In this episode of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, Cindy sits down with fellow nonprofit consultants live at the RAISE conference.

She discusses the power of conferences in business development and knowledge sharing. Join Cindy as she chats with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Barbara O'Reilly, Diana Farias Heinrich, Frank Velásquez Jr., and the dynamic duo Kristin and Sam from Swaim Strategies. They share their experiences, strategies, and confessions about leveraging conferences for business growth, the importance of getting paid for speaking engagements, and the power of collaboration in the nonprofit sector.

The consultants share how they approach conferences, from applying to speak to connecting with attendees and other consultants. They also discuss the importance of repurposing content and aligning speaking engagements with their business values. Additionally, they share their experiences with exhibiting at conferences and the challenges of making it a worthwhile investment. 

Key takeaways

• Relationships are Key: Building relationships with other consultants and potential clients is essential for success. Conferences provide a valuable opportunity to network and connect with people in person.
• Be Selective: Not all conferences are created equal. Consider your business goals and target audience when selecting conferences to attend or speak at.
• Know Your Value: Understand the value you bring to the table and don't be afraid to ask for compensation for your time and expertise.
• Align with Your Goals: Make sure your conference attendance aligns with your overall business development strategy.
• Authenticity and vulnerability are powerful tools for connecting with your audience. Sharing your story, owning your mistakes, and being true to yourself can help you build trust and credibility.

Tune in to this episode of Confessions with Jess and Cindy to hear candid conversations with nonprofit consultants and gain valuable insights into navigating the conference landscape and building a successful business.

Find Us Online:  https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.com

Connect with Cindy:

Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.com

Fractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/

LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman

Connect with Jess:

Out In the Boons: outintheboons.me

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesscampbelloutintheboons/

Resources:

Boys and Girls Club

RAISE Conference

Blacks in Nonprofit

The Ethical Storytelling Framework

The Ethical Nonprofit Summit

4DaHood

The Ascending Leaders in Color Program

Nonprofit Storytelling Conference

Swaim Strategies