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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Building community as a business growth strategy

- The power of belief and mindset in entrepreneurial success

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

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

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

Show Notes

"Marketing Magic: Building Your Consulting Business Through Community"

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

Episode Highlights:

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

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

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