The Biz of Nonprofit Consultants - podcast cover

The Biz of Nonprofit Consultants

Natalie Eckdahl, MBAnataliemba.com
Are you a Nonprofit Consultant pulled between making an impact and running a profitable business? Join Natalie Eckdahl, MBA, on a podcast crafted just for you. With 25 years of diverse experience as a management consultant, market researcher, small business owner and business coach, Natalie shares practical strategies to balance purpose and profit. Through engaging discussions, trainings, and client stories, Natalie covers everything from pricing and proposals to maintaining client boundaries and tackling hiring and leadership hurdles. Her talent for simplifying complex ideas ensures you'll leave each episode with actionable insights to propel your consultancy forward. But it's not all about numbers – Natalie also stresses the importance of mindset and resilience as a small business owner. As a mom of 3 and caregiver, she cherishes time with loved ones. With her guidance, you'll gain the confidence and clarity to overcome obstacles and reach your business goals while creating a fulfilling personal life. Whether you're a seasoned consultant or an accidental entrepreneur, this podcast is your roadmap to success. Tune in and let Natalie help you unlock your full potential as a Nonprofit Consultant – and maybe even skip a step or two along the way.
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Episodes

61: [client success] Specialization That Scales: Frances Roen's Path from Plateau to Limitless Growth

ARE YOU STUCK AT CAPACITY BECAUSE YOU OFFER “A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING”? Listen in to hear how Frances Rowen of Fundraising Sol ditched the buffet of fundraising services, zeroed in on capital campaigns, and created a business that can scale. IN THIS EPISODE I sit down with Impact Collective Mastermind member Frances Roen to unpack: the aha moment that pushed her from generalist to go-to capital-campaign expert the unexpected freedom that comes from one focused offer the role our mastermind plays i...

Jul 02, 202543 min

60: What to Do When Your Pipeline Slows Down

If you’re feeling the pressure to bring in more work, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong. But your next move matters. In this episode, I walk you through what to do when your consulting pipeline slows down, how to rebuild momentum, and how to avoid this cycle in the future. Whether you’ve been heads down with client work or focused on hiring, this is your reminder to shift back into proactive business development. If your pipeline has been quiet lately, this episode will give ...

Jun 23, 202530 min

59: Five Things I Help EVERY Nonprofit Consultant With

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 st...

Jun 16, 202530 min

58: [client success] CEO Mindset Unlocked with Dr. Andrea Mantsios

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 bil...

Jun 09, 202545 min

57: Coaching, Courses, or a Mastermind? How to Choose the Right Support to Grow Your Consulting Business

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 d...

Jun 02, 202531 min

56: What Even Is a Mastermind? And How to Know If You’re Ready for One?

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 res...

May 26, 202525 min

55: What's Working Right Now for Nonprofit Consultants

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 202...

May 23, 202522 min

54: Finding Opportunity in a Hard Season

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: 📌 Boo...

May 05, 202520 min

53: Selling is Serving

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 rel...

Apr 21, 202510 min

52: From Burned Out to Booked Out: How Kel Haney Scaled by Specializing

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 ar...

Apr 14, 202549 min

51: How to Set Revenue Goals Using the Good, Better, Best Method

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 ...

Apr 07, 202510 min

50: [client success] From Solo Grant Writer to Agency Owner with Christine Schwitzer

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...

Mar 24, 202550 min

49: Inside The Impact Collective Mastermind Retreat

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 ac...

Mar 17, 202540 min

48: Stop Waiting for Referrals→The Dream 15 Strategy (Part 4 - Business Growth Series)

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! 📩 Invitation to a Chat with Me : If you’ve been a Nonprofit Consultant for at least a year a...

Mar 03, 202517 min

47: Master the Proposal Process (Part 3 - Business Growth Series)

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 misali...

Feb 24, 202523 min

46: Connect Your LinkedIn Content to Your Conversations (Part 2 - Business Growth Series)

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. 💡I’ll walk you through a real-world case study where consistent LinkedIn activity led to a valuable business referral. In this episode, you’ll learn: How consistent LinkedIn content builds trust and aligns with yo...

Feb 17, 202528 min

45: Conversations Over Content (Part 1 - Business Growth Series)

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 you...

Feb 10, 202530 min

44: Unspoken Challenges of Scaling a Consulting Firm from $200K to $500K

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 li...

Feb 03, 202531 min

43: Stop Customizing: How Standardized Services Help Nonprofit Consultants Thrive

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 ar...

Jan 27, 202526 min

42: Why Generalists Struggle to Hire (And How Tight Positioning Makes It Easier)

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 lo...

Jan 20, 202518 min

41: Hiring Help When You're Maxed Out

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? 💫 Book a 90 Minute...

Jan 13, 202513 min

40: Start With The End in Mind (Let's Go 2025!)

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 ne...

Jan 06, 202524 min

39: Optimizing Your Scope of Work with Amanda (Mandy) Pearce

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 ...

Dec 09, 202449 min

38: [coaching] Exploring a Signature Offer with Jenny Kontos

***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 h...

Dec 02, 202449 min

37: From Solo to Scalable: Transitioning Your Clients to Your Team

***Currently reviewing applications for 2025 1:1 Coaching and Impact Collective Mastermind !*** 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 ow...

Nov 18, 202420 min

36: Growth Mindset, Future Self and Upper Limit Issues

***Currently reviewing applications for 2025 1:1 Coaching and Impact Collective Mastermind !*** 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 Fu...

Nov 11, 202430 min

35: 5 Watchouts for a High Ticket Project

***Currently reviewing applications for 2025 1:1 Coaching and Impact Collective Mastermind !*** 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 delivered 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 ...

Nov 04, 202419 min

34: Should You Uplevel Your Nonprofit Clients?

***Currently reviewing applications for 2025 1:1 Coaching and Impact Collective Mastermind !*** 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. 💫 Book a 90 Minute Intensive with Natalie (Usually I have a few spots op...

Oct 28, 202412 min

33: [coaching] Should Fractional Fundraiser Kelly McLaughlin Hire?

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 busines...

Oct 21, 20241 hr 2 min

32: Boundaries with Team

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 su...

Oct 17, 202429 min
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