed mindsets that can sabotage long-term success

Listen to These Key Moments

[04:17] COVID Reflection and Pivot - How unexpected office challenges led to deep reflection about life direction and business fulfillment
[12:45] Positive Intelligence Discovery - The LinkedIn outreach that introduced Todd to a mental fitness program that transformed his leadership approach
[15:16] Internal Pause Button Development - How mental fitness training created space for strategic responses instead of reactive behavior patterns
[18:17] SAGE Perspective in Action - Real examples of finding gifts in client rejections and business setbacks using positive intelligence principles
[21:42] Family Crisis Mental Fitness Test - How an elbow injury during family time became an opportunity for deeper connection through mindset shifts
[24:04] Tactical Mental Fitness Techniques - Specific pause-and-reset strategies consultants can use when facing revenue challenges or business stress
[27:36] Website Investment Philosophy - Why professional photography and design are essential investments for consultant credibility and client attraction
[31:21] Resource Recommendations - Books and podcasts that transformed Todd's speaking business approach and strategic focus
[32:47] Lifelong Learning Philosophy - The importance of continuous growth and avoiding complacency after initial business success

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch/

Websites:
evolvemarketingteam.com/ (Company)
toddbertsch.com/ (Personal)

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 
You'll discover how to prevent scope creep by setting clear boundaries from day one and having difficult conversations with clients about project limits.
 Laura shares her systematic approach to building referrals directly into client contracts, turning what most consultants leave to chance into a repeatable business development process. 

You'll learn why marketing yourself as a consultant is fundamentally different from marketing an institution, and practical strategies for showcasing your value when you can't share proprietary client work. 

The episode covers essential tools and systems that can transform your project management and client relationship tracking. 
Laura explains how to find and vet collaboration partners for larger projects, turning isolation into opportunity. 

You'll understand how to price your services appropriately and avoid the common trap of undervaluing your time when transitioning from salary to hourly work. 
Finally, you'll learn why focusing on one marketing channel and doing it exceptionally well beats spreading yourself thin across multiple platforms.

Listen to These Key Moments:
[03:49] The Scope Creep Struggle - Laura reveals how her higher education background of "wearing 5-6 hats" nearly derailed her consulting business and the mindset shift that saved her income.
[18:45] The Marketing Paradox - Why marketing yourself as a consultant feels impossible when your best work is confidential, and Laura's creative solutions for showcasing value without revealing proprietary information.
[25:00] The Referral System That Works - How Laura built referrals directly into her contracts, including specific language about surveys, testimonials, and introductions that clients must provide.
[28:20] Collaboration Over Competition - Laura's approach to partnering with other consultants on large RFPs, including how she found partners through professional associations and manages cross-timezone projects.
[35:44] The Tool Stack That Changed Everything - Why Asana and Zoho CRM became game-changers for Laura's productivity and client management, plus practical tips for implementation.
[40:47] The One-Channel Marketing Strategy - Laura's argument for focusing exclusively on LinkedIn content marketing and why "doing few things very well" beats spreading yourself thin across platforms.

Connect with Laura Rudolph on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakrudolph/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Edna Harding, Bible-Based Business Growth & Mindset Strategist for Creative Founders. What distinguishes Edna is her remarkable journey from being repeatedly betrayed by corporate employers and losing over $500,000 in a church investment scam to building scalable systems that allow her to serve clients profitably without trading time for money.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Self-employed consultants will discover how to transform crisis into opportunity by building systematic, scalable programs that serve clients at every price point. Edna's story demonstrates that the greatest setbacks can become the foundation for creating more resilient, profitable consulting practices that don't depend on trading time for money.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: You'll discover how to pivot from traditional time-for-money consulting to scalable program delivery that serves clients who can't afford premium rates. You'll learn the mindset shifts required to overcome major financial setbacks and continue building your practice during crisis periods. You'll understand how to use systematic approaches and automation to reduce costs while maintaining service quality. You'll explore how authenticity and niching down can actually expand your market rather than limit it. You'll see how personal development directly impacts business growth and why addressing internal wounds is crucial for external success. You'll learn why hiring coaches and mentors accelerates growth even when resources are tight. You'll discover how to build your business infrastructure during slower periods to prepare for rapid scaling later.

Listen to These Key Moments:

00:56 - From Corporate Betrayal to Entrepreneurship Edna shares how being "burned four times" in corporate roles, including having commission structures changed right before payouts, led her to write "The Ugly Side of Sales" and accidentally launch her consulting business.

05:29 - The $500K Church Investment Scam The devastating story of how trusted pastors recruited Edna into a fake commercial real estate investment that cost her over $500,000 and led to loans being taken out in her name without her knowledge.

08:52 - Building a Business Without Money for 5 Years How Edna operated in "feast or famine" mode from 2017-2022, building her consulting practice while paying $8,000 monthly on fraudulent loans, ultimately becoming debt-free twice.

14:05 - Biblical Business Strategy: Serving the Unserved Market Edna explains how the parable of leaving the 99 for the 1 inspired her to create programs for clients without money, using systems and automation to keep costs low while maintaining profitability.

16:00 - Personal Development as Financial Development The breakthrough realization that external prosperity requires internal healing, leading Edna to spend 6 months focused solely on forgiving past wounds before her business began thriving again.

20:26 - Systems Over Time: The Key to Scalability How Edna built systems and automation during her 4-year semi-break as a mom, allowing her to serve clients profitably without trading time for money.

29:15 - Niching Down Without Fear Why Edna believes fear of niching down comes from a "poverty mindset" and how being authentically herself in biblical business strategies attracted her ideal clients who found her rather than the other way around.

37:22 - The Power of Hiring Coaches Why Edna continues to invest in multiple coaches and mentors, viewing it as trading "money for time" and applying the biblical principle of seeking counsel from multiple advisors.

Connect with EdnaLyn Harding on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ednaharding/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Mark Scrimenti, Fractional COO and Executive Coach. Mark distinguishes himself by specializing exclusively in the $5-50M B2B professional services space, where he helps founder-led companies transition from founder-driven growth to leadership team-driven growth using systematic frameworks and processes.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Self-employed consultants will discover how to evolve from taking any client who will pay to building a premium practice with ideal clients. Mark shares the strategic mindset shifts and practical systems that allowed him to move upmarket and command higher rates while delivering greater impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: You'll learn how to identify and target your ideal client profile instead of accepting whoever comes along. You'll discover why working with companies that are too small creates problems for both you and the client, and how to recognize the right size and maturity level for maximum impact. You'll understand how to develop your own framework and systematized approach rather than just selling yourself as a generalist. You'll learn practical strategies for setting boundaries with clients and having difficult conversations about scope and compensation. You'll discover how to shift your mindset from desperate for any work to strategic about client selection. You'll learn how to build trust quickly with C-suite executives and navigate the unique challenges of fractional leadership roles. You'll understand how to approach business development as service rather than selling, making it more natural and effective.

Listen to These Key Moments:
[02:48] From Corporate to Consultant: Mark explains how losing out on a COO position during the pandemic led him to hang out his shingle as a fractional executive, and how his 12+ years scaling a company over $100M prepared him for this transition.
[06:40] Defining the Ideal Client: Learn why Mark targets $5-50M B2B professional services companies and how working with clients that are too small creates problems for both consultant and client.
[10:06] The Biggest Challenge: Finding Your Focus: Mark discusses how not having a clear ideal client profile early on led to poor fits and how he evolved to go upmarket with more confidence.
[16:12] Learning to Say No: The critical moment when Mark first told a client that additional work was outside the project scope and how that conversation went better than expected.
[21:02] Setting Boundaries Without Guilt: Mark shares his approach to having difficult conversations about scope and compensation while maintaining integrity and client relationships.
[26:07] Building Trust as a Fractional Executive: How to qualify prospects for the right chemistry and trust needed for fractional C-suite roles, plus red flags to watch for.
[31:49] Making Business Development Less Painful: Mark's mindset shift that transformed sales from something he dreaded to a service-oriented conversation about helping clients.
[35:47] The Reality Check: An honest discussion about considering a return to corporate life and what keeps him motivated to continue building his practice despite the challenges.

Connect with Mark Scrimenti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrimenti/

What You'll Learn

• How to build a systematic LinkedIn prospecting system that generates consistent leads for consulting services
• The 5-message customized cadence that achieves 35% response rates (and why the 4th or 5th message often gets the reply)
• Why LinkedIn Recruiter combined with a CRM creates a powerful lead generation machine for consultants
• The "easy lift, high reward vs. heavy lift, low result" framework for prioritizing time as a solo consultant
• When to invest in business coaching as an early-stage consultant (and how to choose the right coach)
• How to transition from content marketing to direct outreach for faster results
• The metrics that matter: tracking connection acceptance rates, response rates, and call conversion

Key Topics & Timestamps

David's Background & Transition to Consulting (00:00 - 08:00)

• 15 years in corporate talent acquisition and recruiting
• The layoff that sparked his entrepreneurial journey
• Why he shifted focus from building teams to one-on-one coaching

Ideal Client Evolution & Market Focus (08:00 - 15:00)

• How David narrowed from multiple target markets to corporate professionals
• Working with employed professionals in their job search (10-20 years experience)
• The challenge of running a job search while working 40-60 hour weeks

LinkedIn Prospecting System Deep Dive (15:00 - 35:00)

• Using LinkedIn Recruiter to identify prospects showing job search signals
• The 5-message customized outreach sequence that drives results
• 45% connection acceptance rate and 35% response rate metrics
• Integration with Pipedrive CRM using LinkedIn's Surf feature
• Why customization beats automation for relationship-building

Content vs. Direct Marketing Strategy (35:00 - 40:00)

• Why David shifted away from heavy content creation (daily posts, newsletters)
• Content as credibility vs. content as lead generation
• The "phishing vs. hunting" analogy for marketing approaches

Business Coaching Investment Decision (40:00 - 50:00)

• Investing in First 10 Founders Hub despite early revenue pressure
• The importance of process, systems, and community for new consultants
• When to invest vs. when to bootstrap as a consultant

Time Management & Prioritization (50:00 - 60:00)

• Revenue-generating activities vs. learning new skills
• The "easy lift, high reward vs. heavy lift, low result" decision framework
• When to outsource vs. when to learn (SEO, website optimization example)

Results & Future Vision (60:00 - End)

• 8 clients accepted new offers since March
• Averaging 8 clients on ongoing basis with mix of short and long-term engagements
• Lifestyle entrepreneur approach vs. generational business building

Resources Mentioned

• LinkedIn Recruiter for prospecting
• Pipedrive CRM for lead management
• LinkedIn Surf feature for CRM integration
• First 10 Founders Hub business coaching program
• James Wedmore's revenue-generating activities concept

Key Quotes

"You don't know what you don't know, and so I think even where we had originally connected was the idea of a business coach, and that was something that... not needing to necessarily reinvent the wheel on all of this."

"It's usually those individuals... it's amazing to me how many times it's that fourth or fifth message that I'm getting that next response."

"Is it easy lift, high reward, or is it going to be a heavy lift for a low result?"

Guest Bio

David Penny is a job search coach who helps corporate professionals in their mid-careers navigate successful job searches while employed. With 15 years of experience in talent acquisition and recruiting, David brings an insider's perspective to the job search process. He specializes in systematic LinkedIn strategies and post-application follow-up techniques that help clients stand out in today's competitive job market. Since launching his practice in January 2025, David has helped 8 clients accept new offers and maintains an average of 8-10 prospect consultations per week.

Connect with David Penny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-penny-14686021/

What You'll Learn

In this candid conversation, Justine shares the exact strategies that helped her overcome the fear of self-employed consultant income uncertainty and build a profitable practice that relies entirely on consulting business referrals. If you're a self-employed consultant dealing with feast-or-famine cycles, this episode provides actionable insights for creating stability.

Why This Episode Matters for Self-Employed Consultants

This episode directly addresses the biggest challenges facing self-employed consultants: overcoming consulting fears, building consistent consultant income, and creating reliable consulting business referrals. Justine's practical approach to relationship building and her strategic method for conquering fear provide a roadmap for consultants struggling with inconsistent revenue.

Key Takeaways

Overcoming Fear and Starting Your Practice

• The "worst-case scenario" method for overcoming consulting fears (4:06)
• Why talking to 25+ people before starting eliminated uncertainty (3:15)
• How having 6 months of expenses saved creates confidence (4:29)

Building a Referral-Based Business

• Why consulting business referrals eliminate competition (5:20)
• The relationship-building approach that generates consistent self-employed consultant income (6:41)
• Networking strategies that create long-term referral partners (7:11)

Managing Client Relationships and Scope

• Handling scope creep while maintaining relationships (13:19)
• The "do the right thing" approach to client service (12:24)
• Building goodwill that leads to future consulting business referrals (14:48)

Expanding Your Services

• Adding AI automation advisory to traditional CFO services (16:01)
• Why adaptability is crucial for self-employed consultant success (25:42)
• Preparing for different marketing approaches with new services (26:24)

Episode Timestamps

• 00:22 - Justine's path to self-employment and overcoming consulting fears
• 03:15 - The research process: talking to 25+ people before starting
• 04:29 - Financial preparation: why 6 months of expenses matters
• 05:20 - Building a referral-based consulting business
• 07:11 - Networking strategies for self-employed consultants
• 10:48 - Learning from the first fixed-price project mistake
• 13:19 - Managing scope creep and client relationships
• 15:13 - Rebranding and adding AI automation services
• 22:24 - Two years in business: lessons learned
• 27:55 - Advice for aspiring fractional CFOs
• 30:30 - Rapid-fire questions and final insights

Resources Mentioned

• The importance of market research before starting
• Building 6 months of expense reserves
• AI automation tools for finance and accounting
• Networking as the primary marketing strategy

Guest Bio

Justine Lemanowicz is a fractional CFO who helps small to mid-market companies turn their businesses around. After 10 years of planning and two years of operation, she has built a thriving referral-based consulting business that focuses on distressed companies needing financial guidance. She's also expanding into AI automation advisory services, helping companies identify and implement technology solutions for their financial processes.

Connect with Justine Lemanowicz on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justinelem/

What You'll Learn
The 3 biggest website mistakes consultants make that hurt credibility
Why your website messaging needs to focus on HOW you think, not WHAT you deliver
The simple test to see if your website differentiates you from competitors
How to identify if you have a messaging problem vs. a positioning problem
Why sophisticated clients don't fear AI replacing quality copywriters
The warning signs that your website needs professional help

Key Topics Covered
Krista's Path to Solo Consulting (00:00 - 02:30)
From teaching English in Spain to freelancing on Upwork
The decision to build a real business vs. staying freelance
How she developed her niche in website strategy and messaging
Website Strategy for Consultants (14:00 - 17:30)
Why websites should be closers, not lead generators for consultants
The fatal mistake of treating your website like a business brochure
How to speak to clients who are ready to hire today (not those still learning about consulting)
Converting Website Messaging (16:00 - 20:30)
Why generic "I help businesses grow" messaging kills conversions
The differentiation framework that makes competitors irrelevant
How to showcase your unique thinking and approach (not just deliverables)
The Agency Experiment and Lessons Learned (05:30 - 07:30)
Krista's attempt to build an end-to-end agency
Why project management led to burnout
The decision to return to her zone of genius
Consultant Marketing Challenges (19:00 - 21:30)
Why consultants struggle more with marketing than other businesses
The messaging mistake that makes you sound like everyone else
How to avoid the AI trap that creates impressive-sounding but meaningless copy
Client Interview Research Process (22:00 - 23:30)
Krista's proven method for interviewing past clients to uncover winning messages
Why most consultants are intimidated to interview their own clients
How voice-of-customer research creates messaging that converts
AI and Professional Services (23:45 - 25:45)
Why sophisticated clients don't fear AI replacing quality copywriters
The difference between strategic thinking and just writing words
How AI affects different types of clients differently
Practical Website Fixes (27:45 - 32:00)
The 3 biggest website mistakes consultants make that hurt credibility
Warning signs your website messaging needs help
How to differentiate yourself from look-alike competitors

Key Quotes
"Your website is a closer. It's the last place somebody goes before they're deciding to work with you."
"Instead of doing messaging 101, focus the majority of your messaging on what makes you different. Usually with consultants, it's something around the way that you think or approach problem solving."
"The clients that care about the what they're getting is probably not the client that most consultants want. You want to work with somebody who trusts you."

Guest Bio
Krista Walsh is a website copywriter and strategist who helps client-based businesses create websites that attract and convert the right clients. Through her company, Krista Walsh Copywriting, LLC, she provides website strategy, messaging, foundational SEO, and voice-of-customer research. Her clients have booked 4-figure services straight from their websites without sales calls and achieved top 5 Google rankings for competitive search terms. She specializes in helping consultants move beyond generic messaging to showcase their unique thinking and approach.

Connect with Krista Walsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-walsh-copywriter/

What You'll Learn
Curiosity as Your Competitive Advantage: (2:31)
How curiosity becomes an engine for opening doors and solving problems (2:35)
Ben's client filter: why he won't work with clients who lack curiosity (2:54)
Using curiosity to identify coachable prospects and build stronger relationships (3:09)
Breaking the Feast or Famine Cycle: (3:52)
Why you can never stop being in business development mode (4:33)
How to turn every conversation into a potential opportunity (4:45)
The mindset shift that transforms inconsistent income into steady revenue (4:16)
The Power of Strategic Referrals: (5:06)
Ben's proven referral request system that works 8 times out of 10 (5:25)
How to ask for referrals without feeling salesy or pushy (5:15)
Why clients won't refer you unless you ask (and exactly how to ask) (5:59)
Scaling Your Practice: (9:17)
When and how to hire your first executive assistant (Ben's 4-attempt journey) (9:26)
Essential tools for managing a growing consulting business (22:07)
Building strategic partnerships that create consistent deal flow (28:30)

Key Insights for Self-Employed consultants
Ben emphasizes that successful consulting isn't just about expertise—it's about continuous learning, relationship building, and systematic business development. His approach to networking focuses on deep, strategic relationships rather than large networking events, creating partnerships with wealth advisors, attorneys, and M&A experts who consistently refer qualified clients.
For consultants struggling with inconsistent income, Ben's story demonstrates that the solution isn't just better marketing—it's building systems for continuous business development and creating genuine value through tools like his scaling-up team assessment, which he offers for free to demonstrate expertise and identify client needs.

Resources Mentioned
Book: "Scaling Up: Mastering the Rockefeller Habits 2.0"
Tools: Wave accounting software, ClickUp CRM
Assessment: Scaling Up Team Assessment (available through Ben's website)

About Ben Blankenship
Ben Blankenship is a certified scaling-up business coach and exit planning advisor with 9 years of experience helping business owners optimize their operations and increase company value. His approach combines strategic planning with practical execution, focusing on the four key areas of scaling: people, strategy, execution, and cash flow.

Connect with Ben Blankenship
Website: www.acuo-bc.com Company: Accuo Business Coaching and Advising LinkedIn: Connect with Ben Blankenship on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/benblankenship/

What You'll Learn
Breaking Through the Mental Barriers of Going Solo
Why taking the leap to consulting is like jumping out of an airplane
How to overcome the fear and mental resistance that keeps consultants stuck in corporate roles
The importance of timing and recognizing your "now or never" moment
Client Acquisition Strategies That Actually Work
Why networking beats cold outreach for consultants every time
The networking approach that generated Jason's best clients and referrals
How to build relationships and trust before trying to sell your services
The critical difference between marketing a product and marketing yourself as a consultant
Overcoming Sales Challenges as a Service Provider
How to develop sales skills when you come from a marketing background
Why relationship building is more important than price or product quality for consultants
Learning to handle rejection and develop thick skin in sales
The mindset shift required to become comfortable with self-promotion
Evolving Your Value Proposition
How Jason expanded from fractional CMO services to include business and executive coaching
The strategic decision to offer both consulting and coaching services
Why coaching work provides different rewards than consulting projects
Finding the right balance between different service offerings
Building a Sustainable Consulting Practice
Realistic expectations about timeline and revenue growth for new consultants
The importance of patience and consistent effort in building your practice
Creating systems and processes that allow you to eventually step back from business development
Long-term vision for building a sellable consulting business

Key Takeaways for Struggling Consultants
Networking is king: Jason's most successful lead generation comes from in-person and virtual networking, not cold outreach or email campaigns
Patience is essential: Building a profitable consulting practice takes longer than most people expect - be prepared for the marathon, not a sprint
Relationship selling wins: For consultants, people buy from those they trust and like more than they buy based on price or credentials
Self-promotion gets easier: The discomfort of marketing yourself diminishes with practice and the right mindset
Multiple revenue streams: Combining consulting with coaching can provide both financial stability and personal fulfillment

Resources Mentioned
Book Recommendation: "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink - Jason's top leadership book recommendation
Podcast Recommendation: Jocko Willink's leadership podcast for principles applicable to business and life
Business Framework: Focal Point Business Coaching certification and training program
Book Suggestion: "24 Assets" by Daniel Priestley (mentioned by AJ)

Guest Information
Jason Mundy is the founder of OnPoint Business Advisors, where he provides fractional CMO services, business consulting, and executive coaching. With nearly 30 years of corporate marketing experience including roles at Fortune 100 companies and startup SaaS companies, Jason helps business owners and executives achieve better results through strategic marketing and leadership development.

Key Services:
Fractional Chief Marketing Officer
Business Coaching (Focal Point certified)
Executive Leadership Coaching
Marketing Strategy and Implementation
Perfect for Consultants Who Are:
Struggling with inconsistent monthly income and feast-or-famine cycles
Making less than $100,000 annually and want to grow their revenue
Feeling uncomfortable with networking and self-promotion
Coming from corporate backgrounds and learning to sell services instead of products
Looking for real-world strategies that work for building a consulting practice

Episode Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction and Jason's background
[03:22] Are you where you expected to be?
[04:32] Biggest challenges in building the practice
[09:34] Disengaging from yourself as the product
[12:45] Evolving your messaging and value proposition
[18:49] Coming from marketing to closing deals yourself
[22:51] Best performing lead generation channels
[27:18] Is your practice delivering the lifestyle you dreamed of?
[29:07] Where do you see your practice in 3-5 years?
[31:52] Rapid-fire closing questions
[33:39] Final advice and connection information
Connect with Jason Mundy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-c-mundy/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Dr. Kasia Hein-Peters, MD, a healthcare innovation consultant specializing in pharmaceutical and medical device commercialization. What distinguishes Kasia is her evidence-based assessment methodology for company capabilities and her focus on helping healthcare startups avoid the 90% failure rate through strategic commercial planning.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Self-employed consultants will gain valuable insights into overcoming the initial credibility challenges that come with leaving corporate roles, plus learn practical strategies for balancing equity-based advisory work with cash-generating projects. Kasia's honest discussion about the brutal reality of business development and her systematic approach to saying "no" to misaligned opportunities offers a roadmap for sustainable practice growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 

How to navigate the transition from corporate "golden handcuffs" to independent consulting without burning bridges. 

Why having industry contacts doesn't automatically translate to consulting clients and what to do about it. 

The strategic approach to balancing equity-heavy startup advisory roles with immediate cash flow projects. 

How to hire and work effectively with digital marketing and PR agencies as a solopreneur. 

The importance of staying current with industry trends when you no longer have corporate research budgets. 

Why clarity of role definition is crucial for project success and client satisfaction. 

The one marketing focus that matters most when you're overwhelmed by advice.

Listen to These Key Moments:

[02:34] The Pandemic Awakening - Kasia explains how watching mRNA vaccine companies succeed during COVID became her "eye-opening moment" that breakthrough innovation happens in startups, not big pharma.

[07:31] The Golden Handcuffs Reality - Why comfortable corporate salaries and benefits prevented her from making the consulting leap earlier, and what finally pushed her over the edge.

[10:04] The Credibility Reset - The harsh reality that industry contacts don't automatically want to work with you as a consultant, and how losing corporate credentials forces you to rebuild credibility from scratch.

[13:39] Multiple Revenue Streams Strategy - How Kasia balances equity-based advisory roles, fractional work, training programs, and cash projects to build a sustainable practice.

[16:19] Hiring Your Marketing Team - Why she works with both a digital agency and PR agency, and her smart approach of learning the skills while getting the work done.

[22:27] The Art of Saying No - Her systematic approach to evaluating projects based on role clarity, skill alignment, and avoiding scope creep that leads to poor results.

[26:25] Business Development Reality Check - The brutal truth about how much time business development actually takes and why her initial optimism about quick success was misguided.

[30:37] Educational Series Strategy - Her upcoming experiment with free educational webinar series designed to showcase methodology and generate leads for consulting work.

[33:31] The One Marketing Focus - Her advice for overwhelmed consultants: understand your audience and be very specific about the problems you solve.

Connect with Kasia Hein-Peters on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasiaheinpeters/

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode
Self-employed consultants will gain valuable insights into how to navigate major business transitions without losing their core identity. Laurie's journey from marketing confusion to strategic focus, combined with her shift toward collaboration and product creation, offers a roadmap for seasoned professionals looking to reinvent their practice while staying true to their purpose.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How to overcome the common challenge of wanting to serve everyone while learning to focus on a specific target market for marketing purposes. 
The critical importance of getting clear on your ideal client and how this clarity makes marketing significantly easier and more effective. 
Why building genuine relationships and having authentic conversations with potential clients is more powerful than traditional sales tactics. 
How to transition from selling services to creating products and collaborative partnerships that generate revenue even when you're not actively working. 
The role of meditation and self-reflection as essential business practices for staying connected to your authentic approach. 
How to systematically approach collaboration opportunities without falling into the trap of chasing versus attracting clients. 
Why following your intuition and personal "why" can sustain you through decades of business ownership, even when facing the challenges of reinvention.

Listen to These Key Moments:
[06:25] The Single Most Important Marketing Advice Laurie reveals why getting clear on your target market is the foundation of all successful marketing, even when you feel capable of helping everyone.
[08:44] When You Market to Everyone, You Market to No One Discussion of the famous marketing principle and why focusing on one ideal client actually makes business development easier, not harder.
[13:15] From Chasing to Attracting: A New Collaboration Model Laurie explains her evolution toward a collaborative business approach and how she's systematically building partnerships rather than pursuing traditional client acquisition.
[19:44] How to Reinvent Yourself Without Losing Your Core Identity A deep dive into the process of business transformation, using the metaphor of a chrysalis to describe the messy but necessary process of change.
[21:08] Authenticity as a Business Strategy Why Laurie flipped the traditional question from "how to do business and stay authentic" to "how to stay authentic and do business."
[25:30] Creating Asynchronous Revenue Streams Laurie discusses her transition from time-for-money services to products and courses that generate income while she's hiking or spending time with family.
[32:45] What Keeps You Going After 27 Years The powerful "why" that sustains long-term business ownership and how purpose differs from profit as a driving force.

Connect with Laurie Cameron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriecameron/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Daniel Sweet, a small business M&A consultant with 7 years of self-employment experience. What distinguishes Daniel is his recent transformation from purely manual, relationship-based marketing to building an automated system centered around his book "Unlocking Small Business Value" – allowing him to nurture prospects through long sales cycles without constant personal intervention.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Self-employed consultants will discover how to break free from the time-for-money trap in marketing by building systems that work even when you're focused on client delivery. Daniel shares practical strategies for automating long sales cycles and proves that you don't need a massive budget to create a marketing system that scales.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to address client emotional barriers upfront to prevent them from derailing your sales process. The specific steps to transform your expertise into multiple content formats that work together as an automated marketing system. Why starting with a simple monthly newsletter and basic CRM can lay the foundation for future marketing automation. How to create low-cost "branch" offers that help prospects self-select their readiness level while proving their buying intent. The psychology behind why people need to go through discomfort to achieve their next level of success and how to guide them through it. Strategies for maintaining marketing momentum during busy client periods through automation rather than manual effort. How to leverage AI tools for content creation and even app development while keeping costs minimal.

Listen to These Key Moments:

[03:46] The Painful Acquisition Lesson - Daniel shares how a challenging business acquisition taught him that most consulting time is spent on emotional counseling rather than technical work, fundamentally changing his approach to client relationships.

[07:00] The Electric Fence Analogy - Why clients know what they need to do but can't get themselves to take action, and how addressing discomfort upfront prevents clients from being blindsided by the difficulty of change.

[09:07] Breaking Through the Network Ceiling - The moment Daniel realized that referrals and networking alone couldn't scale his business to the next level, forcing him to learn systematic marketing.

[12:18] The Book as Marketing Hub - How Daniel transformed years of collected expertise into a book that serves as the central repository for all other marketing content including podcasts, newsletters, and videos.

[22:32] Managing Long Sales Cycles - Daniel explains how small business owners think about major decisions for 1-3 years before acting, and his strategy for staying top-of-mind during this extended process.

[24:32] The Automation Solution - How Daniel built a system where prospects automatically receive relevant content while they're making their decision, eliminating the manual follow-up that previously consumed his time.

[27:21] Creating Buying Signal Branches - The specific low-cost services Daniel offers that help prospects signal their readiness to move forward while proving their commitment through small financial investments.

[30:09] Solving the Feast-or-Famine Cycle - Daniel's honest assessment of how manual marketing creates revenue rollercoasters and his systematic approach to building marketing that runs 24/7.

[32:15] Seven Years of Marketing Wisdom - If Daniel could go back to day one, the three things he'd implement immediately: newsletter, CRM, and automated systems to capture and nurture every prospect.

[40:32] Modern Sales for Consultants - Why today's sales approach is less about scripts and psychology and more about proving value to people who don't know you yet, making it more suitable for relationship-focused consultants.

Connect with Daniel Sweet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrsweet/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Laura Palacios, founder of Lia Inspiration and systems thinking consultant specializing in program and project management. Laura's key success factor is her unique expertise in program "descaling" - helping organizations sunset programs with honor and strategic intent, a service most consultants avoid but organizations desperately need.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode Self-employed consultants will gain valuable insights into how to transform from a generalist "utilitarian" approach to a focused, strategic practice. Laura shares her evolution from reactive consulting driven by emotion to building a mature business with clear positioning, effective networking strategies, and sustainable growth plans.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: • How to identify and develop your unique "superpowers" that differentiate you from other consultants • The difference between immature and mature approaches to building a consulting practice • Why program descaling is an untapped market opportunity for consultants • Effective networking strategies that generate consistent leads through authentic relationship building • How to balance delivery work, business development, and personal life as a solo consultant • The importance of financial planning and risk assessment before going full-time • Brand positioning strategies that make prospects say "tell me more"

Listen to These Key Moments:

[01:10] From Layoff to Launch: Laura explains how being laid off motivated her first attempt at consulting with an "I'll get them back" mentality, and how she quickly surpassed her corporate salary.

[03:34] The Mature Approach: Laura contrasts her initial scattered "utilitarian" consulting approach with her current strategic business plan focused on specific superpowers and ideal client problems.

[05:05] The Descaling Superpower: Laura reveals her unique specialty in helping organizations sunset programs honorably, explaining why this overlooked service is desperately needed and how her systems thinking background enables it.

[09:28] Word-of-Mouth Client Acquisition: Laura shares how her first client came through her husband's network and emphasizes the power of being genuine connectors in your community.

[10:32] Coffee as Lead Generation: Laura explains her philosophy that "every coffee can be a lead generator" and how authentic networking through LinkedIn and face-to-face meetings builds her pipeline.

[12:16] The Time Management Challenge: Laura discusses her biggest current challenge - balancing client delivery, business development, administrative tasks, and family life while planning for growth.

[14:30] Bringing Joy to Projects: Laura explains how she differentiates herself by bringing joy to every project, seeing opportunities instead of problems, and fostering collaboration beyond immediate stakeholders.

[16:11] Perfecting the Elevator Pitch: Laura shares her current pitch focusing on "program and project management for scale and descale" and how she's working toward clearer brand messaging.

[22:47] Advice for New Consultants: Laura emphasizes two critical steps before launching - creating a budget to understand financial tolerance and starting with 1-2 clients to learn the process while maintaining financial safety.

Connect with Laura Palacios on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapalaciosmsol/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Don Oehlert, a self-employed career coach who specializes in helping senior executives overcome ageism in their job searches.

Key Success Factor: Don built his expertise through 15 years of volunteer work, helping over 875 people before launching his paid practice, giving him unmatched credibility and a proven methodology.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode:

Self-employed consultants will discover how to leverage volunteer experience into a profitable business, even in a niche market where clients are reluctant to seek help. Don shares practical strategies for networking, building referral systems, and confidently pricing premium services while maintaining integrity in client relationships.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to transition from volunteer work to a paid consulting practice. 
Why having a clear, specific message is crucial for networking and referrals. 
How to overcome client resistance when they only want a "quick fix" instead of comprehensive help. 
Strategies for finding clients who don't publicly advertise their need for help. 
The difference between introductions and referrals, and why it matters for your business. 
How to handle pricing objections without compromising your value. 
Ways to build social proof when you're just starting out.
Listen to These Key Moments:

[00:02:56] The Challenge of Lead Generation When Clients Won't Raise Their Hands Don explains why his ideal clients (senior executives) are reluctant to admit they need help with job searches, and how this creates unique marketing challenges.

[00:05:30] Networking Advice for Introverts: Getting Past the Chit Chat AJ asks for networking advice as an introvert, and Don provides a framework for creating a clear message that makes networking easier and more effective.

[00:09:15] Why "Just Fix My Resume" Clients Aren't Worth Taking Don shares how he learned to turn away clients who only want resume help, using a powerful room-painting metaphor to explain why comprehensive service is necessary.

[00:14:10] The Biggest Obstacle: Lead Generation Reality Check Don delivers a sarcastic but honest truth: "Show me any entrepreneur who's happy with their lead flow, and I'll show you a liar."

[00:17:27] Building a Referral System: Introductions vs. Referrals Don explains his systematic approach to building referral partnerships and why he prefers "introductions" over "referrals" to reduce pressure on all parties.

[00:19:43] What You Don't Know About Running a Business Don lists all the business skills he had to learn beyond his core expertise: accounting, marketing, sales, operations, technology, and more.

[00:23:51] Defend Your Pricing: The Integrity of Your Rates Don's key advice for consultants: "If you're worth $3,000 an hour, you're worth $3,000 an hour. Don't apologize, don't discount without taking something off the table."

[00:25:44] Building Social Proof When You're Starting Out Don explains how to work with friends and business partners at reduced rates in exchange for testimonials, references, and case studies to build initial credibility.

Connect with Don Oehlert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donoehlert/

Listen to These Key Moments:
[00:01:00] The LinkedIn Strategy That Changed Everything: Leah shares how posting content about her HR expertise on a practice LinkedIn page led to her first client reaching out directly, demonstrating the power of thought leadership content.
[00:05:33] Defining Your Ideal Client: Learn why Leah focuses specifically on small to medium businesses (under 250 employees) preparing for growth, and how this clear niche helps her deliver better results.
[00:10:40] When Values Don't Align: Discover how Leah handles discovery calls when trust and openness aren't present, including her strategy of referring clients to trusted colleagues who might be a better fit.
[00:13:21] Learning to Say No: Hear about Leah's evolution from taking any client out of financial pressure to confidently passing on projects that don't align with her values or bring her joy.
[00:20:04] Networking for Introverts: Leah reveals how she overcame her fear of business development using strategies from "Networking for Introverts," focusing on asking questions rather than self-promotion.
[00:22:11] The Referral Engine: Learn how Leah nurtures relationships with insurance brokers, employment attorneys, and payroll companies to create a steady stream of qualified referrals.
[00:27:13] Competing with Large Firms: Discover how Leah positions herself against larger HR consulting firms by becoming deeply integrated with client organizations and truly understanding their culture.
[00:30:19] Planning for Sustainable Growth: Hear Leah's vision for her practice's future, including why she prefers the "kiddy roller coaster" of moderate ups and downs over extreme feast-or-famine cycles.

Connect with Leah Garber  on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahmgarber/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Howard Fisher, a fractional sales leader with Hantarra. What distinguishes Howard is his unique journey from litigation attorney to corporate sales executive to successful fractional consultant, and his ability to build such deep client relationships that what should be 6-18 month engagements turn into multi-year partnerships.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Self-employed consultants will gain invaluable insights into building lasting client relationships that extend far beyond typical project timelines. Howard's strategic approach to positioning himself as a trusted advisor rather than just a tactical expert has resulted in clients staying with him for 2-3 years, creating predictable revenue and deeper business impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 

• You'll discover Howard's "follow the money" strategy for identifying the right referral partners who can introduce you to decision-makers. 
• You'll learn how to qualify prospects by ensuring they have strategic problems, not just tactical needs, and why this distinction is crucial for landing meaningful engagements. 
• Howard shares his approach to becoming a trusted advisor by participating in executive leadership meetings and being transparent about observations across all business functions. 
• You'll understand the challenges of scaling a fractional consulting business and why Howard shifted from pursuing more clients to focusing on fewer, deeper relationships. 
• The episode reveals how to handle situations where a client's perceived problem isn't actually the real issue, and Howard's philosophy on why cold calling doesn't work in today's business environment. 
• Finally, you'll learn about the emotional transformation Howard delivers to clients, moving them from disappointed and exhausted to excited and engaged in their business.

Listen to These Key Moments:

[00:04:38] The Volume vs. Strategy Challenge - Howard explains how he quickly realized that building a referral network wasn't about volume but about strategically understanding who his decision makers were and who they complained to about sales problems.

[00:08:18] Becoming the Trusted Advisor - Howard reveals his approach to becoming more than just a sales consultant by participating in executive leadership meetings and having open, vulnerable conversations about all aspects of the business.

[00:10:48] Selling Yourself vs. Managing Teams - When asked if selling his own consulting services is harder than managing sales teams, Howard explains why it's actually easier because every client situation is unique and he enjoys the conversations.

[00:14:46] The Scaling Dilemma - Howard opens up about his current challenge of scaling beyond his personal capacity, including the difficulties of bringing on other consultants and maintaining quality control.

[00:18:30] The Strategic Problem Qualification - Howard shares his key qualification question about whether prospects have strategic problems they're committed to solving, not just tactical issues they'd like fixed.

[00:22:37] The "Follow the Money" Strategy Explained - A detailed breakdown of Howard's referral strategy, focusing on business coaches and financial professionals who hear complaints about sales performance from business owners.

[00:27:44] Delivering Emotional Transformation - Howard discusses how successful client exits aren't just about processes and systems, but about transforming business owners from disappointed and exhausted to excited and anticipating future growth.

Connect with Howard Fisher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardfisherchicago/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Kim McGownd, an independent risk management and compliance consultant who calls herself a "strategic intermediary." What distinguishes Kim is her remarkable networking approach - she attended over 800 networking events and one-on-one meetings in her first year and a half of business, creating a systematic method for building relationships that generate consistent referrals.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Self-employed consultants will discover how to transform networking from a hit-or-miss lead generation tactic into a strategic business development system. Kim's approach shows how to build deep, reciprocal relationships that create a steady stream of qualified referrals, even in specialized fields where trust and credibility are paramount.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: You'll learn how to identify and attend the right networking events that attract your ideal clients and referral partners. You'll discover how to follow up effectively after networking conversations to build lasting professional relationships. You'll understand how to position yourself as a connector and resource rather than just another service provider competing for attention. You'll learn how to leverage other professionals' existing client relationships instead of trying to build your own from scratch. You'll discover how to create a systematic approach to tracking and nurturing your network without expensive CRM systems. You'll understand how to build credibility through your network rather than relying solely on your own expertise. You'll learn how to scale your networking efforts while maintaining the personal touch that makes relationships valuable.

Listen to These Key Moments:

[00:01:06] Defining the Strategic Intermediary Role - Kim explains how she positions herself as someone who connects businesses with the right experts to solve problems when they hit operational walls or compliance gaps.

[00:06:34] The 800+ Networking Strategy Revealed - Kim shares her systematic approach to attending networking events and one-on-one meetings, including how she tracks and manages hundreds of professional relationships.

[00:08:31] Finding the Right Rooms to Network In - Learn Kim's method for identifying which industry associations and events to attend based on where your ideal clients and referral partners gather.

[00:14:21] The Eyeball Test for Effective Messaging - Discover how to know if your networking conversations are working when people either say "I need you" or "I know someone who needs you."

[00:16:08] Building Confidence in Your Network - Kim explains how she feels confident that her business would survive even if she couldn't network for three months, thanks to the depth of her professional relationships.

[00:19:35] The Follow-Up System That Actually Works - Get Kim's practical approach to following up after networking events, including how to secure one-on-one meetings and vet potential partners.

[00:26:16] Leveraging Trusted Intermediaries - Learn why Kim focuses on building relationships with insurance brokers and attorneys who already have established client trust, rather than trying to reach prospects directly.

[00:37:48] Networking Advice for New Consultants - Kim's recommendations for consultants who haven't leaned into networking, including how to get comfortable being uncomfortable and finding different opportunities.

Connect with Kim McGownd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmcgownd/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Howard Wolpoff, a sales coach who works with sales leaders and individual salespeople. What distinguishes Howard is his dramatic personal transformation from someone who openly admitted "I suck at sales" to becoming a successful sales coach who helps consultants and business owners master the art of selling.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode: Self-employed consultants will discover how to overcome their sales anxieties and develop the confidence needed to grow their practice. Howard shares practical strategies that any consultant can implement, regardless of their current sales experience or comfort level.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 

You'll discover how to build sales confidence through early wins and systematic analysis of what works. 

Howard explains his unique podcasting strategy for lead generation that allows consultants to have natural conversations with prospects before making any sales pitch. 

You'll learn the critical importance of getting all decision-makers involved in sales conversations and specific techniques for making that happen. 

The episode covers how to handle objections by addressing them proactively throughout your sales process rather than waiting until the end. 

Howard shares his "confusion technique" for cold calling that immediately disarms prospects and creates rapport. 

You'll understand why personality assessment is the most transformative sales skill for consultants and how to adapt your approach to different personality types. 

Finally, you'll get practical advice on follow-up frequency and the mindset shifts necessary for sales success.

Listen to These Key Moments:

[1:02] The Psychological Shift That Changed Everything Howard explains how getting early wins and analyzing what made them successful built the confidence foundation for his sales transformation.

[7:43] Using Podcasting as an Unconventional Sales Strategy Learn Howard's systematic approach to using podcast interviews as a natural way to have sales conversations with ideal prospects.

[9:05] The Follow-Up Conversation That Closes Deals Howard reveals his exact script for transitioning from podcast guest to sales prospect in a second conversation.

[14:09] Getting Decision Makers in the Room Discover the process Howard uses to ensure all key decision makers are present before making any sales presentation.

[17:23] How Many Times to Follow Up Before Giving Up Howard shares why the answer has evolved from 5 times to 20+ times and how to think about follow-up like a television advertising campaign.

[22:58] The Confusion Technique for Cold Calling Get Howard's exact script for opening cold calls that immediately creates rapport and disarms defensive prospects.

[25:18] Three Essential Pieces of Sales Advice for Consultants Howard's practical guidance on having a plan, saving money before starting, and understanding that selling is fundamental to every business.

[26:55] The One Sales Skill That Transforms Everything Learn why understanding personality types is the most powerful sales skill and how it helps you adapt your approach to any prospect.

Connect with Howard Wolpoff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Dr. Jen Fry, professional speaker, author, and tech company owner who successfully transitioned from college volleyball coach to high-paid keynote speaker specializing in conflict and culture.

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

Dr. Jen Fry's story demonstrates the power of strategic thinking and market awareness for consultants and speakers. Her ability to anticipate the DEI backlash and successfully pivot to conflict resolution before her competitors shows how paying attention to societal trends can protect and grow your business. Any consultant looking to scale their practice will benefit from her practical advice on pricing, positioning, and building systems that support growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to identify when your industry is about to shift and pivot before you're forced to
The mindset difference between having "imposter syndrome" and simply needing to improve your skills
Why you should never charge less than $2,500 for speaking engagements (and how to justify those rates)
The critical importance of building your email list from day one as a consultant or speaker
How to research your competition and find gaps in the market for your expertise
Why hiring an online business manager who advocates for higher prices is essential for growth
The unconventional method for writing a book that doesn't require sitting at a desk for hours
Listen to These Key Moments:

[00:01:51] The Moment of Truth: Quitting Without a Plan Dr. Fry describes the exact moment she "word vomited" her resignation during a Monday meeting, shocking everyone including herself.

[00:05:27] Solving Problems vs. Motivational Speaking Why most people fail as motivational speakers and how to identify what problem you actually solve for your audience.

[00:09:03] The "Balls of Steel" Mindset Dr. Fry explains why she doesn't experience imposter syndrome and how confidence differs from competence in professional speaking.

[00:12:44] Getting Your First Paid Gig How a volleyball podcast led to her first $1,000 speaking engagement and the friend who told her to never charge less than $2,500.

[00:18:45] Spotting the DEI Backlash Early The strategic thinking that led her to pivot from race and sport topics to conflict resolution before states began banning DEI initiatives.

[00:23:10] Building Market Awareness with Google Alerts Her system for staying ahead of industry trends using 30+ Google alerts and why competitive nature drives success.

[00:28:55] The Email List Mistake That Cost Her Why building an email list should be priority 1 and how she now sends 2-3 emails per week to engaged subscribers.

[00:32:08] The Book That Opens Doors Why every serious speaker needs a book and her unconventional voice-to-text method for writing while driving.

Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenfry13/

Check out her podcast Five With Fry on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Stefan Avivson, serial entrepreneur turned business advisor. Stefan has built a thriving advisory practice by positioning himself as "Mr. Raw" - someone who challenges clients' thinking and gets them out of their comfort zone, rather than following traditional coaching frameworks.

 Why You Should Listen to This Episode

Self-employed consultants will discover how to build a practice where you can say no to clients because you have a full pipeline. Stefan shares his contrarian approach to client acquisition - filling your calendar first (even with free clients) to change your entire mindset and positioning in the market.

 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to position yourself to say "no" to clients and why this transforms your entire business

• The difference between living out of fear versus living out of intent as an entrepreneur

• Why 96% of founders don't understand why their customers actually buy from them

• How to use "reality checks" to uncover the real reasons customers choose your services

• The psychology behind getting clients outside their comfort zone to drive results

• Why filling your calendar with work (even unpaid) changes how prospects perceive you

• How to ask questions that make clients say "that's a great question" every time

 About Stefan's Book

Stefan wrote a book on "How to Speak to Customers" - a comprehensive guide covering everything from physical presentation to communication techniques across different platforms including LinkedIn. The book addresses the biggest struggle Stefan sees among hundreds of founders and CEOs: they don't know how to effectively communicate with their customers. It includes tips, tricks, and strategies for presenting yourself and your ideas in ways that actually resonate with your audience.

 Listen to These Key Moments:

[00:01:15] - The 4-Month Employee Experience

Stefan shares why he quit his only corporate job after 4 months when he told his CEO "I have 15 years more experience than you have in this niche of operation."

[00:02:33] - Success is a Mindset

Stefan explains his philosophy that there are only two types of people: those who live out of fear and those who live out of intent.

[00:06:09] - The Depression That Changed Everything

How losing a billion-dollar company and his mother's death led Stefan to discover that helping others without asking for anything in return brings the greatest happiness.

[00:08:17] - Why "I Suck at Coaching"

Stefan explains why he calls himself an advisor rather than a coach and how being "raw" and direct differentiates him from traditional coaching approaches.

[00:13:57] - The Consultant's Revenue Rollercoaster

Stefan describes why most consultants live in a "sinus curve" of up and down revenues and how to break this cycle.

[00:14:55] - The Key to Consultant Success

"You become successful when you start saying no to clients, because that's when you can start picking your clients."

[00:24:08] - The Big Leap Book Recommendation

Stefan recommends "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendrix as essential reading for understanding and overcoming fear.

[00:26:34] - Unconventional CEO Advice

Stefan shares the surprising advice he gave a stressed CEO that completely changed his life: "Go home and have sex with your woman."

[00:32:15] - The 4% Reality Check Discovery

Stefan reveals his shocking research finding that only 4% of founders correctly understand why their customers actually buy from them.

[00:35:21] - The One Piece of Advice

Stefan's single most important advice for new consultants: "Get yourself fully employed with clients" - even if they're not paying.

[00:38:33] - The Million Dollar Question

Stefan demonstrates his signature question that clients always say is brilliant: "Why do your customers buy from you?"

Connect with Stefan Avivson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avivson/

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode:
This episode demonstrates a proven discovery call framework in real-time. You'll see exactly how to identify priority gaps, and conduct discovery questioning that reveals the true scope of a prospect's challenges while building trust and positioning yourself as the expert solution.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• The types of questions to ask to uncover problems and pain points 
• How to validate real problems 
• Techniques for amplifying pain points to create urgency while remaining consultative and helpful 
• How to transition from gap identification to solution presentation naturally 

Listen to These Key Moments:
[00:01:11] Scorecard Feedback - AJ begins the consultation by reviewing Casey's marketing scorecard results, showing an overall score of 47 with "significant gaps" in lead generation.
[00:01:30] Identifying Top Gaps - AJ highlights Casey's strength in converting prospects but major weakness in lead generation, establishing the priority focus area for the consultation.
[00:02:48] Deep Dive on Lead Generation Gap - Casey admits to generating only 2-4 qualified leads monthly with "feast or famine" unpredictability, validating the core problem.
[00:03:28] Current Marketing Reality Check - Casey reveals his current approach relies heavily on professional network and pro bono work, with little success in systematic lead generation.
[00:07:00] Pain Point Amplification - Casey vulnerably shares how his military background and humility create barriers to self-promotion, illustrating the deeper psychological challenges.
[00:08:44] Revenue Discovery - AJ transitions to revenue questions, uncovering Casey's current $2,000/month inconsistent income versus his $10,000/month goal.
[00:09:45] Impact Exploration - Casey explains how the revenue gap prevents him from building something bigger and creates daily stress about sustainability.
[00:10:22] Urgency Assessment - Casey reveals he has a 90-day timeline to show traction before considering alternative employment, establishing critical urgency.
[00:25:27] Investment Capacity Testing - AJ tests Casey's investment readiness with a $5,000 hypothetical scenario, confirming he would consider such an investment for proven results.
[00:32:21] Marketing Time Investment - Casey admits to spending 5-6 hours weekly on marketing activities that aren't producing results, highlighting the need for better systems.

Connect with Dr. Casey Jensen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywjensen/

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Thomas Bennett, founder of The Money Connector and self-employed tax savings consultant.

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

Self-employed consultants will discover the exact referral strategy that generates 95% of Thomas's business success. His approach to asking "who else do you know?" demonstrates how to systematically turn satisfied clients into ongoing revenue streams without relying on complex marketing funnels or expensive lead generation tactics.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to pivot your business model when cash flow challenges threaten your survival 

• The exact strategy for turning gatekeepers (like CPAs) into profitable partnership channels 

• Why asking "who else do you know?" is the fastest way to scale your consulting practice 

• How to overcome the fear of sales by reframing your mindset around client value 

• Why Thomas paused his podcast after measuring ROI vs. time investment 

• How to qualify clients properly to avoid disasters down the road

Listen to These Key Moments:

[00:00:37] The $350K Wake-Up Call Thomas explains how helping a client recover $350,000 while earning only a few hundred in commission sparked his decision to go independent.

[00:02:18] Surviving the IRS Payment Delays Learn how Thomas managed cash flow when clients faced 2+ year delays in receiving their tax credits, and the pivots that saved his business.

[00:05:42] The Art of Asking for Referrals Thomas reveals why 95% of his success comes from picking up the phone and shares his exact approach to requesting client referrals.

[00:10:06] Overcoming Sales Fear Through Value Discover how to shift from "bothering" prospects to feeling obligated to help them, including Thomas's mindset transformation.

[00:22:40] Turning CPAs from Blockers to Partners The detailed strategy Thomas used to convert CPAs who were blocking his deals into his primary revenue source.

[00:34:28] Building a Vision for Industry Leadership Thomas shares his 5-year vision and why focusing on consistent client conversations trumps complex marketing strategies.

[00:41:34] Feast or Famine Mindset Shifts Final advice on managing the entrepreneurial roller coaster and staying true to your authentic self while building your practice.

Connect with Tom Bennett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themoneyconnector/

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode
Matt's journey from a burned-out principal to a successful EdTech consultant offers a masterclass in business transformation that every self-employed consultant can learn from. His honest account of hitting rock bottom, missing obvious warning signs, and ultimately finding his unique niche provides both practical strategies and emotional validation for consultants struggling to grow their practices.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• How to identify and overcome the critical mindset shift from employee to business owner 
• The warning signs of the dreaded "feast or famine" cycle that most consultants miss 
• Why replicating what you already know can be a dangerous trap for new consultants 
• How to locate your unique value proposition by exploring adjacent opportunities 
• The power of collaborative networking vs. competitive thinking in business development 
• Strategies for pivoting when your initial business model hits a wall 
• How to transform from being a service provider to becoming an industry expert

Listen to These Key Moments:
[00:04:30] The First Challenge: Deciding to Leave - Matt reveals the internal struggle of determining whether he was running away from something or toward something when leaving his 25-year education career.
[00:19:49] Hitting the Wall: When Warm Circles Dry Up - The moment Matt realized his business was in trouble and how the warning signs were "crystal clear" but completely ignored.
[00:23:41] The Pivot Strategy - How Matt immersed himself in every business opportunity conversation to find his way out of the hamster wheel cycle.
[00:26:32] The Marketing Wake-Up Call - Matt's honest confession about not understanding marketing and how other consultants became his unexpected teachers.
[00:32:30] Finding His Niche as an EdTech Translator - The breakthrough moment when Matt discovered his unique value as a bridge between technology companies and educators.
[00:38:00] The Advice He Wishes He'd Known Earlier - Matt shares the career advice he used to give others but failed to apply to his own business journey.

Connect with Matt Molloy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmolloy3/

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• How to make the psychological shift from employee to self-employed business owner without losing momentum • The "rabbit hole" mistake that cost Guy 6 months of progress and how to avoid it in your own practice • A practical LinkedIn strategy that generates consistent leads through content, networking, and cold outreach • Why your first two clients will always come from people you already know (and how to leverage that) • Time management systems that work when juggling 5-7 clients simultaneously • How to build multiple revenue streams around your core consulting work (coaching, speaking, courses) • The retainer model that sets clear boundaries while keeping clients satisfied

Why You Should Listen to This Episode
If you're struggling with the transition from corporate employee to independent consultant, or if you're already consulting but want to scale beyond just trading time for money, Guy's story offers a roadmap. He shares the honest truth about early mistakes, practical systems that actually work, and a clear vision for building a sustainable consulting ecosystem that doesn't depend on a single revenue source.

Listen to These Key Moments:
[00:02:31] The Transition Challenge - Why going from having a boss to being your own boss is harder than most people think
[00:04:59] The Mindset Shift - How Guy's previous experience as a real estate agent gave him a head start on self-employment
[00:09:20] Your First Clients Come From Your Network - Why the best consultants focus on people they already know first
[00:10:04] LinkedIn Lead Generation Strategy - The three-part system: posting 1-3 times weekly, daily commenting, and Sunday newsletter
[00:13:57] Speaking as Lead Generation - How Guy invested in a speaking coach and is building presentations for multiple industries
[00:17:03] The Costly Mistake - The 6-month "rabbit hole" that set Guy back and the lessons learned
[00:19:53] Key Lessons for Future Opportunities - How to ask the right questions and maintain control when new opportunities arise
[00:22:23] Time Management Reality - The honest truth about juggling multiple clients and the retainer model that makes it work
[00:27:20] The Five-Year Plan - Building multiple revenue streams: fractional work, coaching, speaking, courses, and content
[00:29:13] Final Advice - Don't give up, master time management, and never stop prospecting
Connect with Guy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guybarretta
Until next time, keep thriving through!

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Talmar Anderson, CEO of Boss HQ and co-founder of Time Machine Agency. We talk about how she pivoted from teaching hiring processes (that nobody wanted to buy) to solving management pain points that business owners desperately needed help with, the power of conducting 50+ customer research conversations annually, and why starting with the problem clients think they have is the fastest path to success. Talmar also shares insights about her new managed virtual assistant business and why some consultants unconsciously limit their growth to avoid managing people.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why clients don't buy solutions to problems they don't think they have (even when you know better)
• How to conduct meaningful market research through 50+ annual conversations with ideal clients
• The hidden challenges of launching a truly innovative service versus improving existing solutions
• Why solving immediate pain points opens the door to addressing root causes later
• How to pivot your messaging and services based on what clients actually want to buy
• The psychology behind why some consultants unconsciously avoid scaling their practices
• Practical strategies for systematizing both hiring and management processes

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode: 

If you're a consultant struggling with inconsistent lead flow or finding that prospects don't seem to "get" your value proposition, this episode reveals why leading with what clients want (not what they need) is the fastest path to building trust and opening bigger conversations. Talmar's journey from failed hiring consultant to successful management expert provides a roadmap for any consultant looking to align their expertise with market demand.

Listen to These Key Moments:

2:47 - The Reality Check: Talmar discovers that despite having a unique hiring system, nobody wants to buy hiring training because it feels like something they can "do later"

6:48 - The Pivot Strategy: How solving management pain points (what clients desperately want) creates trust to later address hiring issues (what they actually need)

13:19 - Market Research Gold: Talmar's systematic approach to conducting 50+ conversations annually with ideal clients to stay current with their language and pain points

16:38 - First Year Struggles: The unexpected challenge of educating the market about a truly new solution versus improving existing services

21:03 - Psychology of Growth: Why some consultants unconsciously limit their business growth to avoid the complexities of managing people

26:20 - Time Machine Agency: How Talmar identified a different market need and launched managed virtual assistant services for consultants who want support without management headaches

34:05 - Learning Sales: What she'd do differently - investing in sales education much sooner as a consultant

Connect with Talmar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talmar-anderson-hiring-strategy/

Until next time, keep thriving through!

Key Timestamps:
01:45 - How being denied civil service led to discovering his consulting niche
04:30 - Real examples of simple mistakes that cost contractors thousands
16:30 - Why he refuses to be a salesperson for products (protecting credibility)
25:45 - How he finds angel investors who fund Ed-Tech companies
32:20 - His 3-year vision: helping 4 clients become "revenue superheroes"

Connect with Maurice:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlauriano/
Calendly: calendly.com/mauricelauriano/30min 
Website: educationsalesconsultant.com 

Show Notes
Are you afraid your niche is too narrow to be profitable? What if the opposite were true - what if going ultra-narrow could make you a "unicorn" in your field?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Maurice Lauriano, DTM, a former senior procurement agent who now runs a highly specialized consulting business helping Ed-Tech companies navigate New York City's educational procurement process.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• How to turn unexpected career setbacks into consulting opportunities 
• Why having a narrowly defined niche can actually increase your revenue potential 
• Real examples of simple procurement mistakes that cost businesses thousands of dollars 
• How to maintain credibility by refusing the wrong type of client work 
• Strategies for evolving from LinkedIn outreach to referral networks to angel investor partnerships 
• Why "don't wait" is the most important advice for aspiring consultants 
• How Toastmasters can transform your consulting practice through better speaking skills

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode
If you're struggling with defining your niche or worried that specializing too narrowly will limit your opportunities, Maurice's story will completely flip your perspective. In just 2 years, he's worked with 67 small businesses and positioned himself as THE expert in Ed-Tech procurement for NYC schools. His journey from government employee to "unicorn" consultant shows exactly how to leverage your insider knowledge into a thriving practice.

Listen to These Key Moments:
01:45 - The Unexpected Path to Consulting: How being denied civil service after 20 years in government led Maurice to discover his perfect niche
04:30 - Million-Dollar Mistakes: Real examples of simple errors (like missing signatures and dates) that prevent contractors from getting paid
08:40 - The Power of Narrow Niching: Why Maurice's ultra-specific focus on NYC Ed-Tech procurement makes him a "unicorn" in the field
16:30 - Protecting Your Credibility: Why Maurice refuses to be a product salesperson and how this protects his reputation with his network
19:30 - Evolution of Marketing Strategy: His journey from LinkedIn shotgun approach to referral networks to partnering with angel investors
25:45 - Finding Angel Investors: How watching Shark Tank led to a strategy for connecting with Ed-Tech investors
29:00 - Living the Digital Nomad Dream: How his 100% virtual practice delivers the lifestyle he wanted
32:20 - The 3-Year Vision: Why he's limiting himself to 4 clients but aims to turn them into "revenue superheroes"
34:45 - The Toastmasters Advantage: How becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) transformed his speaking and consulting abilities

If you liked today's episode, do these two things:
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes
Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Connect with Maurice:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlauriano/
Calendly: calendly.com/mauricelauriano/30min 
Website: educationsalesconsultant.com 

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
Email: ajr@4rmg.com
Until next time, keep thriving through!

Key Timestamps:
4:30 - The harsh reality check: Why corporate success doesn't guarantee consulting success
18:56 - The exact LinkedIn outreach strategy that closed a deal in 3 weeks
26:24 - The biggest mindset shift from corporate optimization to consultant growth
31:16 - Why outsourcing sales failed and how partnerships succeeded
37:05 - What he'd do differently if starting over

Connect with Tom:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasmckeown/
Website: mckeownstrategicinsights.com/ 

Show Notes:
What happens when a seasoned corporate executive discovers that everything they thought they knew about business development is wrong? How do you go from expecting clients to knock down your door to systematically building a thriving consulting practice?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Tom McKeown, B2B Go-to-Market Consultant based in Boston who helps B2B SaaS technology companies optimize their sales cycles and increase revenue share.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 
• Why your corporate expertise alone won't bring clients to your door (and what actually will) 
• The exact LinkedIn outreach formula that converted a job posting into a closed deal in just 3 weeks 
• How to conduct discovery conversations that naturally lead to sales opportunities without being pushy 
• Why outsourcing your sales process as a solo consultant often backfires (and what to do instead) 
• The partnership strategy that's scaling Tom's business through complementary service providers 
• The critical mindset shift from corporate optimization to consultant growth mode • What to do differently in your first year to avoid common pitfalls

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode: If you're struggling with the transition from corporate success to consulting success, or if you're tired of marketing tactics that don't convert to actual paying clients, this episode provides a roadmap. Tom's honest account of his failures and breakthroughs offers practical strategies you can implement immediately, especially around LinkedIn outreach and building strategic partnerships that multiply your reach without the overhead of hiring staff.

Listen to These Key Moments:
1:48 - The Reality Check: Why Tom's corporate success didn't translate to immediate consulting success
4:28 - The Meta Analysis: How helping companies with go-to-market strategy didn't help him with his own
7:54 - The Discovery Process: How to ask the right questions at networking events to uncover real problems
14:27 - The Turn: When and how to transition from research to sales in conversations
18:56 - The LinkedIn Success: Step-by-step breakdown of the outreach that closed a major deal
26:24 - The Mindset Shift: From corporate optimization to consultant growth mode
31:16 - The Scaling Mistake: Why outsourcing sales didn't work and what he learned
32:47 - The Partnership Strategy: How to build a network of complementary service providers
37:05 - The Time Machine: What Tom would do differently if starting over

If you liked today's episode, do these two things:
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes
Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast
Connect with Tom:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasmckeown/
Website: mckeownstrategicinsights.com/ 

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
Email: ajr@4rmg.com
Until next time, keep thriving through!

Key Timestamps:

2:40 - How Lee's social entrepreneur identity shapes client work
7:00 - The mutual interview process for vetting ideal clients
9:20 - Biggest challenges in building a consulting practice
12:50 - Why helping your community leads to business growth
18:00 - Most effective lead generation strategies
21:50 - How to define success beyond financial metrics
24:30 - Advice for incorporating social impact into consulting work
Connect with Lee:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsonleecoach/

Website: davidsonlee.com 

Show Notes

Are you tired of taking any client who can pay your fees? What if the key to building a thriving consulting practice wasn't about casting the widest net, but about becoming laser-focused on serving a specific community with genuine impact?

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Lee Davidson, a life coach and business consultant who has built a successful practice by prioritizing values alignment and community impact over pure profit.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to use a "mutual interview" process to attract only ideal clients who align with your values
Why showing up authentically in your local and digital communities generates the highest quality referrals
The strategic approach to saying no to high-paying clients when they don't fit your mission
How to measure success through impact metrics rather than just revenue
Practical ways to incorporate social impact into any consulting business model
Why small, community-focused businesses may be more effective than trying to scale big
How to leverage platforms like Reddit and Facebook groups for authentic client acquisition
Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

If you're struggling with the feast-or-famine cycle or finding yourself saying yes to clients you don't actually want to work with, this episode will show you how values-driven consulting can actually be more profitable and sustainable. Lee's approach proves that when you're crystal clear on your mission and show up authentically for your community, the right clients find you - often through word-of-mouth referrals that convert at much higher rates than traditional marketing.

Listen to These Key Moments:

2:40 - The Social Entrepreneur Mindset: How Lee's global perspective and focus on human experience shapes every client interaction

4:50 - Values-First Strategy Sessions: The specific process Lee uses to ensure mission alignment before taking on any project

7:00 - The Mutual Interview Process: Why Lee interviews potential clients as much as they interview her

9:20 - Overcoming Client Acquisition Challenges: Lee's strategy of positioning herself in value-aligned networking events and speaking engagements

12:50 - Community Impact as Business Strategy: Why helping your local community actually accelerates business growth

15:40 - Digital Community Building: How to give "virtual cupcakes" through platforms like Reddit and Facebook groups

18:00 - Referrals as Primary Lead Generation: Why word-of-mouth generates Lee's highest quality clients

19:30 - Establishing Niche Expertise: Lee's journey to becoming recognized in the LGBTQ+ consulting space

21:50 - Redefining Success Metrics: How to measure impact through testimonials and client transformations

24:30 - Incorporating Social Impact: Practical advice for adding meaningful mission work to any business model

If you liked today's episode, do these two things:

Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes

Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Connect with Lee:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsonleecoach/

Website: davidsonlee.com 

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/

Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation

Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant

Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/

Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Until next time, keep thriving through!

Michael also shares his entrepreneurial journey from corporate consulting to building his own practice and the surprising marketing lessons he's learned along the way. 
3:35 - Understanding process as a foundation
8:42 - Marketing approaches that actually work
19:55 - Building quality partnerships

Connect with Michael
Website: amazon.com/author/michaelschank 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schank/
Michael’s book Digital Transformation Success: https://a.co/d/gU7Nx2I

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Show notes
Is your consulting practice struggling because you haven't mapped your own business processes?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Michael Schank, founder of Process Inventory Advisors and author of "Digital Transformation, Success."

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 
• How mapping business processes creates a common language for successful transformation in large complex organizations
• Why 70% of transformation efforts fail and how a process framework addresses this problem 
• How a detailed process approach helps with strategy, risk management, operational efficiency, and AI integration 
• The marketing approaches that actually work for complex, high-value consulting services 
• Why self-employed consultants need a solid business plan before taking the entrepreneurial leap

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode: 
Michael shares his journey from corporate consultant at firms like Accenture to launching his own process-focused practice. His honest insights about the challenges of finding clients, building partnerships, and developing a scalable business model provide valuable lessons for any consultant looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. If you're struggling with inconsistent results or want to take your consulting business to the next level, Michael's process-driven approach offers a fresh perspective.

Listen to These Key Moments:
3:35 - Understanding Process as a Foundation: Michael explains how lack of organizational clarity leads to transformation failures and how his framework provides the solution.
8:42 - Marketing Approaches That Actually Work: Michael candidly discusses which marketing tactics have succeeded and failed in his business.
13:54 - Differentiation Through Specialization: AJ highlights how Michael's specific process framework differentiates him from other consultants.
19:55 - Building Quality Partnerships: Michael shares his strategy for developing partnerships with software and technology companies to expand his reach.
30:39 - Advice for Consultants: The importance of creating a comprehensive business plan before launching your consulting practice.

Connect with Michael
Website: amazon.com/author/michaelschank 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schank/

Michael’s book Digital Transformation Success: https://a.co/d/gU7Nx2I

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these three things: 
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes

Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Head over to https://www.ajriedel.com/podcasts/thriving-through for show notes and other resources to help you grow your consulting practice.
Until next time, keep thriving through!

YouTube Description
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Alessandra LaTour, Ed.D., founder of Latour Leadership Academy. We talk about how she transformed corporate layoffs into an opportunity to create a business focused on actionable leadership development, and why authenticity and staying true to your pricing strategy matters when building a consulting practice. (5:07, 24:52)

Connect with Alessandra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandralatour/
Website: latourleadershipacademy.com

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Show Notes
Are you struggling to stand out in a competitive field while staying true to your expertise and values?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Alessandra LaTour, Ed.D., founder of Latour Leadership Academy, where she works with leaders at all levels to develop authentic leadership styles, create team synergy, and cultivate positive productivity in the workplace.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• How Alessandra transformed multiple corporate layoffs into an opportunity to create her own business • Why offering practical, action-based leadership development differentiates her from competitors • The challenges of pricing your services to reflect both your expertise and client value • Why authenticity is crucial when building a consulting business • How to decide what aspects of your business to outsource versus learn yourself • The importance of creating learning communities to enhance client results
Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

If you're a self-employed consultant who's struggling to differentiate yourself in a crowded market or feeling uncertain about your pricing strategy, Alessandra's journey from corporate leadership development to independent business owner provides valuable insights on staying true to your expertise while building a business that delivers real value.

Listen to These Key Moments:
1:12 - Alessandra's journey from corporate layoffs to entrepreneurship, sharing how frustration with corporate constraints led her to create something that truly reflected her style and vision.
5:07 - How she differentiates herself from competitors by focusing on actionable, practical leadership development that clients can immediately apply.
24:52 - Her approach to pricing services and the balancing act between respecting your expertise while meeting clients where they are financially.
30:30 - The importance of authenticity in building a business that aligns with your mission and vision.
32:19 - Overview of Latour Leadership Academy's offerings including free resources, blog posts, podcast, and comprehensive leadership programs.

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these two things: 

Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes

Leave me a review so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Until next time, keep thriving through!

(6:00) Ryan shares his journey from accidental consultant to strategic business coach, 

(25:20) Ryan reveals his 13th Week Sabbatical system that transformed his business, 

(37:30) Get the 1 piece of advice for struggling consultants.

Ryan is offering the Business Growth Playbook to Thriving Through podcast viewers for free. The Playbook covers the 25 things all businesses should be doing to scale wisely (but probably aren’t). Get a free copy at MBSBreakthrough.com

Connect with Ryan

LinkedIn: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandmckinney/
Website: https://www.mckinneybusiness.com/
Ryan’s book: Connecting the Dots: A Clear Path to Profit
Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com
Show Notes

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Ryan transitioned from corporate America to building his consulting practice
The power of listening to your clients to develop your service offerings
Why your prospective clients need you to ask for their business (and how to do it naturally)
Ryan's "13th Week Sabbatical" system that revolutionized his business
The importance of self-leadership before attempting to lead a business
How to identify when a prospective client is ready for transformation
Why getting a business coach is the 1 piece of advice for struggling consultants
Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

If you're a self-employed consultant who feels stuck working IN your business rather than ON it, Ryan's journey from "accidental consultant" to strategic business coach offers both inspiration and practical tactics. His signature Breakthrough Blueprint provides a framework for escaping the revenue roller coaster and creating sustainable growth in your consulting practice.

Listen to These Key Moments:

06:00 - The Accidental Consultant Journey: Ryan shares how he discovered coaching and consulting by following client needs and leveraging his diverse corporate background.

12:30 - Finding Your First 10 Clients: Learn Ryan's remarkably straightforward approach to generating leads through authentic conversations and referrals.

20:30 - Overcoming Fear-Based Decision Making: Ryan discusses how fear-based decisions lead to terrible outcomes and his practice of using affirmations to fortify his mindset.

25:20 - The 13th Week Sabbatical Revolution: Discover Ryan's game-changing approach to working in 12-week sprints followed by a week dedicated to self-improvement and business development.

32:00 - Connecting the Dots to Profit: Ryan introduces his new book "Connecting the Dots: A Clear Path to Profit" and its focus on self-leadership, people leadership, and business mastery.

37:30 - The 1 Advice for Struggling Consultants: Ryan's powerful one-piece advice for self-employed consultants who aren't where they want to be.

Resources and Links Mentioned

Business Growth Playbook, the 25 things all businesses should be doing to scale wisely (but probably aren’t). Get a free copy at MBSBreakthrough.com
Buy Back Your Time - Dan Martell's book on delegation
Traction - Gino Wickman's book on entrepreneurial operating systems
Connect with Ryan

LinkedIn: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandmckinney/
Website: https://www.mckinneybusiness.com/
Ryan’s book: Connecting the Dots: A Clear Path to Profit
Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com
Do you wonder why your marketing isn't bringing in enough clients? Discover exactly which parts of your marketing need attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these two things: 

Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes
Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast
Until next time, keep thriving through!

Connect with Oksana Matviichuk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksanamatviichuk/
Website: omstrategicforecaster.com/ 
Email: matviichuk2015@gmail.com

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Show Notes
Are you struggling to make the leap from corporate employee to successful consultant? Wondering why your marketing efforts aren't attracting ideal clients?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Oksana Matviichuk, founder and CEO of OM Strategic Forecasting. Originally from Ukraine, Oksana built her career over 20 years in advertising agencies before launching her own strategic forecasting consultancy, where she now helps mid-sized companies navigate market, audience, and technology disruptions.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• The biggest mindset shift required when transitioning from corporate life to independent consulting • Why your own beliefs can be the greatest limitation to your business growth • How to effectively qualify prospects using a 3-month trial approach • Why public relations and thought leadership are more effective marketing strategies than social media for consultants • The value of finding a business coach for sustainable long-term growth • How to structure your services with different timeframes (3-month and 6-month engagements) • Why AI strategy is becoming crucial for consultants in 2025-2026
Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode
If you're a self-employed consultant who's struggling with finding clients, pricing your services, or structuring your offerings, Oksana provides practical insights from someone who has successfully made the transition from corporate strategist to independent consultant. Her unique perspective on thought leadership marketing and client qualification will help you rethink your approach to business development.
Listen to These Key Moments:
06:54 - What to Do Differently: Oksana shares her biggest lesson about securing more clients before launching (06:54)
08:12 - Sales Always Comes First: Why understanding your comfort level with sales is crucial to your business structure (08:12)
13:53 - The Biggest Mindset Shift: How recognizing your own limiting beliefs is the key to growth (13:53)
17:10 - Preventing Business Failure: Understanding why many consultancies fail within the first two years (17:10)
26:15 - Effective Marketing Strategies: Why public relations and thought leadership matter more than social media posts (26:15)
31:44 - Qualifying Prospects: Using a 3-month subscription model to identify ideal clients (31:44)
37:26 - The Future of AI Strategy: Why developing AI strategy services will be crucial for consultants in 2025-2026 (37:26)

Book Recommendations:
The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington: https://a.co/d/3YCa0mg
Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz:  https://a.co/d/aEB9Clj
Connect with Oksana Matviichuk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksanamatviichuk/
Website: omstrategicforecaster.com/ 
Email: matviichuk2015@gmail.com
Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/
If you liked today's episode, do these three things: 
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes
Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast
Head over to https://www.ajriedel.com/podcasts/thriving-through for show notes and other resources to help you grow your consulting practice.
Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com
Until next time, keep thriving through!

5:20 Mental challenges of entrepreneurship
11:32 The four foundational areas of business
29:34 Counterintuitive advice on taking action vs. perfectionism

Connect with Drew Roberts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-roberts/
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/db-impact-business/

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Show Notes
Are you stuck in your head, trying to craft the perfect business model before launching your consulting practice? What if your greatest obstacle isn't your market, your skills, or your competition, but your own quest for perfection?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Drew Roberts, founder of dB Impact, a business consulting company that helps startups and small-to-medium businesses streamline operations and implement efficiency-boosting systems.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How to overcome the mental challenges of entrepreneurship and shorten those difficult emotional windows
Why defining your value proposition is crucial but also an evolving process
The four foundational areas Drew focuses on with every client (internal/external communications, personnel, goal setting, and technological systems)
How Go High Level serves as an all-in-one solution for solo consultants looking to streamline their tech stack
Why building a referral-based business may be more effective than paid advertising for consultants
How to conduct effective discovery calls that focus on conversation rather than hard selling
Why taking imperfect action consistently beats waiting for perfection

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode
If you've been struggling with the mental game of entrepreneurship or wondering how to define your unique value in the marketplace, Drew's journey will provide both practical insights and emotional reassurance. His counterintuitive approach to growing a consulting business without niching down to a specific industry challenges conventional wisdom while still delivering results. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing consulting practice, Drew's focus on the foundational elements of business success offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters.

Listen to These Key Moments:
03:09 - Mental Challenges of Entrepreneurship: Drew shares how he deals with the inevitable negative self-talk and doubt that comes with running your own business.
08:15 - Finding Your Value Proposition: How Drew evolved his business by focusing on where he could provide the most value to clients.
11:32 - The Four Foundational Areas: Learn about the four core elements Drew focuses on with every client, regardless of their industry.
16:16 - Go High Level as the Ultimate Tool: Why Drew recommends this all-in-one system for solo consultants over juggling multiple platforms.
24:35 - Discovery Calls That Convert: Drew's approach to discovery calls that prioritizes conversation over hard selling.
29:34 - Counterintuitive Advice on Perfectionism: Why waiting for perfection is holding you back, and how embracing "messy" action leads to better results.
32:45 - The Right Perspective on Failure: How viewing failures as growth opportunities rather than endpoints transforms your entrepreneurial journey.

Connect with Drew Roberts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-roberts/
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/db-impact-business/

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant's Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant

Until next time, keep thriving through!

6:26 - Pivotal moment decision
11:05 - Network activation strategy
22:22 - Financial insights for consultants
Connect with Laura Hardin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hardinheightscomms/
Website: HardinHeightsComms.com
Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Show Notes:
Are you tired of the corporate grind but afraid to take the leap into consulting? What if a layoff became the best thing that ever happened to your career?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Laura Hardin, founder of Harden Heights Communications, a consultancy specializing in change management and internal communications during corporate transitions.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Laura transformed a painful job loss into entrepreneurial success after 25 years in corporate communications
The two "Aha moments" that convinced her to bet on herself instead of continuing a frustrating job search
Practical strategies for reactivating your professional network without being purely transactional

How to qualify potential clients to ensure they're the right fit for your services
Why you can often make more money as a consultant while technically earning less
Essential systems and tools for running an efficient consulting practice
Strategies for maintaining work-life balance while building a thriving business

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode:
If you're stuck in the corporate world but dreaming of independence, or if you've recently started your consulting journey, Laura's story provides both inspiration and practical guidance. In just 10 months, she built a communications consultancy that exceeded her financial goals while giving her more freedom and fulfillment than her corporate career ever did. Her candid insights about overcoming rejection, managing uncertainty, and building authentic relationships will help you navigate your own path to consulting success.

Listen to These Key Moments:
03:33 - The Two Aha Moments: Laura shares the pivotal realizations that led her to launch her own business instead of continuing her job search.
07:26 - Overcoming Fear: How Laura dealt with the terrifying prospect of starting a business right when her daughter was beginning college.
11:05 - Network Activation: Laura's authentic approach to leveraging her professional relationships without coming across as transactional.
16:50 - Client Qualification: How Laura ensures potential clients are the right fit for her services through discovery calls.
19:01 - Essential Tools: The minimal but effective systems Laura uses to run her business efficiently.
22:22 - Financial Insights: Why consultants can often keep more of their money even while making less on paper than in corporate roles.
27:22 - Work-Life Balance: How Laura maintains balance while building her practice (and why she loves it so much).
31:50 - Advice to New Consultants: What Laura wishes she had known when starting her consulting journey.

Connect with Laura Hardin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hardinheightscomms/
Website: HardinHeightsComms.com

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these two things: 
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes
Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: ajr@4rmg.com

4:55 Learn Nick's creative methods for building client relationships despite being "not naturally outgoing" 
11:15: Learn how Nick handles prospects who don't recognize they have safety problems
Connect with Nicholas Eckert
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541284/
Website: https://www.srconsultingky.com/

Show Notes:
Are you struggling to find clients who actually recognize they need your help? How do you transform failures into valuable data that drives your business forward?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Nick Eckert, founder of Sr. Training and Consulting, who helps small and medium-sized businesses navigate OSHA requirements and build world-class safety cultures.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• How to approach prospects who don't recognize they have a problem yet 
• Strategies for using a book as a lead generation tool rather than a revenue producer 
• The benefits of an ascension model from social media to books to online courses to consulting 
• How to overcome the challenge of cold calling when you're not naturally outgoing 
• Why learning from failure is more valuable than quick success 
• Tactics for nurturing leads who aren't ready to become clients 
• How to analyze competitors to find your unique positioning

Why You Should Listen to This Episode
If you're building a consulting practice in a field where clients often don't recognize they need help until it's too late, Nick's creative approaches to client acquisition will help you rethink your marketing strategy. His refreshing perspective on embracing failure as valuable data rather than setbacks provides a mental framework that can help any consultant persevere through challenging early years.

Listen to These Key Moments:
[4:33] Nick's biggest challenge: Finding clients when no one wants cold calls and how he overcame his natural reluctance to knock on doors.
[6:46] Books as lead generation: How Nick uses his Amazon bestselling book to qualify prospects and generate warm leads rather than focusing on book revenue.
[11:15] The "we don't have problems" objection: Nick's clever techniques for shifting the conversation with prospects who don't recognize safety issues.
[15:23] Nurturing not-ready prospects: How Nick uses regular value-first content to stay top-of-mind with prospects who aren't ready to buy.
[21:54] Advice for new consultants: "Fail early and fail often, and learn from it" - Nick's counter-intuitive perspective on early business struggles.
[27:27] Competitor analysis: How to look at competitors not as threats but as teachers of what works and what gaps you can fill.

Connect with Nicholas Eckert
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541284/
Website: https://www.srconsultingky.com/

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant's Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these two things:
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes

Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Connect with me:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
Email: ajr@4rmg.com
Until next time, keep thriving through!

Connect with Frank

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkeck/

Website: corebuild.solutions 

Show Notes:

Are you undercharging for your consulting services, and as a result, working with clients who don't value your expertise?

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Frank Keck, CEO and founder of CoreBuild, a company that helps develop confident leaders, collaborative teams, and profitable organizations where people can thrive.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Frank built a consulting business with an exceptional 95% client retention rate over 24 years
• Why being able to clearly articulate what you do is crucial for effective marketing
• The power of "test drive" marketing through free workshops that convert to paying clients
• How to overcome the fear of charging what you're really worth
• Strategies for building relationships with organizations that lead to long-term business
• How to use targeted data tools like Seamless.ai to identify and reach your ideal clients
• The importance of delegating tasks you're not good at to focus on your strengths
• How implementing a structured morning routine can transform your mindset and business

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

If you've ever struggled with defining your value as a consultant or lacked confidence in your pricing, Frank's journey provides a roadmap to building both inner confidence and external success. His practical approach to marketing, relationship-building, and personal development offers actionable insights that can help you differentiate yourself in today's competitive consulting landscape.

Listen to These Key Moments:

3:18 Getting Your Name Out There - Frank shares how his biggest initial challenge was defining what he actually does and communicating it effectively to potential clients. (03:18)

12:43 Finding What Works in Marketing - Learn how Frank built his business by speaking at professional organization chapters, giving potential clients a "test drive" of his services. (12:43)

19:34 Doubling Your Fees - Frank reveals how a business coach pushed him to double his fees, and how this not only increased his revenue but improved how he felt about himself. (19:34)

27:15 Building a Board of Directors - Discover how Frank created a personal "board of directors" with mentors in different areas of his life and business. (27:15)

34:53 Morning Routine for Success - Frank details his transformative morning routine that helped him shift from a victim mindset to a creative mindset. (34:53)

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• CoreBuild: Frank's leadership and team development company
• Seamless.ai: Tool Frank uses for targeted prospecting
• "Embrace Your Freakness": Frank's first book
• "Key Person of Influence" by Daniel Priestley
• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and PMI (Project Management Institute): Organizations where Frank spoke to build his business

If you liked today's episode, do these three things: 1) click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes, 2) leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast, 3) head over to https://www.ajriedel.com for show notes and other resources to help you grow your consulting practice.

Connect with Frank

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkeck/

Website: corebuild.solutions 

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/ 

Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/ 

Email: ajr@4rmg.com

Until next time, keep thriving through!

The conversation explores:

• Beverly's transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship
• The importance of knowing your "why" and core values (hers are courage and freedom)
• Overcoming fear and building confidence in business
• Her mindset approach for handling rejection and pricing services
• Lead generation strategies and networking approaches
• The value of helping clients see their full potential
• Her future vision of expanding her coaching business while maintaining freedom to travel

Beverly offers practical advice for consultants and coaches, including the power of silence in pricing discussions, not letting fear control decisions, and defining success on your own terms rather than society's expectations. The interview showcases Beverly's philosophy of "be limitless" and focusing on possibilities rather than limitations.

Connect with Beverly Flores: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevflores/

Website: thymeoutconsulting.com 

🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with successful independent consultants.

Show notes

From Corporate Leader to Thriving Consultant: How Beverly Flores Secured 13 Clients in 6 Months Through Courage and Authentic Connection

Are you ready to break free from your corporate job but fear is holding you back? How do you confidently price your services when you're just starting out?

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Beverly Flores, founder of Thyme Out Consulting. We talk about Beverly's journey from a 24-year corporate career to securing 13 clients in her first six months as a consultant, the power of letting silence work for you in pricing conversations, and defining success beyond financial metrics. Discover how to leverage your core values to overcome fear and build a business that aligns with your authentic self. Tune in and learn practical strategies for generating leads, handling rejection, and creating a consulting business that gives you both professional fulfillment and personal freedom.

Timestamps for Key Moments

• 13:32 - Courage as a Core Value: Beverly explains how identifying courage as her core value helped her overcome fear
• 25:17 - The Power of Silence in Pricing: Beverly shares the critical technique of staying silent after stating your price
• 31:35 - You Are Not Your Emotions: Important mindset shift for handling rejection and disappointment
• 35:57 - Call the Second List: Powerful story about persistence after rejection with a client who gave up halfway
• 38:27 - Lead Generation Tactics: Beverly's practical approach to finding new clients through Chamber of Commerce
• 41:14 - Building an Email List: Overcoming reluctance to reach out to people with valuable content
• 47:43 - Four Buckets of Success: Beverly's framework for defining success beyond financial metrics

Resources:

• Thriving Through Podcast: https://www.ajriedel.com/podcasts/thriving-through
• Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
• Email: ajr@4rmg.com
• Free Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
• Take the Marketing Momentum Assessment: https://aj-jjsg4yy5.scoreapp.com/ 

Connect with Beverly Flores: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevflores/
• Website: thymeoutconsulting.com 

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Julie Collison, special education expert and founder of Ingenuity Unlimited. We talk about Julie's courageous journey from burnout to building her own consulting practice, why face-to-face connections trump digital marketing in service businesses, and the challenge of choosing between comfortable-but-less-profitable markets versus uncomfortable-but-lucrative ones.

Discover how to transition from employment to self-employment without losing yourself in the process, and hear practical advice on targeting the right clients, managing seasonal fluctuations, and measuring success beyond finances.

Tune in and gain valuable insights whether you're considering the leap to consulting or already navigating the challenges of your first few years in business.

Timestamps:

00:04:24 - Mental health as the catalyst for career change 

00:07:40 - Why Facebook ads failed but in-person networking worked 

00:12:54 - The challenge of serving two different target markets 

00:19:10 - Pushing beyond comfort zones for business growth 

00:21:23 - Positioning services to create value for businesses 

00:23:34 - Measuring success through impact and life quality 

00:27:12 - "Keep fighting": Advice for struggling consultants

Resources:

• Thriving Through Podcast: https://www.ajriedel.com/podcasts/thriving-through
• Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
• Email: ajr@4rmg.com
• Free Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
• Take the Marketing Momentum Assessment: https://aj-jjsg4yy5.scoreapp.com/ 

Connect with Julie Collison

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-collison-m-ed-379a7194/
• Website: ingenuityunlimitedllc.com/

Throughout the conversation, Jessica shares her journey from being hesitant about self-employment to embracing entrepreneurship. Key discussion points include:

- How Jessica builds innovation ecosystems and communities with a "give first, get later" mentality

- The importance of outsourcing tasks that don't bring you joy

- Why hiring coaches and experts helped her overcome initial fears of business ownership

- Marketing strategies for consultants, including "leading with the need" and understanding client problems

- Lessons from interviewing 1,300 founders on the Startup Hustle podcast

- Building community as a business growth strategy

- The power of belief and mindset in entrepreneurial success

Jessica's three key pieces of advice for struggling consultants: seek mentors who are further along, develop a positive mindset, and be willing to try different approaches when things aren't working.

Connect with Jessica Powell on LinkedIn to learn more about her work helping businesses find their people and grow through effective marketing strategies.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-powell-kc/

Show Notes

"Marketing Magic: Building Your Consulting Business Through Community"

In this episode of the Thriving Through podcast, host AJ Riedel interviews Jessica Powell, owner and brand amplifier at Social Balances, a marketing consultancy focusing on early-stage companies that need marketing expertise but can't afford a full-time CMO.

Episode Highlights:

Jessica's Background: Self-described as an "innovation ecosystem community builder, values aligner, and all in for KC," Jessica explains how bringing the right people together creates opportunities and benefits everyone involved.
Transition to Self-Employment: Initially hesitant to become a consultant, Jessica shares how hiring a coach helped her clarify her vision and realize this was the path to achieve what she wanted.
The Power of Outsourcing: Jessica emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you're good at and outsourcing the rest to experts, from marketing to accounting.
Marketing Magic Defined: Breaking down what "marketing magic" means for consultants, Jessica explains it's about helping people find their audience by leading with needs, building relationships, and authenticity.
Community Building Strategy: Jessica details how she built Back to KC and New to KC communities, creating value for everyone involved while simultaneously growing her own network and business opportunities.
Lessons from Founders: Having interviewed 1,300 founders on the Startup Hustle podcast, Jessica observed successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with smarter people, listen more than they speak, embrace failure, and maintain realistic expectations.
The Mindset of Success: Jessica discusses the critical role of belief in entrepreneurial success and how to feed that belief daily.
Advice for Struggling Consultants: Her three key recommendations: find mentors higher up the mountain, choose a positive perspective, and be willing to innovate when things aren't working.
Connect with Jessica Powell on LinkedIn to learn more about her work helping businesses find their audience and grow through effective marketing strategies.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-powell-kc/

#thrivingthroughchallenges #thrivingthrough #consulting #businessn #revenue #strategies