Hardwired for Growth 2.0: Stop Guessing, Start Growing!

Jessie Schwartz is the founder of Strategic Packaging Partners, an organization that helps CPG and cosmetics companies maximize their packaging spend. She escaped corporate in 2019 and has since grown it into an agency that offers a range of services. Jessie shares her journey, discussing the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way. 
She emphasizes the importance of leveraging your network, being creative, and staying curious in order to succeed as a contractor or fractional business owner. 
Jessie also provides insights into pricing strategies and meeting customer needs. In this conversation, Jessie Schwartz shares her advice for starting a business and the importance of setting up an LLC, getting legal services, and having the right insurance. She also emphasizes the need for a website and personal development in entrepreneurship. 
Brett Trainor highlights the importance of defining what you want and the flexibility of building a solo business. They both discuss the value of reading books and networking in the entrepreneurial journey. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and tips for aspiring escapees.

Takeaways

• Strategic Packaging Partners helps CPG and cosmetics companies maximize their packaging spend.
• Leveraging your network and being creative are key to finding clients and opportunities.
• Pricing strategies for contractors and fractional business owners can vary based on complexity and value.
• Meeting customers where they're at and providing the value they need is crucial for success.
• Being curious, adaptable, and willing to learn are important traits for contractors and fractional business owners. Set up an LLC for your business and avoid expensive services by going to the .gov site.
• Get legal services to review contracts and legal documents to protect yourself from unfavorable clauses.
• Consider different types of insurance, such as general liability and errors and omissions, based on your industry and risk level.
• Have a website, even if it's just a landing page, to establish an online presence and provide contact information.
• Invest in personal development and read books to enhance your skills and mindset as an entrepreneur.
• Network with others in your industry to make connections and learn from their experiences.
• Define what you want in your entrepreneurial journey and be open to evolving and growing your business.
• Manage your time effectively by scheduling tasks and prioritizing rest and self-care.
• Building a solo business offers flexibility and the ability to control your own growth.

Jessica’e Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-schwartz-ms-62094416/
Website: www.StrategicPackagingPartners.com 

Sound Bites

• "We come in and help you guys maximize your packaging so it delivers the most value to your consumers and your bottom line."
• "It was about 2010 or 2012 maybe that corporations in general started doing kind of rounds of layoffs."
• "Reaching out to people you've known in the past and just letting them know what you're doing is key."
• "Save yourself some headache. Set up an LLC on your own."
• "Legal services are helpful to review contracts and protect yourself from unfavorable clauses."
• "Consider different types of insurance based on your industry and risk level."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:50 Maximizing Packaging Spend for CPG and Cosmetics Companies

01:21 From Corporate Escape to Entrepreneurship

04:54 The Importance of Networking in Fractional Contracting

08:21 Curiosity, Creativity, and Adaptability in the Contracting Space

10:19 Navigating Pricing Strategies as a Fractional Contractor

14:33 Meeting Customers Where They Are and Providing Value

16:18 The Value of Subcontracting in Building a Business

18:27 Navigating Contracts with Legal Services

19:03 Understanding Insurance Coverage

20:49 The Importance of Having a Website

25:06 Building a Network and Making Connections

28:18 Investing in Personal Development

Ashley Evenson shares her experience transitioning from management consultant to becoming a fractional CMO. She secured her first client quickly and is excited to offer her expertise and elevate their marketing strategy. Ashley emphasizes the importance of being hands-on and not being above the work, which has been well-received by her clients. She also discusses the low risk and high value proposition of fractional talent for businesses. Ashley plans to have three income streams, including fractional work, speaking engagements, and workshops. She encourages others to trust the process and enjoy the journey.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from corporate to fractional work can be quick and successful with the right approach.
• Being hands-on and not being above the work is a valuable trait for fractional CMOs.
• Fractional talent offers a low-risk, high-value proposition for businesses.
• Having multiple income streams, such as fractional work, speaking engagements, and workshops, can provide financial stability.
• Trusting the process and enjoying the journey are key to finding fulfillment in the fractional world.

Ashley's Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyevenson/
Website: https://www.aemarketingcollective.com/

Sound Bites

• "Do not be above the work."
• "Trust the process. If you build it, they will come."
• "Fractional talent is the future."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Ashley's Current Work

05:35 The Tipping Point: Deciding to Leave Corporate

09:09 Getting Started in the Fractional Space

25:07  Exploring Speaking Engagements

28:06 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect with Ashley

Summary
In this episode, Brett Trainor discusses the importance of networking for escapees and provides a four-part framework for effective networking. He emphasizes the need for a targeted approach and highlights the value of networking with referral partners. The four parts of the framework are: target, intro, offer, and ask. Trainor explains how to identify the right people to connect with, set the tone for the connection, communicate the problem you solve, and make a direct request for referrals. He also suggests offering a free strategy session as a way to add value to the networking process.

Takeaways

• Networking is a critical technique for building a business as an escapee.
• A targeted approach is essential for effective networking.
• Networking with referral partners can be a powerful way to grow your business.
• The four-part framework for networking includes: target, intro, offer, and ask.
• Offering a free strategy session can add value to the networking process.

Sound Bites

• "Networking is a core technique for building your business."
• "Referral partners and networking should be the core of your business development activities."
• "Seek advice, not feedback, when networking."

Summary
Jake Stahl is a fractional CLO and a corporate escapee who helps companies onboard and train their salespeople. He also provides coaching on neurolinguistic programming to help salespeople and executives overcome mental blocks. He shares his journey of leaving the corporate world and transitioning into consulting and fractional work. Jake emphasizes the need to reframe the concept of fractional roles and highlights the importance of networking and building relationships for finding clients. The importance of referrals and targeted outreach in building relationships and generating business. The power of asking questions and showing genuine interest in others. The value of serving and adding value before selling. The benefits of referring clients to others when it's not in your lane. The approach to pricing as a fractional professional. An overview of Frac 2024, a conference dedicated to fractionals.

Links:
Jake Stahl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakestahl/ 
Jake's Website: https://jakestahlconsulting.com/
FRAK 2024: https://fractionalconference.com/

Takeaways

• Fractional roles are valuable in helping companies onboard and train their salespeople.
• Coaching on neurolinguistic programming can help salespeople and executives overcome mental blocks.
• Networking and building relationships are crucial for finding clients in the fractional space.
• Reframing the concept of fractional roles can help organizations understand the value they provide. Referrals and targeted outreach are crucial in building relationships and generating business.
• Asking questions and showing genuine interest in others can lead to stronger connections and opportunities.
• Serving and adding value before selling can build trust and loyalty with potential clients.
• Referring clients to others when it's not in your lane can create value and strengthen relationships.
• Pricing as a fractional professional should be based on the value you provide and should not be discounted.
• Frac 2024 is a conference dedicated to fractionals, providing networking and learning opportunities for professionals in the industry.

Sound Bites

• "I help salespeople and executives get past those mental blocks."
• "Frac Conference is one of the only conferences dedicated strictly to the Fractional Executive."
• "The referral is so important and maybe some super targeted outreach."
• "The secret weapon is really just getting them to ask you."
• "Don't tell them what you do. Because eventually if you serve them enough and you ask them enough questions and show interest, they're going to come back to you."

Summary
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee I was a guest on the Lee Ann Pepper's Class Reunion Podcast recently and she was kind enough to allow me to share the discussion with my audience. I shared my journey from corporate America to becoming a corporate escapee. We discuss the challenges faced by GenXers in the corporate world, the rise of ageism, and the need for alternative career paths. I share my insights on fractional jobs and how they offer flexibility and freedom outside of the traditional corporate structure. I also talk about the importance of finding balance and prioritizing mental and physical health. The conversation highlights the need for GenXers to explore new possibilities and embrace a different approach to work.

Key Links:
Class Reunion YouTube Channel:
Class Reunion Podcast: 

Takeaways

• GenXers in corporate America are facing challenges such as ageism and limited career advancement opportunities.
• Fractional jobs offer a flexible alternative to traditional full-time corporate positions.
• Finding balance and prioritizing mental and physical health are important considerations when exploring new career paths.
• There are opportunities to monetize corporate experience and find fulfillment outside of the corporate structure.
• Exploring new possibilities and being open to change can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable career.

Titles

• Embracing Flexibility and Freedom with Fractional Jobs
• Navigating the Challenges of Corporate America as a GenXer

Sound Bites

• "There are opportunities to monetize corporate experience and find fulfillment outside of the corporate structure."
• "Finding balance and prioritizing mental and physical health are important considerations when exploring new career paths."
• "Fractional jobs offer a flexible alternative to traditional full-time corporate positions."

Today, we have a very unique guest, Jesse Cole is the owner of the baseball team, Savannah Bananas. And I believe he has the blueprint for Escapees (& businesses) to stand out and separate themselves from the crowd.

When different is better than better, you want to make sure you are highlighting what makes you YOU. 

Get to know this passionate entrepreneur and learn what it takes for your startup to stand out.

We’ll talk about:

1. How Jesse is changing baseball through differentiation [01:12]
2. Constraints force creativity, but you learn by doing [05:19]
3. The blueprint for becoming the ONLY [08:10]
   • Own the problems [08:37]
   • Create Noise [09:26]
   • The 3 Loves [09:55]
   • Why do you do what you do [10:53]
4. Different is better than better [14:01]
5. Make sure you develop raving fans [17:01]
   • Why you should create the ‘Wow’ factor [19:41]
6. Focus on what you can control [24:43]
7. What else Jesse is thinking about next [26:58]
8. You have to keep pushing forward & do new things [29:40]
9. Set aside time to think about the future [30:45]
10. The one thing Jesse recommends [33:24]

Resource Links:
The Savannah Bananas Website (https://thesavannahbananas.com/)

About Our Guest:

Jesse Cole owns the baseball team, Savannah Bananas, which has currently sold out 32 straight games and has a waitlist in the thousands for tickets.

Jesse is also the author of "Find Your Yellow Tux - How to Be Successful by Standing Out,” and the host of the Business Done Differently Podcast.

Jesse believes to be successful you need to Stand Out and Be Different. He is passionate about creating attention, loving your customers more than your product, and loving your employees more than your customers.

Get in touch with Jesse through his LinkedIn.

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast. 

In this conversation, Ethan Bull shares his journey of building Pro Assisting, a fractional executive assistant service agency, with his wife. They started the business in 2018 after leaving their corporate jobs. Ethan discusses the challenges they faced in finding their first clients and the importance of having a financial plan and resources before starting a business. He also highlights the benefits of fractional support and services for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, Ethan talks about the healthcare considerations and options for entrepreneurs, particularly in New York State. In this conversation, Ethan Bull discusses the role of executive assistants in the fractional space and the benefits of building a network of fractional C-suite executives. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent flow of new prospects while also building long-term relationships with clients. Bull also highlights the value of being a two-sided marketplace and the benefits of working with independent contractors. He shares insights on the chief of staff role and the unique support that executive assistants can provide to both billionaires and solopreneurs. Bull concludes by offering advice on networking, taking risks, and the compounding nature of small tasks in business.

Ethan's Website: https://www.proassisting.com/

Takeaways

• Ethan Bull and his wife run Pro Assisting, a fractional executive assistant service agency with 30 assistants and 60 clients across the country.
• They started the business in 2018 after leaving their corporate jobs and used various tactics to find their first clients, including leveraging their network and using LinkedIn.
• Having a financial plan and resources, such as a six to nine-month runway, is crucial before starting a business.
• Fractional support and services provide flexibility and cost savings for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Healthcare considerations for entrepreneurs vary by state, and it's important to research and understand the options available.
• Ethan and his wife started the Pro Assisting Academy in 2023 to help career-minded executive assistants future-proof their careers. The term 'executive assistant' in the fractional space can encompass various roles, including business partner, chief of staff, project manager, assistant/scheduler, and personal assistant.
• Building a network of fractional C-suite executives can be beneficial for sharing prospects and maintaining a consistent flow of new leads.
• Working as a two-sided marketplace, where assistants are compensated appropriately and have the opportunity to start their own businesses, can provide security and balance.
• Executive assistants can provide valuable support to both billionaires and solopreneurs, offering a range of services tailored to their specific needs.
• Networking, taking risks, and consistently performing small tasks can contribute to the success of a solopreneur or business owner in the fractional space.

In this episode, Brett Traynor shares a five-step plan to help listeners find their first customer while still working in a corporate job. He emphasizes the importance of having a second income stream and diversifying risk. The steps include checking your employment agreement, identifying the problem you will be solving, identifying your initial target market, reviewing and prioritizing your network, and developing your messaging, positioning, and initial offer. Brett also highlights the value of asking for advice and using the 20-10 strategy to engage potential customers. He encourages listeners to take action and learn from their mistakes.

Takeaways

• Finding your first customer while still in a corporate job can provide a second income stream and help diversify risk.
• Check your employment agreement to ensure there are no conflicts of interest.
• Identify the problem you will be solving and focus on a specific target market.
• Review and prioritize your network to find potential customers or connections.
• Develop your messaging, positioning, and initial offer to engage potential customers.
• Ask for advice and use the 20-10 strategy to have valuable conversations with your network.
• Take action and learn from your mistakes to gain confidence and understanding in your offering.

This episode outlines the six stages of the escapee journey for GenXers stuck in corporate and provides guidance on how to get unstuck at each stage. The stages are: awareness, pre-escape (curious, interested, fearful), taking action, learn and earn, grow, control and freedom. The ultimate goal is to reach stage six, where one has the confidence and freedom to pursue their own path. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking action, testing, and learning, as well as seeking support from communities of like-minded individuals.

Takeaways
There are many GenXers stuck in corporate who are unaware of their options or unsure of how to get started on a new path.

• The six stages of the escapee journey are: awareness, pre-escape (curious, interested, fearful), taking action, learn and earn, grow, and control and freedom.
• Taking action is crucial for progress and success. It separates those who stay in corporate from those who pursue their own path.
• Joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.