The Biz of Nonprofit Consultants

Feeling stuck as you push past $200K toward $1M in annual revenue? This episode uncovers the recurring focus areas that will keep your business moving forward in that messy middle phase. In this episode, I break down the critical areas every consultant needs to revisit as they scale their business and share client stories and strategies to help you make progress. Episodes Referenced Episode 3: Deep dive on positioning, specialize by what you do and niche by who you do it for Episode 24: Sales strategies for nonprofit consultants Episode 29 through 32: Micro positions, the five team-member roles, and all things hiring and team building Episode 45 through 48: Conversations, sales growth, and the proposal process Episode 50: Christine Schweitzer's journey streamlining her grant consulting offer Listen to This is Working podcast hosted by Daniel Roth to hear from other leaders   RESROUCES AND NEXT STEPS Revisit any of the above episodes for deeper guidance on the area you need next Ready for personalized support? 

Does delegating still feel risky? Hear how Public Health Consultant and Qualitative Research expert, Dr. Andrea Mantsios, moved from doing every task herself to leading a growing team. She also shares how navigated this unprecendented and extremely challenging time for the Public Health sector. In this “Client Success” episode you'll learn: Why Andrea's first shifted her mindset around help The simple exercise she used to decide what to hand off first How following our hiring course freed up billable hours The systems she installed so quality improved as the team grew The one metric she now tracks weekly to stay in CEO model I also ask her perspective of first working with me 1:1 and now inside the Impact Collective Mastermind.   Connect with Andrea LinkedIn (tell her you heard her episode) Website (PHIA Consulting) Connect with NatalieLinkedIn (tell me you're a podcast listener) Website Other Episodes Mentioned (apple links) 5: From Accidental Consultant to Leading a Team of 6 with Rachel Cahill  12: The Power of Specializing with Leah Roman   Let's Work Together!

If you've ever asked, “What kind of support do I actually need right now?” you're not alone. In this episode, I walk through the key differences between coaching, courses, masterminds, and membership sites. You'll learn how to choose what fits your business stage, learning style, and goals as a nonprofit consultant. Here's what to expect: • When 1:1 coaching, group coaching, or subcontracting makes the most sense • Why I don't recommend masterminds for beginners, and when they truly work • The difference between learning and implementing • How to think about ROI in three ways: immediate, compounding, and future • Why sometimes the smartest investment isn't a program at all You don't need more noise. You need support that fits.

Ready to trade busywork for revenue-boosting conversations? Hit play to discover what a mastermind really is, where the idea first took shape, and what today's research says about its power. I also help you determine whether your smartest next move is building your own circle or joining one led by a seasoned coach-facilitator. NEXT STEPS Want in before my October Charleston retreat? Apply now to the Impact Collective Mastermind Program accepted summer applicants receive bonus mastermind-prep resources the moment they commit. Have an urgent challenge? Book an Intensive and get clarity in 90 minutes. Listen to Episode 49: Inside The Impact Collective Retreat to hear about our February retreat in San Diego. (apple link) Other Resources: Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill Benjamin Franklin: An American Life – Walter Isaacson Harvard Business Review – “The Power of Peer Groups for CEOs” (March 2024) Vistage × Ohio State University – “CEO Confidence & Growth Study” (2023 PDF)   Visit: NatalieMBA.com for more information.    

Worried that growth has stalled for nonprofit consultants this year? After analyzing my clients whose businesses are growing, I'm sharing what is working right now. Links & Resources Book a 90-Minute Intensive ($997) – the fastest on-ramp to these shifts NatalieMBA.com/intensive Follow me on LinkedIn for daily tips and conversation Learn the Dream 15 outreach method in “Stop Waiting” (Ep 48) Impact Collective Mastermind – next cohort forms in September; retreat in Charleston, SC, October 2025 **open to all genders! Join the converation on LinkedIn for this episode Visit NatalieMBA.com for any other questions.

If your consulting business is feeling the ripple effects of canceled projects, stalled funding, or client uncertainty, you're not alone.  In this episode, I share how to stay resilient during hard times, drawing on real client wins, business cycles, and lessons from the pandemic. We'll talk about mindset, emergency funds, pivoting your messaging, and staying grounded in your numbers. There are still opportunities...let's make sure you're positioned to find them.   Mentioned in this episode:

If the idea of “selling” makes you cringe or even hestiate, you're not alone. For many nonprofit consultants, sales feels out of step with your mission—even though your business depends on it. But what if selling wasn't about pressure or persuasion? What if it was simply about making it easier for the right people to say yes? In this episode, I'll walk you through a powerful reframe that will shift how you think about sales conversations. Whether you avoid follow-ups, downplay your value, or rely entirely on referrals, this mindset shift will help you step more confidently into your role as a leader—and open the door to more aligned client relationships. Mentioned in this episode:

Kel Haney was doing a little bit of everything: directing theater, consulting non profits, coaching others, and it left her burned out and unsure of how to grow. But everything changed when she made the decision to specialize in mid-level donor fundraising. In this episode, Kel shares how focusing on the work she does best helped her build a thriving, fully booked fundraising business. We talk about the clarity and momentum that came with refining her services, why mid-level donor strategies are often overlooked, and how this specialization allowed her to scale with more ease and impact. If you're feeling spread too thin or unsure how to grow, Kel's story is a powerful example of what's possible when you align your business with your zone of genius. Mentioned in this episode: Kel Haney's Website Kel on LinkedIn Book: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Resources:

If your revenue goal feels too ambitious or too safe, you're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite tools for setting goals that support real growth without adding unnecessary pressure. The Good, Better, Best method is a simple way to create structure and momentum in your business. I walk you through how it works and share two client stories. Whether you're setting Q2 goals or recalibrating mid-year, this episode will help you create a more grounded and flexible plan. I also share a reminder to make time for CEO-level reflection. You're leading a business, not just delivering services. Taking time to reset and reconnect with your direction is part your hightest level work as a business owner. Mentioned in this episode: Book a 90-Minute Intensive: NatalieMBA.com/intensive Resources :

It's been a minute since I've featured a client success story, and today's interview with Christine Schweitzer of Holistic Grants was well worth the wait. Christine has experienced incredible growth, moving from solo grant writer to owner of a thriving consulting firm. Today, she's sharing openly about the highs and lows of scaling, including hiring her first employee, transitioning client relationships from herself to her team, and swapping spreadsheets for a robust project management system in ClickUp. We also chat about the power of coaching and how the Impact Collective Mastermind has accelerated Christine's growth (including a full-circle moment with fellow mastermind member and previous guest, Lakeesha Morris-Moreau). If you're navigating the shift from solo consulting to a small firm or dreaming of getting there, you'll relate to Christine's journey and the practical insights she shares. Mentioned in this Episode: Visit the Holistic Grants website Connect with Christine Schwitzer on LinkedIn Episode 8 with Lakeisha Morris-Moreau Resources :

Let's go behind the scenes of the Impact Collective Mastermind Retreat—sharing why this experience exceeded my expectations and how it transformed both my clients and me. You'll hear: ✔️ The evolution of my masterminds—how I went from my first paid mastermind in 2015 to hosting curated retreats for experienced nonprofit consultants. ✔️ Standout moments, including hot tub hot seats, game-changing Uber ride referrals, and a framework session that left my clients energized and taking immediate action. ✔️ Lessons you can apply to your own business, whether you're growing your consulting firm or looking for a mastermind that truly gets you. ✔️ The power of in-person connection and why this retreat—exclusively for nonprofit consultants—was different from anything I've hosted before. ✔️ How diversity in expertise, backgrounds, and lived experiences created richer conversations, deeper insights, and tangible business breakthroughs. ✔️ Standout moments, including hot tub hot seats, game-changing Uber ride referrals, and a framework session that left my clients energized and taking immediate action. ✔️ Lessons you can apply to your own business, whether you're growing your consulting firm or looking for a mastermind that truly gets you.   Links & Resources Mentioned:

Most nonprofit consultants rely on referrals, but what if you could take control of your growth? In this episode, I introduce the Dream 15 strategy—a simple, proactive way to connect with your ideal clients. You'll learn how to build your list, why it works, and an easy research tip to stay engaged with top prospects. If you're ready to attract the right clients with confidence, this episode is for you!

Have you ever struggled with proposals leading to indecision or ghosting? The solutions are waiting for you in Part 3 of the Business Growth Sereies. Let's help you convert more prospects into clients. I will cover: The Consultative Selling Approach. Shift from pitching to guiding your prospects toward a confident yes. The Discovery Call How to gather key details upfront to create a proposal that aligns with client needs. The Circle Back Call Why presenting proposals in real time prevents misalignment and increases conversions. The Power of a One-Option Proposal – How simplifying choices leads to faster decisions and positions you as the expert. But that's just the beginning! There are more insights and strategies inside that will help you refine your approach, eliminate uncertainty, and close your next client with confidence.  

Would you like a steady stream of referrals? In last week's episode, I shared Part 1 of a business growth strategy. Today, we're diving into Part 2 and exploring how to connect your LinkedIn content and engagement to your offline conversations, creating a repeatable system for growth.

Are you spending more time creating content than having conversations with your network? It's time to rethink your strategy and prioritize conversations over content. In this episode, I dive into why meaningful conversations are the key to growing your nonprofit consulting business. You will learn: Why conversations matter more than content for busines growth. How the 3 Circles Concept helps you strategically engage with your network. The power of social capital and why your connections are your best asset. How to leverage reciprocity to strengthen your network and create lasting business opportunities. I also share practical steps to help you keep your network alive, even when you're busy with client work.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Nikki Raush's Sales Mavens Podcast – Learn more about sales strategies and how to use conversations effectively. Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point – Discusses the importance of Connectors, Mavens, and Salespeople in your network.  The 7-Day Conversation Challenge – Connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know you are participating! Stay tuned for next week's episode: How your content can

Welcome to a MASTERCLASS on scaling a consulting business from $200K to $500K. This phase of business has one of the STEEPEST LEARNING CURVES because so much is changing at once. If you feel overwhelmed, you're not alone—this is the stage where every major area of your business shifts simultaneously. In this episode, I dive into the unspoken challenges that occur as you grow toward $500K, including changes in your clients, team, finances, operations, mindset, and leadership. I have personally listened to A LOT of podcasts about growing a business and have never heard this phase addressed in the comprehensive way I do in this episode.  Drawing from my work with nonprofit consultants and service providers, I break down why this stage of business growth can feel overwhelming, why so few coaches specialize in it, and the key transformations you need to navigate successfully. If you're in this growth phase, know that you're not alone. There's a path through the messy middle, and I'm here to guide you through it. ***Please share this with at least one other consultant today.*** Work With Me: Get clarity on your next best move and a strategic roadmap through the messy middle. In my 90-minute intensive, we'll create a personalized plan to package a service that fits your business goals and helps you thrive. Learn more at https://nataliemba.com/intensive.   Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn   Explore NatalieMBA.com

Are custom proposals leaving you feeling overworked and overwhelmed? Imagine replacing that chaos with a streamlined service that's easy to sell, easier to deliver, and more profitable. Sound like a dream? It doesn't have to be. In this episode, we dive into the life-changing power of standardized services. I cover: Why custom proposals might be holding you back. How standardization simplifies your workflow, builds authority, and increases profitability. Real-world examples of how consultants are packaging services Plus, practical steps to start creating your own scalable, standardized service. Work With Me: If you're ready to streamline your services but don't know where to start, let's work together! In my 90-minute intensive, we'll create a personalized plan to package a service that fits your business goals and helps you thrive. Learn more at https://nataliemba.com/intensive.   Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn   Explore NatalieMBA.com

New coaching clients often share they don't know how to hire another consultant. They say things like,  "I don't know how to find someone that knows all the things I know and who can work with clients in all the ways I work with them."   The truth is, they are right. Most people who have all of their capabilities alreay have their own business or are running an organization. They are not available for hire and if they were it would likely be too expensive to have them on your team.   When you do a lot of types of work for different types and sizes of organizations, hiring decisions feel overwhelming because there's no clarity on the exact skills or expertise needed.   The solution is to focus on positioning your buisness away from being a generalist. Once you specialize by what you do and/or niche by the organizations you serve, it simplifies everything in your business including hiring.   CASE STUDY: Using examples from fundraising, I cover how targeting particular services or clients can facilitate easier hiring, more efficient team building, and ultimately, business growth    

Feeling overwhelmed because you waited too long to hire? Now the thought of tackling it on top of your already packed schedule feels impossible. But here's the catch: you can't grow—or reclaim precious time for what you truly love—without help. In this episode, we'll break down how to identify the role that will bring you the most relief. Spoiler: the first hire you need might not be for your business but for your home.   May I support you as your grow your consulting business? 

The fresh energy of a new year is upon us! Join me to create a clear vision for what you want this upcoming year to look like for your business and yourself.  You'll discover the shifts you need to make in order to bring YOUR vision to life. Learn what you need to prioritize and invest in so that you can gain more revenue and stability while also having more joy and peace in your business. I'll guide you to reflect on your past year and set intentions to prioritize your needs and goals for the new year. Be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn to share your word of the year! ⭐️ Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn Ready to go deeper? There are 3 ways we can work together: 90-Minute Intensive Deep dive on your business which includes one of my virtual workshops hand picked for you to watch in advance of our call. Private Coaching (6 months) Customized coaching that includes monthly calls, a private slack channel and access to my content library. Impact

Is something missing from your Scope of Work? It is meant to protect you and your clients which is why I invited my guest to share her best practices with us today.  Mandy Pearce is a seasoned consultant and coach with impeccable client boundaries, that are all clearly defined in her scope of work and contracts which she has refined over the years.   I enjoyed getting her recommendations on some scenarios my clients have experienced and hearing her recommendations for avoiding sticky situations in the future.   Finally, I always love to get to know my guests a little better and find out what we have in common. It was so much fun to learn about Mandy's family businesses growing up and exposure to entrepreneurship from a young age.  Amanda (Mandy) Pearce LinkedIn Website Nonprofit Consulting Conference, Sept 2025 May I support you as your grow your consulting business? 

***Currently reviewing applications for 2025 1:1 Coaching and Impact Collective Mastermind!*** The majority of consultants start off as GENERALISTS and over time find they need to POSITION themselves as an expert in the marketplace by either "specializing" by the services they offer or by "niching" the clients they serve AND in some cases they do both. Jenny Kontos niched her marketing agency, Hillhouse Creative, in 2021 to only serve established nonprofit clients and this streamlined many of her business development activities and focused her team. In this coaching session, I surprise Jenny by suggesting she position her business further by SPECIALIZING her services with a signature offer. We discuss the pros and cons of this shift, strategies for client acquisition, and the importance of maintaining long-term client relationships plus best next steps. Spoiler alert: changing your positioning for your NEXT clients does not need to impact your current and favorite clients! Visit Hillhouse Creative Website Connect with Jenny Kontos on LinkedIn Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn - let's discuss this episode and be sure to thank Jenny for allowing me to coach her on air! May I support you as your grow your consulting business? There are 3 ways we can get started:

One of the most challenging transitions for consultants is shifting from handling all client work to having a trusted team member take over. In this episode, I explore the stages of handing off clients to team members, how to establish and communicate core values, and the mindset shifts needed to let go of control. This journey is a path to a sustainable business that's less dependent on you as the owner. I hope you enjoy the practical tips to help you confidently move from a solo “I” to a team-focused “we.” You've got this! May I support you as your grow your consulting business? There are 3 ways we can get started:

Are you an accidental business owner? Has your business grown faster than you expected? With growth comes mindset challenges, like self-sabotage and imposter syndrome, that can limit both success and impact. In this episode we cover concepts and tools to help you shift your mindset and set inspiring goals and navigate common barriers we all experience on our growth journey including: Growth Mindset Future Self Visioning Breaking Through Upper Limits The RESET Framework Resources mentioned in the episode:

High ticket projects which I define it as a project anywhere from $25K to $300K and everything in between require more sophistication in several areas to protect yourself as a business owner. High ticket projects are normally devlievered over the course of several months and for multi-six figure projects, those can extend beyond a year and even up to 3 years. While the big project numbers I just shared likely sounds amazing, there are several things that make this type of business more complicated. I have 5 watchouts to cover with you in this training episode. 1) Longer Sales Cycle 2) Pricing 3) Scope Creep 4) Project Management 5) Advance Cash Flow Techniques Required This episode is an example of things that I help my clients with regularly and demonstrates how I teach and train.  May I support you as your grow your consulting business? There are three ways we can get started:

What if the clients that got you here, might not be the clients that get you there?  If you've been thinking that it's time to uplevel your clients, then this episode is for you.  (Need help with positioning your business, go back to episode #3!) Could you use support from an experienced coach? It would be an honor to support you.

Kelly is at a CROSSROADS in her business. She could stay where she is with one employee and a marketing contractor or she could grow.  This is an on air coaching episode where you get to listen in as I coach fractional fundraiser Kelly McLaughlin and it is worth every minute of your time! I guarantee you will find at least ONE idea you can apply to your consulting business. You will learn: How Kelly specialized and niched her business and why this driving growth. Why she almost closed her business last year. Her innovative way of finding clients. My coaching on what roles she should hire and the order in which to do so. Connect with Kelly McLaughlin: Website LinkedIn Listen to our previous on air coaching call from 2023 on episode #590 of The BizChix Podcast. Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn - let's discuss this episode!  

Creating and holding boundaries with your team can be a challenge (especially if you already struggle with boundaries in your personal life). Once you have team members, a good portion of your time needs to be devoted to leading them by coaching, training and providing feedback. In order, to communicate well you also need to document and communicate your policies and procedure.  I have some great examples from current and past clients and some scenarios from my own life and business that might surprise you and give you ideas for your business.  Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn - let's discuss this episode!

Do you know the IDEAL team structure if you want to build a lean dream team where every team member is a high performer and does their role with excellence? (Yes, you are worthy of that level of support.) You will learn the actual positions you need to hire and learn where you are headed and what the  next step is in growing your consulting firm.  Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn - I'd love to know what team members you have and what position you plan to hire next.  

Are you at CAPACITY in your business, where you can't really grow unless you start taking more off your plate, BUT the business can't afford to hire the person you think you really need? In this episode, I share a workaround. A way to start delegating small tasks in your business so you can focus on your zone of genius and increase your capacity without overwhelming your time or your bank account.

My clients do NOT yearn to have a massive team, but they DO want to hire some support so they can focus on their zone of genius -- the work that they love and is most highly valued by clients. In fact, you can build a highly profitable consulting busines with a LEAN DREAM TEAM! This often includes a combination of help at home and in the business including at least one team member who shares the client workload (so you can go on vacation or navigate life's curveballs). The challenge in leading a small business, is that EVERY team member needs to be high performing. Listen for all the details. Remember your team includes anyone you pay to support you — either in your business, or in your personal life.  In this episode, we define a Lean team and share how to rate your team members to determine if you have a Dream team as well as some ideas of what to do if your team is not working.

What do you think of the term “thought leader”? Almost every client I work with needs to create MORE visibility for their business to attract and nurture clients. My hope is that this episode will help you embrace your own thought leadership because the world NEEDS your voice and your point of view. I'm joined by Tania Bhattacharyya who helps social impact leaders and organizations share their thought leadership on LinkedIn. We tackle self-doubt, the power of personal narratives, and the courage to share your unique perspective.  We also discuss how cultural nuances influence self-promotion, particularly for women, immigrants, and minorities. I also open up about my own journey, including the hurdles I faced and how it took me 150 episodes to record my first solo podcast. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you confidently embrace and project your thought leadership. Listen to Tania's podcast The Campfire Circle Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn  Connect with Tania on LinkedIn

It can be tricky to get started posting or to RESTART posting on LinkedIn. Perhaps you are a perfectionist worried about getting each post just “right”. Or maybe you don't want to seem like a “know it all” or step on another expert's toes. Ready for some actionable tips? We break down five types of posts that work wonders ,, but first we help you navigate any mindset issues which might be holding you back. I'm joined by Elizabeth Cook, who coaches with me in our group coaching programs, and our mission is to help you show up and shine. The world needs to hear about your area of expertise from YOUR point of view. Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn  Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

Have you ever felt intimidated or disconnected from the word "Sales"? Does your stomach clinch at the thought of "working a room"? My client Trina Willard, an introvert at heart, has turned her nature into a

Ever wondered how the flow of money differs in nonprofits compared to for-profit companies? It's essential to understand this ecosystem you are operating within. We discuss how identifying the source of funding for your consulting project matters. Also we share how the

Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone.  Running a business is not for the faint of heart and combine that with parenting, caregiving, volunteering, a challenging relationship or #alltheabove and it is enough to paralyze even the most productive and high-functioning consultants. Join my colleague Elizabeth Cook and me as we share ideas, tactics and strategies to navigate business and personal overwhelm including: Brain Dumps Slow Mondays Taking Breaks White Space Low Power Mode and more!! ⭐️⭐️APPLY FOR 1:1 COACHING WITH NATALIE⭐️⭐️           Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn          Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

Seizing every opportunity that comes your way isn't always the best strategy. Doing all the tasks you “can” do in your business and home, may inhibit your business growth and lead to overwhelm. But how do you know what tasks to do and what not to do? How do you decide what opportunities to say yes to and what to decline? Elizabeth Cook, who coaches alongside me in our programs, joins me as we discuss practical filters for assessing opportunities, the importance of strategic thinking, and even provide scripts for gracefully declining offers that don't align with your goals. If you're striving to build an enduring business while keeping your mission front and center, this episode is a must-listen! Are you looking for more support to grow your business beyond this podcast?

When you're no longer doing client work or have delegated a majority of it, what should you focus on next? Elizabeth Cook, who coaches alongside me in our programs for nonprofit consultants, joins me to discuss four key activities that founders should focus on after delegating client work. Our mission is to help you gain more time for these pivotal activities, so you can continue to grow and sustain a thriving consulting business! Need support as you grow your consulting practice? Our Impact

You will get fired up in this conversation with Cindy Wagman. We talk about her rebel days in high school and how this rebellious spirit serves her mission for women, especially those who “grew up” in the nonprofit world, to go against the grain and embrace financial success. Cindy does this with 100% care for her consulting clients and shares her collaborative process for creating proposals, including how to get more comfortable with discussions around pricing and budget. She also shares how she helps Fractional Fundraisers and other Nonprofit Consultants start and grow their businesses through her programs. Connect with Cindy on LinkedIn Cindy's Website Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn Listen to Confessions with Cindy and Jess

Would you say you have a CHAOS business or an ENDURING business? The three pillars in my model of an ENDURING business are that it is enjoyable, profitable AND sustainable.  It is common to have seasons where any of the above are out of sync, but long term we won't stay in business if all three pillars are not addressed. In this episode, we provide actionable steps to help you get out of overwhelm and “chaos” and build a business that endures. If you could use support in your business, consider our mastermind with 1:1 coaching and a retreat.

Building a team is a journey full of lessons and we get to explore those with Stephanie Skryzowski, founder of 100 Degrees Consulting - which provides Fractional CFO services to Nonprofit Organizations.  Originally a solo consultant, Stephanie's business has grown to include a diverse team of 16 full-time employees.  We talk about the evolution of her hiring process, overcoming mindset challenges, and making strategic decisions like selling part of her business to focus exclusively on nonprofits. Stephanie also shares how niching down led to exponential revenue growth. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn Visit Stephanie's Website

Fractional consulting roles inside nonprofits can be a win/win. The nonprofit gets the expertise of a role they cannot yet afford full time, while the consultant gets to increase their impact by working with multiple clients. However, there are some ways this relationship can go sideways and we have some watchouts to share if you are a fractional consultant such a Fractional Fundraiser, Chief Marketing Officer, Director of Human Resources Officer, Director of Operations, Chief Financial Officer or any other fractional executive role in the organization. You will learn practical tips to ensure long-term client satisfaction while maintaining your boundaries.

Did you know that less than 2% of women ever build a business to seven figures or beyond in annual revenue? Get ready to be inspired! Karen DeYoung, who owns DeYoung Consulting Services based out of Minneapolis, joins me to  share her business journey building a SEVEN figure consulting firm.  I had the honor of coaching Karen DeYoung for three years from 2017 to 2019 and helping her grow from six figures to multi-six figures. When we first met, she was only working with contractors and I remember her taking that big step of hiring her first full time consultant. Karen and I both hope that her story of steady growth inspires other women, including other black women, to consider the possbiilties of what they might create.

When was the last time you felt that you don't quite fit in nonprofit circles and you don't quite in business circles? Finding community as a nonprofit consultant can be challenging, but it is so worth it. In this episode, we share three key benefits to joining a community of your peers.  And whether you join our mastermind or find another soft place to land, we cannot recommend finding a community that supports you and your business goals.

As with most consultants, my incredible client Dr. Charlotte Huntley began her consulting career by taking on a variety of projects for a variety of organizations.  Over time, she specialized and niched her work and hired team members to support her, including full time employees. Dr. Charlotte and her team are now focused on supporting large nonprofits and government agencies, especially in communicating health information to BIPOC communities.  We also discuss how strategic connections and the willingness to adapt can help prioritize momentum over perfectionism.   Connect with Dr. Charlotte Huntley on LinkedIn Visit Dr. Charlotte Huntley's Website Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn  

One of the things I teach in my coaching programs is that you can position your nonprofit consulting firm in the marketplace by specializing by the work you do, niching by who you do it for, or both! Our guest today has found success by specializing! Leah Roman, of Roman Public Health Consulting, joins me to share her path from accidental consultant, who did lots of different types of work for public health nonprofits, to SPECIALIZING in e-learning solutions for adult learners. While Leah has always maintained a referral based business, she found that once she specialized from doing many different types of work for clients to only offering instructional design support, that the QUALITY of her referrals increased. Leah's desire to create community and serve others has followed her in every role, so naturally she founded and continues to host a free community for public health consultants that has been fostering collaboration and connection for several years. Also, it was lovely to hear how Leah's Mom's work in healthcare inspired her career path and that she remains one of her biggest supporters and fans! Connect with Leah on LinkedIn Visit Leah's Website Connect with Natalie onLinkedIn

Does having a referral based business make you feel like you don't have control when it comes to managing your leads? Have you been feeling like there is something you are missing? Or maybe you feel like you need to create a better "marketing plan" in order to get that steady stream of clients you need.  Relationship marketing is a great way for Nonprofit Consultants to build strong connections, come from a place of service and gain CONSISTENT client leads from referrals.  This week, Elizabeth Cook, joins me to talk about relationship marketing and how you can use this strategy to get new client leads while also nurturing your current client relationships.   We also share why it is important to continue grow your network and a few tips to help you do so!

What happens when you move from being a generalist to positioning yourself as an expert? My client Alicia Lynch, PhD of Lynch Research Associates is here today to share her incredible journey of transitioning her business from doing research for any type of organization to focusing her business on youth development research.  She also shares how her innate love and inspiration from all children fuels her mission.

Join us in this episode as we provide actionable tips and real-life examples to help you balance fairness to subcontractors while ensuring your business's success. Two critical issues when working with subcontractors is preserving profit and control. We find that nonprofit consultants tend to be overly generous, especially with peers, but this can impact your business's bottom line and your grip on client relationships. The good news? Elizabeth and I are here to share strategies to navigate these challenges. We cover effective rate negotiation, maintaining client control, and handling tough conversations.  Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn  Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn