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In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett Trainor speaks with Nic Jones, a former corporate executive turned bus driver who shares his journey of redefining success and happiness. Nic reflects on his 40-year career in media and music, during which he held leadership roles at major companies like Yahoo, Murdoch’s digital businesses, and Vevo. After a failed entrepreneurial venture and personal loss, Nic reevaluated his priorities, choosing to pursue a fulfilling yet unconventional path as a bus driver.
The discussion explores themes like:
Breaking free from societal and corporate expectations.The evolving definition of success as happiness and fulfillment rather than money or titles.The challenges of overcoming financial fears and golden handcuffs.The importance of taking small, intentional steps toward a new life.The value of rediscovering purpose and the mental process of transitioning to a new identity.Nic’s insights highlight the importance of designing life around personal values and happiness rather than fitting life around work. His story serves as an inspiring example of how even high-achieving corporate professionals can make dramatic changes to reclaim their well-being and joy.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic99jones/
The Post That Started It All: https://bit.ly/3BmHKwA
Sound Bites
"I'm a thoroughly fulfilled and happy bus driver.""Success is the happiest person, not the richest.""I wanted to be a bus driver as a five-year-old.""The world was changing, and I was unaware of it.""You have to start writing things down about what are our outgoings.""There's nothing richer than feeling happy.""You need to realign your values if money is your only focus.""Life's too damn short to be unhappy.""I never told anyone for the first two years after I left corporate."• • "If we can help one or two people find happiness, we're doing our job."
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Welcome to The Corporate Escapee Podcast, where we explore the journeys of GenXers breaking free from corporate life to build something on their own terms. I’m your host, Brett Trainor, and today we dive into a conversation that’s critical for every corporate escapee: mastering LinkedIn.
Joining me is LinkedIn strategist and fellow escapee, Deanna Russo. Deanna’s expertise has helped thousands rethink their approach to LinkedIn—not as a sales tool or online resume, but as a powerful platform for networking, relationship-building, and earning trust. In this episode, Deanna shares her journey from corporate sales to launching her own business, her game-changing “Know, Like, and Trust” triangle strategy, and practical tips to optimize your LinkedIn presence heading into 2025.
If you’re ready to shift your mindset and make LinkedIn work for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannarusso1/
https://leverageupllc.com/
Takeaways
Change your mindset about LinkedIn; it's a networking event.Focus on building know, like, and trust with your audience.Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your authentic self.Visibility on LinkedIn is crucial for standing out.Engagement is key; participate in conversations relevant to your niche.Your headline should communicate the problem you solve.Differentiate yourself from others in your field.Content should resonate with your audience's needs.Flexibility in your business strategy is essential for growth.You don't need to have everything figured out before starting. Engagement is more effective than self-promotion.Visibility leads to inbound conversations.Consistency in posting builds trust over time.Storytelling is key to relatability and trust.Commenting on posts can generate content ideas.People remember how you make them feel.You don't need to post every day to be effective.Focus on adding value in conversations.The algorithm favors engagement over likes.Building relationships is crucial for success.Sound Bites
"It's all about changing your mindset.""It's really about know, like, and trust.""I did not have it all figured out.""Different is better than better.""Your profile becomes your billboard.""You need to have conversations with people.""You're only shouting from the rooftop.""It's about adding value and listening."Chapters
00:00 Reimagining LinkedIn: A Networking Mindset
03:03 Deanna's Escapee Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneur
06:12 Navigating the Transition: Finding Your First Clients
09:02 Evolving Business Strategies: Flexibility in Offerings
12:02 Authenticity on LinkedIn: Being Yourself
15:11 Crafting Your Profile: The Importance of Headlines
17:58 Visibility and Engagement: Building Relationships on LinkedIn
23:55 Engaging Conversations Over Self-Promotion
28:01 The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation
31:57 Building Trust Through Storytelling
39:24 The Power of Commenting and Engagement
44:40 Conclusion and Future Conversations
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Can experience and wisdom give us a unique edge in the age of AI? In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, I’m joined by Michael Himmelfarb, a seasoned consultant and one of the original escapees. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping solo businesses, why experience trumps prompts, and how escapees can use AI not just as a tool but as a competitive advantage. From intelligent interrogation to teaching AI to think like you, we uncover how combining AI with decades of expertise can create game-changing opportunities. Whether you’re curious about leveraging AI or just want to stay ahead in the solo business world, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss
Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb/
Takeaways
AI is becoming an essential tool for business efficiency.Experience in a field enhances the use of AI.AI can help in making better decisions based on data.Small businesses can leverage AI for competitive advantage.Understanding customer data is crucial for effective AI use.AI can spark creativity and brainstorming.The integration of AI can lead to significant cost savings.AI can help identify customer needs and trends.Using AI requires a strategic approach to benefit customers.AI can be a co-pilot in decision-making processes.Experience in using AI provides a competitive edge.AI can enhance decision-making through intelligent interrogation.Empathy and intuition are crucial in AI interactions.AI can help identify customer needs and preferences.Leveraging data effectively can drive business growth.AI serves as a co-pilot for brainstorming and decision-making.Small businesses can benefit from AI to understand their customers better.The quality of input data significantly impacts AI outputs.AI can help in developing predictive models for pricing strategies.Strategic use of AI can differentiate businesses in competitive marketsSound Bites
"The value we bring is our experience.""AI can spark your own thinking.""AI is a tool in the toolkit."Chapters
00:00 Exploring AI and Wisdom in Business
09:11 Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage
18:32 The Future of AI in Small Businesses
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In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Joe Manganelli shares his journey from a corporate finance role to becoming an entrepreneur and the founder of Calculate, a financial services company.
He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a business, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the lessons learned along the way. Joe emphasizes the value of testing assumptions, the significance of enthusiasm in business, and the need for accountability in entrepreneurship.
He also reflects on his recent transition to a new role as Chief Revenue Officer at Amalgam, a software company for accounting firms, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemanganelli/
Takeaways
Embrace the discomfort of entrepreneurship.Don't wait for the perfect idea; start with what you have.Testing assumptions with clients is crucial for success.The early days of a business are often the most exciting.Perfection can hinder progress; focus on being good enough.Networking in small business is collaborative and supportive.Scaling a business requires understanding what is scalable.Accountability in entrepreneurship can be invigorating.Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can be a mindset shift.Always be open to new opportunities and networks.Sound Bites
"I realized I had it right in my hands.""Don't be afraid to test those assumptions.""The worst thing that happens is you fail."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Current Endeavors
04:21 The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
11:55 Building Calculate: The Early Days
18:04 Scaling and Diversifying Services
22:10 Transitioning and Selling the Business
24:59 Current Role and Future Aspirations
Keywords
entrepreneurship, corporate escape, startup journey, accounting software, business growth, scaling, revenue streams, personal development, risk-taking, networking
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In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Gabrielle shares her journey from a full-time marketing career to going solo, discussing the importance of understanding taxes and business structures like LLCs and S-Corps.
She emphasizes the advantages of S-Corps in reducing self-employment taxes and the necessity of managing payroll effectively.
The conversation also highlights the role of technology in simplifying financial management for escapees and the future of solo businesses in a rapidly changing workforce.
She provides practical advice on starting a business, including the necessity of separating personal and business finances, the significance of business insurance, and the considerations for forming an LLC or S-Corp.
Links:
Lettuce Promotion: Lettuce landing page: https://hubs.ly/Q02SpnrJ0 Code is ESCAPEE500
Free Resources: https://lettuce.co/resources
Gabrielle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielletenaglia/
Takeaways
Freelancing offers flexibility and control over one's career.Understanding tax structures is crucial for freelancers.S-Corps can significantly reduce self-employment taxes.Time is a valuable resource that should not be wasted on bookkeeping.Automating financial management can alleviate stress for freelancers.Choosing the right business structure can lead to substantial tax savings.Freelancers need to pay themselves a reasonable salary to comply with IRS regulations.Technology can simplify the complexities of managing a freelance business.Networking is essential for finding opportunities and support.The future of work is shifting towards more freelancers and solo businesses. Finding experts that understand your business is crucial.Separate your personal and business finances from the start.Business insurance is essential for liability protection.An LLC is not always necessary unless concerned about liability.S-Corps can provide tax benefits for committed business owners.Fractional teams can offer specialized knowledge and skills.Sharing your ideas can attract clients to your business.Celebrate your achievements as a solopreneur.Understanding tax implications is vital for financial success.Lettuce provides tailored solutions for solo entrepreneurs.Sound Bites
"My time is my most valuable resource.""You have to pay yourself a reasonable salary.""I didn't want to do any of it.""We are focused only on businesses like yours.""You need an LLC to have an S-Corp.""Get an S-Corp because every penny you make saves.""You are doing a great job.""Start with the idea before the product.""The government doesn't need any more from us."Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Freelancing
02:56 Understanding Taxes and Business Structures
06:05 The S-Corp Advantage
09:01 Navigating Payroll and Tax Responsibilities
11:49 The Role of Technology in Managing Finances
15:07 Finding the Right Tools for Freelancers
18:00 The Future of Freelancing and Business Management
25:10 Understanding Business Needs and Solutions
28:19 Best Practices for Starting a Business
31:36 Navigating LLCs and S-Corps
35:22 The Value of Fractional Teams
41:41...
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Ray McKenzie, founder and managing director of Red Beach Advisors, shares his journey from corporate to entrepreneurship. He started his consulting firm in 2015, focusing on go-to-market strategy and operational efficiency for Fortune 1000 companies in cybersecurity and cloud computing. Later, he founded Starting Point, a workflow management and automation platform for professional services companies. Ray emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships, leveraging your corporate network, and utilizing referrals to acquire clients.
He also discusses the need for a centralized system to manage projects and communication, which led to the creation of Starting Point. Starting Point is a workflow management platform that allows teams, clients, and administrators to log in and see everything in one place. It offers features such as lead management, AI-powered proposal development, client onboarding, engagement management, file management, performance tracking, and invoicing.
The platform was initially built for internal use by Red Beach Advisors but gained traction when shared with professionals in the consulting industry. The development of Starting Point was driven by the need to solve the challenge of scattered information and lack of visibility in managing projects and client relationships.
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondmckenzie/
Website: https://www.redbeachadvisors.com/
Website: www.startingpoint.ai
Takeaways
Building and maintaining relationships is crucial for business success.Leverage your corporate network and referrals to acquire clients.A centralized system for project management and communication is essential.Starting a business while still working full-time can be a viable option, depending on individual circumstances. Starting Point is a comprehensive workflow management platform designed for professional services and shared services organizations.The platform allows teams, clients, and administrators to have visibility and access to all relevant information in one place.Starting Point offers features such as lead management, AI-powered proposal development, client onboarding, engagement management, file management, performance tracking, and invoicing.The platform was initially built for internal use by Red Beach Advisors but gained popularity when shared with professionals in the consulting industry.Sound Bites
"The people you're working with when you're 23, 25, 27, 29, fast forward 20 years, those are the people who are the VPs, the SVPs, the CEOs, the board directors of major companies.""These people are inherently receiving a community or a workforce bench of people and resources that they can use.""I just found myself not really having a great grasp as to everything that was going on.""It's a workflow management platform that allows your team to log in and see everything, your client able to log in and see everything.""I started showing it to people in professional services, consulting firms, people in my network. And as I started showing it to people in my network, they were like, hey, this is something we could use.""It's ideally meant to just be simple for people to be able to use."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
02:35 Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting
06:37 Managing Clients and Starting Red Beach Advisors
09:55 Starting a Business While Working Full-Time
16:16 The Inspiration Behind Starting Point
20:00 Introduction to Starting Point
29:02 Features and Benefits of Starting...
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In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Nina Sossamon-Pogue shares her multifaceted journey from being a U.S. gymnast to a successful journalist, and then transitioning into the tech industry.
She discusses the challenges she faced, including injuries and career setbacks, and emphasizes the importance of resilience, storytelling, and mindset in navigating life's transitions. Nina provides valuable insights on identifying personal skills, the significance of positive language, and the necessity of building a supportive network. She also introduces her framework for resilience, TIPS, and encourages listeners to envision their ideal life and take proactive steps towards it.
Takeaways
Nina emphasizes the importance of resilience in navigating life's challenges.She encourages listeners to identify their skills and how they can transfer to new opportunities.Storytelling is a crucial skill in business and personal branding.It's essential to visualize what you want your life to look like.Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires a mindset shift.Understanding the phases of life can help in managing expectations and experiences.Creating a personal timeline can provide clarity on past experiences and future goals.Positive language can significantly impact your mindset and how others perceive you.Building a support network is vital for success and personal growth.Nina's TIPS framework offers a structured approach to overcoming challenges.Sound Bites
"It's okay to not be okay, but not to stay that way.""Your words become your reality.""You're either giving energy or taking energy."Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nina's Journey
03:08 Navigating Life's Challenges and Career Transitions
06:06 Finding Your Skills and Purpose
09:02 The Importance of Storytelling in Business
11:48 Identifying What You Want in Life
14:54 The Shift from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
18:14 Understanding Time and Life's Phases
20:56 Creating Your Own Life Timeline
23:45 The Power of Language and Mindset
27:04 Building a Support Network
29:59 Framework for Resilience: TIPS
33:00 Skill Stacking for Career Success
36:02 Mindset for Job Seekers
38:55 The Importance of Positive Language
41:56 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects
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Hear from a recent corporate escapee and her journey so far.
Adrienne Farrell is a corporate wellness consultant and the founder of the InnovateHerLab, a community for women exploring their career paths. She focuses on women's health and well-being in the workplace, recognizing the need to elevate this issue.
Adrienne's journey to becoming an escapee started when she experienced layoffs and a toxic work environment. She decided to take a leap of faith and prioritize her own voice and values.
She is passionate about advocating for women's health and believes that the corporate world needs to change to better support women.
Adrienne is currently balancing her corporate wellness consulting work with her side project, the InnovateHer Lab.
The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship. They discuss the benefits of being your authentic self, the rise of fractional work, and the importance of networking and finding a supportive community. They also touch on time management and prioritization as key factors in the success of solo entrepreneurs. The conversation ends with advice for those considering the entrepreneurial journey.
Adrienne’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennel-farrell/
Website: adriennefarrell.com/
Takeaways
Adrienne's transition from corporate to escapee was motivated by her desire for work-life balance, flexibility, and the ability to advocate for her own values.She is passionate about addressing the gap in women's health and well-being in the workplace and believes that organizations have a social responsibility to prioritize this issue.Adrienne's experience in setting up wellness programs in corporate roles has informed her current work as a corporate wellness consultant.She emphasizes the importance of having a support network and community when navigating the transition from corporate to escapee. Being your authentic self brings the most value and happiness.Fractional work offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness for companies.Building a supportive network and community is crucial for success.Time management and prioritization are key skills for solo entrepreneurs.Give yourself grace and embrace the learning process.Sound Bites
"There's a real need to elevate women's health within the workplace.""Finding your community allows for authentic, transparent conversations without jeopardizing your current career.""Having the freedom of voice and advocating for what's important to me is incredibly rewarding and empowering.""The opportunity, I guess more than anything""There are opportunities to create the work that you want""The future of work is heading this way"Keywords
corporate wellness, women's health, career exploration, escapee, toxic work environment, work-life balance, flexibility, support network, entrepreneurship, corporate life, authenticity, fractional work, networking, community, time management, prioritization, advice
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:37 Adrienne's Work: Corporate Wellness and the Innovate Her Lab
05:07 Transitioning from Corporate to Escapee
08:29 Finding Your Voice and Advocating for What's Important
12:45 Addressing the Gap in Women's Health in the Workplace
15:30 Balancing Corporate Wellness Consulting and the Innovate Her Lab
20:00 Approaching Time and Focus as an Escapee
22:10 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
23:06 The Opportunity of...
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In this episode, Laine Belcastro shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a solopreneur and email marketing consultant.
Laine discusses the importance of networking, finding your niche, and the challenges of pricing strategies. Laine emphasizes the significance of email marketing for business growth and introduces her new venture, Accountability Arcade, aimed at helping entrepreneurs set and achieve short-term goals.
The conversation highlights the balance of multiple revenue streams and the mindset shifts necessary for success in the solopreneur world.
Laine’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainemb/
Website: https://lmbdigimarketing.com/
Takeaways
Laine has her own email marketing automation consulting business.Networking is crucial for solopreneurs to find opportunities.It's important to focus on a niche to avoid burnout.Pricing should reflect the value provided, not just time spent.Email marketing is a powerful tool for brand recognition.Consistency in email outreach is key to staying top of mind.Accountability can help entrepreneurs achieve their goals more effectively.Starting with a simple nurture program can keep contacts engaged.You don't need to have everything figured out to start your business.Taking action is more important than waiting for the perfect plan.Sound Bites
"I'd rather be homeless than go back to corporate.""Networking is key for solopreneurs.""You don't need a website to get started."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:02 Accountability Arcade Service
03:43 Leaving Corporate America and Starting a Business
07:57 The Power of Networking
10:01 Finding Your Niche and Specializing
13:19 Pricing Models for Solopreneurs
17:39 Flexible Pricing and Meeting Customer Needs
19:32 Effective Email Marketing Strategies
27:35 Creating an Accountability Group
31:25 Balancing Multiple Revenue Streams
34:16 Taking Action and Diving into Entrepreneurship
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Jaidin McCann, owner of Jasper Consultancy, shares her journey of starting her own executive search firm and offering fractional work. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding and networking in the fractional space. McCann advises individuals to specialize in a specific area and build a strong referral network. She also highlights the need for market research and understanding the buyer's market. McCann encourages individuals to take the leap into fractional work and enjoy the journey.
Jaidin McCann Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaidinmccann/Jasper Consultancy: https://www.jasperconsultancy.com/Takeaways
Specialize in a specific area and build a strong personal brand to differentiate yourself in the fractional space.Networking and building relationships with others in the industry is crucial for success in fractional work.Conduct market research to understand the needs and demands of the market and position yourself accordingly.Embrace the challenges and enjoy the journey of starting your own business in the fractional space.Sound Bites
"It's more work than you think it is, but it's so worth it.""The world is so much smaller than we think.""You can eliminate the negative people and choose who you want to work with."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 Starting a Fractional Business: Personal Branding and Networking
08:03 Building a Strong Referral Network in the Fractional Space
14:05 Understanding the Buyer's Market: Market Research in Fractional Work
21:23 Advice for Individuals Pursuing Fractional Work
29:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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This is an audio recording of a recent Happy Hour and Learn Session for members of the Escapee Collective community. Jake Stahl shares his advice, perspective and best practices for thriving as a fractional leader.
Jake Stall discusses the concept of fractional work and shares his experience in the field. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking in order to succeed as a fractional professional. Jake also provides insights on pricing strategies and how to ask for referrals. He promotes the upcoming Frac 2024 conference as a valuable opportunity for learning and networking in the fractional industry.
Guest Links:
Jake Stahl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakestahl/
Frak2024: https://fractionalconference.com/
Takeaways
Fractional work involves providing a certain amount of time and expertise to a company in return for high-level guidance and leadership.Building strong relationships and networking are crucial for success in the fractional industry.Pricing strategies should focus on the value provided rather than competing on price.Asking for referrals is an effective way to generate new business in the fractional field.The Frac 2024 conference is a valuable opportunity for learning and networking in the fractional industry.Sound Bites
"Networking is not about attending as many groups as possible, but about being involved in quality groups where you can build meaningful relationships.""The more interest you show in someone, the higher your chances of getting a contract with them.""The higher your price, the more people perceive value and are willing to pay for your services."
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Debbie Schwake and Ashley Evenson discuss their escapee journeys and how they formed a collaborative partnership. They emphasize the importance of collaboration and transparency in their working relationship. They have their own independent businesses but also work together on projects, leveraging each other's strengths.
They highlight the flexibility and work-life balance that comes with being a solo entrepreneur. They see a growing need for fractional talent in the consulting industry, particularly among small to mid-tier companies. Their target audience is those who need an outside perspective and expertise to help with business issues and growth plans.
Ashley and Debbie discuss their unique position as consultants with both big brand and industry experience, providing expert-level consulting to small and medium-sized companies at a fraction of the cost. They emphasize the importance of being hands-on and implementing recommendations, rather than just providing advice. They also highlight the value of an outside-in perspective and the need for validation and direction, rather than relying solely on tools.
Networking is a key strategy for both of them, focusing on building relationships and offering support without asking for business. They stress the importance of belief in oneself and the power of humanizing your brand through video and personal connections.
Guest Links
Debbie Schwake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dschwake/
Ashely Evenson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyevenson/
Website: https://andcoalition.com/
Takeaways
Collaboration and transparency are key in forming successful partnerships.Having independent businesses allows for flexibility and work-life balance.There is a growing need for fractional talent in the consulting industry.Small to mid-tier companies can benefit from outside expertise and an outside-in perspective.Working together on projects allows for leveraging each other's strengths. Consultants with big brand and industry experience can provide expert-level consulting to small and medium-sized companies at a fraction of the cost.Being hands-on and implementing recommendations is crucial for success in consulting.Small and medium-sized companies often need an outside-in perspective and validation, rather than relying solely on tools.Networking is a valuable strategy for consultants, focusing on building relationships and offering support without asking for business.Belief in oneself is essential when starting a business, and humanizing your brand through video and personal connections can be powerful.Titles
Targeting Small to Mid-Tier CompaniesThe Power of Collaboration and Transparency The Importance of an Outside-In PerspectiveBelief in Oneself and Humanizing Your BrandSound Bites
"There's so much opportunity in the more the synergy you put together and the shared values.""You can't get into a partnership like this without that commitment to one another to make sure everything's always above the board.""Part of this is about life flexibility. Part of this is about getting that balance back in your life.""We come from very big consultant brands, but also industry experience.""We will go there, advise, have that outside... -
Kate Kompelien, founder of The Insight, shares her journey as a customer experience consultant and qualitative researcher. She helps companies understand key moments that matter to their customers and identifies pain points that hinder a better customer experience. Kate started her own business after realizing she wanted to focus on smaller projects and provide a more personalized experience for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships, both with people she knows and with new connections. Kate also highlights the value of face-to-face meetings and taking a genuine interest in others' businesses and lives. Kate Kompelien shares her journey of starting her own customer experience consulting business. She discusses her core offerings, the industries she works with, and the size of companies she targets. Kate also talks about her three-pronged approach to acquiring clients: direct, subcontracting, and referrals. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying revenue streams and being open to different opportunities. Kate encourages listeners to believe in themselves, take risks, and have fun in their entrepreneurial journey.
Kate’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katekompelien/
Website: https://www.theinsightshopllc.com/
Takeaways
Focus on your sweet spots and provide a personalized experience for your clients.Networking and building relationships are crucial for finding new opportunities.Take a genuine interest in others' businesses and lives during networking meetings.Face-to-face meetings can be valuable for establishing connections and building trust. Identify your core offerings and consider peripheral offerings to round out your total offering.Industry is less important in customer experience and qualitative research work.Target companies with a billion dollars or less in revenue, as they often lack a full customer experience team.Diversify your revenue streams by working directly with clients, subcontracting, and forming referral partnerships.Believe in yourself, take risks, and have fun in your entrepreneurial journey.Titles
Finding Success as a Customer Experience ConsultantThe Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings in Networking Believing in Yourself and Taking RisksDiversifying Revenue Streams in ConsultingSound Bites
"I'm really trying to help companies understand those key moments that matter to their customers and what are those pain points that are getting in the way that they need to solve to provide a better experience, higher customer retention.""It's been a combination of getting customers on my own, working with some research companies for fill-in work, and then having some partners where I can be their customer experience resource on projects.""Most people are happy to have conversations and hear what you're up to. And I love to hear what other people are doing because you kind of shared some space. Maybe they're doing something you can help with.""I really wanted to focus in on those two spaces as my core and looking for work around the core.""I'm working in very different industries. I like to call them the manly industries of the trades.""My focus is a billion dollars or less, because generally those industries and those companies don't have a full customer experience team."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Kate's Work
06:27 Building Relationships and Networking
10:24 The Importance of Following Up
12:52 Sales and Running Your Own Business
14:47 Finding Opportunities in a Competitive Market
17:48 Focusing on Your Sweet...
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This bonus episode is a recording of a panel discussion we had during one of the Escapee Collective educational sessions. I had 4 escapees share their strategies and tips for effective networking
The conversation focuses on the importance of networking and provides tips and strategies for effective networking. The speakers discuss the value of building relationships, finding the right networking opportunities, and targeting ideal clients. They emphasize the need to give before asking for anything in return and the importance of establishing trust and credibility. The conversation also touches on the distinction between referrals and introductions and the significance of engaging with content and demonstrating understanding. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and practical advice for successful networking.
Takeaways
Building relationships is key to successful networking.Find the right networking opportunities and target your ideal clients.Give before asking for anything in return.Engage with content and demonstrate understanding to establish credibility.Differentiate between referrals and introductions.Establish trust and credibility before making a pitch.Focus on quality connections rather than quantity.Engage with thought leaders and comment on their posts to expand your network.Personalize your outreach and show genuine interest in the other person.Share valuable content to get on someone's radar.Establish a clear ideal client profile and referral partner profile.Protect and prioritize your top networking connections.Establish a reputation as a connector and provide valuable introductions.Be patient and focus on building relationships before making an ask.Use multiple channels, such as LinkedIn and email, to connect with potential networking contacts.Tailor your approach based on the individual and their preferred communication method.Sound Bites
"Your vibe attracts your tribe."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Networking
16:05 Building Relationships in Networking
23:27 Defining Ideal Clients and Referral Partners
27:46 Referrals vs. Introductions
31:12 Give Before You Ask: Providing Value
36:03 Engaging with Content and Demonstrating Understanding
39:13 Establishing Trust and Credibility
41:33 Quality Connections Over Quantity
43:01 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson share their stories of escaping the corporate world and starting their own businesses.
Eileen, the CEO of the Harbinger Group, left her job at a PR agency to start her own agency, driven by a desire for a different way of working and a lack of fulfillment in the corporate structure.
Rob, a former television professional, transitioned into consulting after his contract in the media industry was not renewed. Both Eileen and Rob emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with clients and prioritizing trust and partnership. They also discuss the challenges of pricing their services and the need to adapt and pivot in response to changing circumstances.
The conversation explores the concept of value pricing and the benefits of establishing long-term relationships with clients. The guests discuss their approach to pricing, which involves creating a program for clients with a clearly outlined strategy and detailed tactics. They also emphasize the importance of trust and flexibility in client relationships. The conversation touches on the topic of building a solo business and the advantages of hiring specialists on a project basis.
The guests share their insights on networking, highlighting the value of deep, meaningful connections over quantity. They stress the importance of authenticity and a long-term mindset in networking.
Guest Links:
Eileen Rochford:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenrochford/Website: https://theharbingergroup.com/Rob Johnson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-johnson-communications-advisor/Website: https://www.rj47llc.com/Takeaways
Leaving the corporate world to start your own business requires careful planning and consideration.Building strong relationships with clients and prioritizing trust is crucial for long-term success.Pricing services can be challenging, but it's important to understand the value you provide and adjust pricing as you gain experience.Being adaptable and willing to pivot is essential in the ever-changing business landscape. Value pricing involves creating a program with a clearly outlined strategy and detailed tactics for clients.Establishing trust and flexibility in client relationships is crucial for success.Building a solo business allows for more control over time and work-life balance.Networking should focus on building deep, meaningful connections rather than quantity.Authenticity and a long-term mindset are key in networking.Sound Bites
"Why do we all have to physically be in the same place?""I'm gonna resign today... I called my husband first, which was probably a good idea.""Every time Eileen and I would see each other, it was like, oh my gosh, is every day like this?""We have value pricing in place, which to us means we've constructed a program for you consisting of X number of campaigns.""I just think it's so much easier... I mean, nobody wants to see that.""It just makes so much more sense to build relationships in the business comes with it."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Multiple Guests
00:41 Escaping the Corporate World: Eileen's Story
04:04 Transitioning from Television to Consulting: Rob's Journey
07:08 Building Strong Client Relationships and Trust
09:35 Navigating Pricing Challenges
13:07 The Importance of Adaptability and Pivoting
26:10 Value Pricing and Constructing a Program
28:44 Building a Solo Business and Hiring Specialists
32:38 The Importance of Trust and Flexibility in Client Relationships
39:36 Networking: Quality Over Quantity
44:37 Authenticity
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In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett Trainor interviews Marcus Sheridan, author of 'They Ask, You Answer.' They discuss the concept of 'They Ask, You Answer' and how it involves meeting the needs and answering the questions of customers. Marcus emphasizes the importance of understanding the buyer's journey and being obsessed with the questions, worries, fears, and concerns of buyers. He also highlights the power of being a rule breaker and disruptor in the market, especially for solopreneurs and small businesses. The conversation also covers the importance of video in marketing, the types of videos every business needs, and the value of networking and outreach.
Key Takeaways
The 'They Ask, You Answer' approach involves meeting the needs and answering the questions of customers.Understanding the buyer's journey and being obsessed with the questions, worries, fears, and concerns of buyers is crucial.Being a rule breaker and disruptor in the market can give solopreneurs and small businesses a competitive advantage.Video marketing is powerful and can help businesses connect with their audience.Creating different types of videos, such as the 80% video, bio video, and product/service videos, can set a business apart.Networking and outreach should be sincere and focused on providing value to others.Being authentic and human in marketing efforts can resonate with the audience.Outsourcing video editing and utilizing tools like ScoreApp and PriceGuide.ai can simplify the video creation process.Networking can be done through sincere direct messages and thoughtful outreach.Being yourself and providing valuable content can help build a personal brand and connect with potential customers.Marcus Sheridan Links
Website: https://marcussheridan.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/Sound Bites
"They ask, then you answer means we're obsessed with the questions, the worries, the issues, the concerns, the behaviors of the buyers and we're willing to meet them where they are.""If you take these questions, worries, fears, issues, concerns, behaviors, whatever it is, and you, instead of ignoring them, you lean into them, now they can become your competitive advantage.""What's so wonderful about the disruptors and the rule breakers is because, you know, in every industry, you've got these rule makers, right. And they're just establishing the norms and everybody's following them. But then somebody comes along and they break the rules, right?"Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation
00:45 Defining 'They Ask, You Answer'
02:06 The Divide Between Sales Process and Buyer's Journey
03:58 Pushing Buyers Through Processes vs. Answering Questions
05:18 The Advantage of Being a Solopreneur
06:23 Being Your Own Media Company and Answering Core Questions
10:48 The Basics of Video Creation and Authenticity
11:39 The Six Videos Every Business Needs
16:24 Creating Different Types of Videos for Business Success
20:33 Lead Generation Tools: ScoreApp and PriceGuide.ai
23:07 Networking and Outreach Strategies
25:12 The Importance of Authenticity and Being Human in Marketing
28:31 Simplifying Video Creation with Outsourcing and Tools
30:08 Building a Personal Brand through Valuable Content
33:45 Conclusion and Contact Information
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In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, host Brett Trainor interviews Paul Durelli, founder of Digital Kahuna, about his journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. They discuss the challenges of toxic work environments and the importance of personal development for solo business owners. They also explore the use of automation and AI tools to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Paul shares insights on virtual assistants, documenting processes, and leveraging technology to scale a business. The conversation highlights the need for delegation, creativity, and effective communication in building a successful solo business.
Paul Durelli Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-durelli-86394343
Website: digitalkahuna.com
Takeaways
Toxic work environments exist not only in the entertainment industry but also across corporate America.Delegating and orchestrating tasks to virtual assistants is an emotional and mental muscle that needs to be developed.Documenting processes and using tools like Loom can help streamline workflows and ensure effective communication with virtual assistants.Giving virtual assistants creative license can lead to surprising and innovative solutions.Building a well-oiled machine requires leveraging technology, delegating tasks, and fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment.Sound Bites
"Toxic work environments exist across corporate America.""Flipping the switch, turning the tables on the whole situation.""Export the audio, export the text, and create a multi-sequence email using your voice."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:52 Escaping Toxic Work Environments
09:10 The Power of Automation and AI
18:52 Delegating and Orchestrating with Virtual Assistants
24:02 Documenting Processes and Leveraging Tools
32:00 Fostering Creativity and Collaboration
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In this conversation, Brett Trainor and Don discuss the topic of guest podcasting as a way to create awareness and grow your solo business. They share their strategies for getting on podcasts, including watching what people are podcasting about, commenting on LinkedIn posts, and finding topics that align with the show's theme. They emphasize the importance of understanding the target audience and tailoring the pitch accordingly.
They also discuss the value of networking and asking for referrals to podcast hosts. Other tips include having strong opinions, being prepared with a good headshot and bio, and promoting the podcast episode after it's released. They encourage guests to be themselves and not be afraid of making mistakes or being imperfect.
Overall, they highlight the power of human connection in podcasting.
Takeaways
Guest podcasting is an effective way to create awareness and grow a business.Strategies for getting on podcasts include watching what people are podcasting about, commenting on LinkedIn posts, and finding topics that align with the show's theme.Understanding the target audience and tailoring the pitch accordingly is crucial for success.Networking and asking for referrals to podcast hosts can be helpful in getting guest opportunities.Having strong opinions, a good headshot, and a well-crafted bio are important for making a good impression.Promoting the podcast episode after it's released can benefit both the guest and the podcast host.Being authentic and embracing imperfections can make for a more engaging podcast episode.Human connection is a key factor in successful podcasting.Sound Bites
"Look at what the audience is looking for, the much better success.""Throw in something about AI. Everybody wants to hear about AI stuff.""Give me something different, a different perspective, a different look."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Mixing Concoctions
00:03 The Value of Guest Podcasting
01:00 Strategies for Getting on Podcasts
02:41 Researching the Show and Suggesting Topics
07:12 Being Yourself and Providing Value
16:15 Improving the Guest Experience
20:32 Promoting the Podcast Episode
23:10 Asking for Audio and Video
25:44 Embracing Mistakes and Human Connection
29:14 Conclusion
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John Browning shares his journey from working at large financial firms to starting his own independent financial planning business. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and providing value to clients. Browning also discusses the challenges of acquiring a small firm and the lessons he learned from that experience. He highlights the significance of networking and making introductions for others as a key strategy for finding new clients.
In this conversation, John Browning and Brett Trainor discuss the importance of networking and building relationships in business. They emphasize the value of introductions and learning from others in networking groups, rather than focusing solely on sales pitches.
John shares his experience of writing a book and starting a podcast as effective ways to share knowledge and build credibility. He also highlights the importance of outsourcing tasks that you don't enjoy or excel at, and the need for sales training when transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship.
John’s Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrowningfinancialsolutions/Website: guardianrockwealth.com Book: https://a.co/d/iLeCDMMTakeaways
Building relationships and providing value to clients is crucial in the financial planning business.Acquiring a small firm can be challenging, and it's important to carefully consider contracts and agreements.Networking and making introductions for others is an effective strategy for finding new clients.Involving and communicating with your spouse or partner is essential when starting your own business.Transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship requires a shift in mindset and approach. Networking is about making introductions and learning from others, not just exchanging sales pitches.Writing a book and starting a podcast can be effective ways to share knowledge and build credibility.Outsource tasks that you don't enjoy or excel at, and focus on what you do best.Sales training is important when transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship.Be careful with contracts and seek legal advice to protect yourself in business.John Browning's website, podcast, and daily market update provide valuable resources for those interested in his services.Sound Bites
"Build your best life, not your portfolio.""Be careful with contracts, they may not mean the same thing as in the corporate world.""You need somebody to complain to at the end of the day and somebody to celebrate your wins too.""I think that's where most networking groups go the wrong way is they see it as a leads group or a friends group that gets together to exchange stories or something like that. And I think it's introductions.""Yeah, it's definitely the anti sales sales pitch is counterintuitive, but it works a lot better.""I think that's one of the so the bulk of the rest of my business comes from there. People because I I believe that you put as much as you possibly can out there for free."Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:40 The Tipping Point and Leaving Corporate
08:08 Lessons from Acquiring a Small Firm
13:04 The Power of Networking
18:12 Involving Your Spouse or Partner
19:18 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
21:11 The Power of Introductions and Learning in Networking
23:17 Building...
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In this episode of The Corporate Escapee podcast, we welcome Shannon, a seasoned project management and HR consultant who partners with CEOs in growing organizations. Shannon focuses on building infrastructure that drives business results through human performance. She shares her escapee journey from corporate to solo business owner, having been solo for two and a half years, with a clear vision of her ideal clients and the work she wants to pursue.
Shannon shares her insights on the varied reputation of HR, emphasizing that most HR professionals take their roles seriously and are willing to face challenges head-on. Her eclectic career before going solo revealed her challenging nature and desire for results, leading her to realize that she didn't belong in the corporate world. The decision to go solo came after a job acquisition and a subsequent role that didn't fit.Initially, Shannon struggled with networking and selling her services. However, once she embraced her work with pride, she found people receptive and willing to help. She advises newcomers to remain flexible with their offerings and not get caught up in perfection.
Shannon began with hourly work but soon realized it wasn't the right path. Now, she offers three types of engagements: emergency project management retainers, fractional engagements, and long-term retainers. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking to establish trust and credibility. Partnering with other professionals and surrounding yourself with experts is key to success, she notes.
Additionally, Shannon highlights the value of LinkedIn as a platform for networking and building a strong online presence. Join us as Shannon shares her journey, challenges, and valuable advice for fellow escapees.Takeaways
Focus on building infrastructure that drives business results through human performance.HR professionals take their roles seriously and are willing to take the heat for everything.Be flexible with your offerings and don't get caught up in having the perfect offering.Networking and being proud of what you do can lead to receptive and helpful connections. Hourly pricing may not be the best approach for solopreneurs offering specialized services.Building relationships and networking are crucial for establishing trust and credibility.Partnering with other professionals and surrounding yourself with experts in different areas can enhance your capabilities and provide better solutions for clients.LinkedIn is a valuable platform for networking and building an online presence.
"Building infrastructure that's gonna drive business results through human performance.""Focus on the ones that get it so you don't have to educate them.""HR professionals will take the heat for everything.""Hourly was not the path for me and the kind of things that I offer.""You get all the value, you get all the good stuff without the overhead or the unnecessary meetings.""Networking is really good for me. It helps people see that I'm not a threat to their business."
Quick Hits:Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Current Work02:53: Challenging the Status Quo in HR
07:58 Realizing the Need to Go Solo
12:09 Building a Network and Finding Clients
13:36 Embracing Discomfort for Growth
16:59 Time Management and Work-Life Balance
20:01 The Evolution of Offerings: From Hourly Work to Flexible Services
20:54 Pricing for Results: Shifting the Focus from Hours
21:44 The Power of Partnership: Building Collaborative Relationships
22:16 Tactical Tips for Starting a Solo Business
27:40 The Importance of Networking and Building Relationships
36:01 The Empowerment of Setting Up an...
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