Ditching Hourly

Founder of The Upside, Erin Halper, joined me on Ditching Hourly to share her pro tips on creating and sustaining a premium online community. Erin's Links:Erin's community » https://betheupside.com/Erin's LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhalper/Chapters(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:19) - Erin Halper's Background and The Upside Community (03:19) - Challenges and Evolution of The Upside (07:24) - Starting and Running a Community (09:18) - Best Practices for Community Management (24:08) - Pricing Strategies for Independent Consultants (30:19) - Navigating Agency Subcontracting (30:52) - Building and Scaling Your Business (31:42) - Lifestyle and Impact in Consulting (33:00) - Celebrating Wins and Community Support (34:26) - Visibility and Positioning (36:03) - Pricing Strategies and Market Shifts (37:47) - Maintaining Boundaries in Community (40:30) - Application Process and Membership Cap (43:40) - Quarterly Open House Strategy (47:18) - Onboarding and Member Matching (55:26) - Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Communications consultant Lynn Safranek joined me on Ditching Hourly to learn how to apply value pricing to an industry where the consultant can't control the outcome.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:11) - Understanding Upstream Contributions (00:23) - Lynn's Background and Expertise (01:05) - The Value Pricing Dilemma (01:21) - Client Communication Challenges (02:45) - Media Engagement Strategies (05:01) - Defining Client Needs and Goals (08:08) - Crafting Effective Messaging (14:32) - Measuring Success and Impact (20:42) - Leveraging Media Coverage for Nonprofits (21:26) - Budget Autonomy of Communications Directors (22:41) - Crafting Compelling Stories for Donations (24:33) - Exploring Budget Scenarios for Media Hits (26:03) - Creative Strategies for Media Attention (26:58) - Evaluating the Impact of Media Hits (29:21) - Developing a Comprehensive Media Strategy (31:35) - Reverse Engineering Media Success (38:40) - Thinking Beyond Traditional Roles (42:35) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Lynn's Links:Lynn on LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnsafranek/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Brand strategist and founder of SwayRise Creative, Diane Whiddon, joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about how adding a discrete - and legitimately useful - AI-based productized service to her branding business tapped into a longstanding demand in her client base. Diane's LinksSwayRise Creative » https://swayrisecreative.com/Content Creator Lab » https://aicontentcreatorlab.comChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:34) - Diane's Background and Career Journey (01:44) - Discovering Value Pricing and Meeting Jonathan (03:44) - The Impactful Discovery Call (07:18) - Focusing and Scaling the Business (15:08) - Incorporating AI into Business (19:16) - AI Photo Shoots and Branding (33:33) - Ethical Considerations and Client Expectations (34:57) - Technical Aspects of AI Image Creation (37:02) - Using Image References and Editing Tools (37:56) - Cost and Effort of Traditional Photo Shoots (39:15) - AI Photo Shoots vs Traditional Photo Shoots (41:36) - The Demand for AI in Business (42:54) - Challenges and Opportunities with AI (47:33) - The Importance of Adapting to AI (51:53) - Leveraging AI for Business Success (54:13) - The Future of AI in Various Industries (01:10:30) - Final Thoughts and Resources ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Author, speaker, and human-first AI strategist, Alastair McDermott, joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about his new book and how experts can use AI to enhance productivity, decision-making, and learning. (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:46) - Alistair's Background and Journey (03:02) - The New Book: Use AI, Stay Human (04:15) - AI as a Tool for Experts (06:55) - Practical Applications of AI (10:00) - Technical Deep Dive: AI in Writing (16:58) - Organizing and Managing AI Outputs (23:40) - Ideal Reader and Learning AI (24:51) - Choosing Your AI Setup: DIY vs. Subscription (25:20) - The Importance of AI Expertise (27:16) - AI's Role in Business and Personal Productivity (28:25) - Challenges and Limitations of AI (30:59) - Effective Prompting Techniques (32:20) - Using AI for Coaching and Workshops (35:35) - Advanced AI Usage Tips (40:46) - Practical AI Tools and Resources (45:28) - Final Thoughts and Resources AI SummaryIn this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark interviews Alastair McDermott about his new book, 'Use AI Stay Human: A Survival Guide for Experts in the Age of AI.' They discuss Alastair's transition from a techie background to running his consulting business, Recognized Authority, and eventually rebranding to Human Spark.AI. The conversation dives into how AI can be used to enhance productivity, decision-making, and learning for subject matter experts. Alastair shares practical tips on setting up effective AI workflows, structuring prompts, and the importance of human judgment in leveraging AI for business purposes.Alastair's LinksBook: https://www.amazon.com/Use-I-Stay-Human-Indispensable-ebook/dp/B0FDQSKZRFWebsite: https://humanspark.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Author of Leaving The Casino, Jessica Lackey, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the importance of understanding different business models, pricing strategies, and the concept of the 'zone of enoughness' in building a sustainable business.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:09) - Jessica Lackey's Background and Career Journey (01:05) - Introduction to Jessica's Book (03:13) - The Casino Metaphor in Business (04:28) - Frameworks and Types of Expertise-Based Businesses (08:55) - Pricing Models and Strategies (19:22) - The Zone of Enoughness (30:46) - Transitioning Business Models (31:21) - Financial Planning and Expectations (32:30) - Balancing Flexibility and Income (34:28) - Optimizing Delivery for Efficiency (40:41) - Marketing Strategies for Delivery Businesses (42:48) - The Importance of Direct Outreach (51:03) - Building Authority Through Writing (54:29) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Jessica's BioJessica Lackey is the founder of Deeper Foundations, a consulting and training firm that helps expertise-based business owners grow and scale sustainable companies rooted in stronger business foundations. She brings a unique blend of corporate expertise and soulful business building, drawing on an MBA from Harvard Business School, a coaching certification from iPEC, and experience at McKinsey & Company and Nike, Inc. Jessica has supported over 200 entrepreneurs through her programs, blending systems thinking, operational rigor, and deep values alignment. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband.Jessica's Links:Website: https://www.deeperfoundations.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lackey/Book: https://www.deeperfoundations.com/casinoPredictable Revenue Roadmap: https://predictablerevenueroadmap.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicalackey_consulting/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Author Robin Bonn joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the importance of differentiation as described in his book Market of One. About RobinRobin Bonn is the CEO of Co:definery, one of the world's leading consultancies specialising in agency positioning. From renowned global networks to the world's top independents, he’s repositioned close to 150 agencies and coached dozens of senior leaders. He’s the author of Market of One, the host of The Immortal Life of Agencies podcast, and a columnist for Marketing Week. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Ed Kless joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about what he and his Threshold co-founder Ron Baker think is the next big thing (spoiler alert: transformations).Talking PointsThe Concept of the Experience EconomyProgression of Economic ValueTransformations and Their ImpactThreshold: Guiding TransformationsTransitioning from Service to Transformation EconomySkipping the Experience StageCharging for TransformationSubscription Model as a SolutionValue-Based Pricing vs. Hourly BillingThe Revelation DocumentThe Concept of Moral InjuryAnd here's the link to the document we discussed on the show: THRESHOLD - A REVELATION for the Transformation EconomyAbout EdEd Kless believes entrepreneurs continue the work of creation and that business exists to promote human flourishing. To advance this vision, he cofounded THRESHOLD, where he guides professional leaders and teams through edifying transformation. Previously, Ed served as Sage’s senior director of partner development and strategy, hosted the Sage Thought Leadership Podcast, and designed curricula for Sage Partners and Customers. He also co-hosts The Soul of Enterprise with Ron Baker, his friend and fellow THRESHOLD co-founder. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Geraldine Carter joined me on Ditching Hourly to give us a behind-the-scenes recap of what went into her pivot from selling one-time $9,500 mastermind programs to selling a $995/mo ongoing subscription model.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:34) - Defining 'Melting the Pyramid' (04:38) - Transitioning Business Models (08:54) - Challenges and Key Changes (14:00) - New Program Structure and Benefits (24:41) - Launch Phase and Simplification (27:52) - Navigating the Launch Transition (28:36) - Managing High-Touch Programs (29:33) - Prioritizing VIP Clients (31:10) - Finalizing the Launch (33:06) - Subscription Model Insights (34:50) - Building the Community (37:50) - Efficiency and Scalability (42:46) - Handling Uncertainty and Risk (50:04) - Adapting to Subscription Growth (52:54) - Conclusion and Takeaways Geraline's BioGeraldine Carter helps overworked CPAs create the accounting firm and the life they have always wanted.Geraldine's LinksThe website » https://geraldinecarter.com/The podcast » https://www.businessstrategyforcpas.com/The book » https://geraldinecarter.com/bookThe community » https://geraldinecarter.com/peak-freedom ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the current state and potential future of podcasting as a medium for building trust with your audience.AI SummaryIn this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark speaks with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, about the evolving landscape of podcasting. They discuss the shifting definitions and formats of podcasts, the importance of different content strategies, including private and hybrid podcasting, and the impact of new technologies like AI. Craig also shares insights on leveraging platforms such as YouTube and podcasting for trust-building and discovery, what makes podcasts unique in the AI era, and tips for solo business owners looking to optimize their content. The conversation is packed with actionable advice on how to effectively use podcasting to build authority and nurture audiences.Chapters(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (01:14) - The Evolution of Podcasting (02:24) - Private and Hybrid Podcasting Explained (03:27) - The Role of Video in Podcasting (05:21) - Discovery and Monetization Strategies (06:44) - Business Models for Podcasters (09:34) - Content Strategy and Audience Engagement (16:14) - The Future of Podcasting and Platforms (29:09) - Content Strategy and Funnel Optimization (30:36) - The Power of Long-Form Audio (31:46) - Podcasting for Authority Building (34:24) - YouTube as a Discovery Platform (34:48) - Shorts, Segments, and Long-Form Content (51:18) - The Role of AI in Content Creation (55:44) - Private and Hybrid Podcasting (59:12) - Conclusion and Future of Podcasting Craig’s LinksCastos » https://castos.com/Craig’s Website » https://craighewitt.com/Craig’s YouTube » https://www.youtube.com/@thecraighewittCraig’s LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hewitt-78386a66/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Jason Lengstorf, founder of Code TV, joined me on Ditching Hourly to share how he is successfully navigating the transformation of the video production business. Jason's Links: https://jason.energy/https://codetv.dev/AI Summary:In this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark is joined by Jason Lengstorf, founder of Code TV, to explore the current landscape of the video production industry, especially within the tech sector. Jason shares insights into his career journey from being a web engineer to running a successful video production business for tech companies. The discussion delves into industry transitions, the significance of genuine community engagement, the crucial role of video in marketing campaigns, and strategies for delivering measurable ROI. Jason also offers practical advice for video production professionals on pricing their services, specializing in niches, and maintaining consistency to build a strong client base.Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:08) - Jason Langsdorf's Background (00:47) - The State of the Video Production Industry (02:52) - Strategic Video Production (09:38) - Top of Funnel Growth Strategies (16:26) - Jason's Approach to Video Production (23:47) - Specialization and Niche Market (28:44) - Measuring Campaign Effectiveness (29:37) - The Importance of Patience and Follow-Through (30:13) - Qualitative Metrics and Social Listening (30:36) - The Value of Organic Mentions (31:14) - Case Study: Microsoft's Image Transformation (33:54) - Challenges in Sales Processes (39:34) - The Power of Consistency in Content Creation (42:59) - Outsourcing Video Production (44:49) - Finding Your Niche and Adding Value (53:15) - The Journey to Success (55:40) - Conclusion and Resources ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Author/creator of Sales for Nice People, Martin Stellar, joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about sticking to your guns in a sales meeting and how to build the confidence to do so. Martin's Links:https://martinstellar.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinstellar/https://salesfornicepeople.com/academy ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Yuval Yeret, founder of Yeret Agility and OG Agile expert, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the current state of Agile as a platform, how it has evolved over the years, and what practitioners should consider when pivoting their careers as the platform matures.About YuvalYuval Yeret is a Product/Scaling/Agility Coach focused on helping product/tech leaders scale their organizations without slowing down, improving outcomes by leveraging flow, agility, and product orientation. (while avoiding the dogma and process BS of Agile Theater). Yuval is a globally recognized expert on scaling w/ agility, a SAFe Fellow, a Professional Scrum Trainer, and a co-author of the Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams. These days Yuval is focused on helping organizations evolve from Feature Factories to Empowered Product Organizations, as well as helping deeper tech organizations develop a pragmatic agility strategy. Yuval shares his insights on scaling w/ agility at https://yuvalyeret.com/scaling-with-agility-newsletter/Chapters(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:17) - Yuval's Background and Journey into Agile (01:35) - Early Days of Agile (03:56) - Transition to Consulting and Coaching (07:21) - Agile's Evolution and Current State (09:46) - Challenges and Criticisms of Agile (17:30) - Future of Agile and Role Adaptation (22:18) - Advice for Agile Practitioners (30:22) - Reflecting on Agile Leadership (31:24) - Anecdote: Transition from FileMaker to Web Development (34:57) - The Future of Agile and Product Operating Models (39:20) - Adapting Skills for New Opportunities (41:48) - Navigating Organizational Change (44:47) - Strategies for Career Pivoting (48:01) - The Role of Scrum Masters in Modern Organizations (52:00) - Consulting and Value Proposition (57:55) - Closing Thoughts and Resources Notable Quotes"What happened over the years is... agile has become mainstream for most of corporate America, technology organizations and product companies. And this created the reality where the people that are, the organizations that are currently adopting agile are the late adopters.""[Late adopters] are slapping names like Scrum Master and Sprint and User Story and Daily Scrum... on the way that they've been doing things already. And it's like lipstick on a pig. It's not really creating any impact other than a bad name for Agile and a bad name for people in these roles.""The biggest issue with Agile... is the over-reliance on specific roles in organizations.""We will have a significantly smaller number of people that dedicate their career to something like agile, whatever it's called. You will need to specialize. You will need to start to think like consultants need to start to think and build your content solar system."Yuval's Links and Other ResourcesYuval's article on "The Future of Agile Roles and Agility"Yuval's private podcast on navigating the landscape of Agile theater, feature factories, and product operating models"Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey Moore (book on technology adoption)Netflix culture book (featuring the "Netflix question")The career mini-course that Jonathan mentioned: Unblock Your Career by Shachar Meir ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Ex-java developer and CoffeeSprout founder Barry van Someren joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the surprising alignment between “Ditcherville ethos” and the government of the Netherlands.LINKS MENTIONEDBarry’s websiteBarry’s LinkedInCalifornia Law AB 5AI SUMMARYIn this episode of Ditching Hourly, Jonathan Stark speaks with Barry Van Someren about his transition from hourly work to value-based services, the implications of new tax laws in the Netherlands for independent contractors, and the importance of having multiple clients. They discuss how these changes affect client relationships and the necessity of shifting to results-based contracts. Barry shares insights on navigating the complexities of government regulations and the benefits of diversifying client portfolios to ensure business resilience.SOUND BITES“I wanted to transition into something that was more predictable.”“It’s just refreshing to see that kind of advice from the IRS.”“I kind of wanted to make myself less vulnerable to this law.”“The IRS and various countries are giving you that encouragement.”“If you stay at one place too long, you become stagnant.”“Hourly billing is bad.”TAKEAWAYSTransitioning from hourly work to value-based services can lead to more predictable income.New tax laws classify independent contractors more strictly, impacting their work.It’s essential to define clear results in contracts rather than relying on hourly billing.Having multiple clients reduces vulnerability to market changes and legal issues.Government regulations can align with good business practices, encouraging consultants to diversify their client base.Freelancers should be aware of the risks associated with being classified as employees under new laws.Building a strong network is crucial for finding clients and maintaining a steady workflow.Consultants should focus on delivering results rather than just completing tasks.The importance of compliance with tax laws cannot be overstated for independent contractors.Hourly billing is often seen as a less favorable model for sustainable business growth. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

The handsome and talented Louis Grenier joined me on Ditching Hourly to talk about the strategy behind writing, publishing, and launching his new book, Stand The F*ck Out. Links:Stand The F*ck OutBonuses for Ditching Hourly ListenersAI Summary:In this conversation, Jonathan Stark interviews Louis Grenier about his journey in marketing, the insights from his new book, and the strategies behind its launch. Louis discusses the importance of standing out in a crowded market, the principles of effective marketing, and the challenges he faced while writing and publishing his book. He shares his unique approach to launching the book, including innovative marketing strategies and the significance of personal branding. In this conversation, Louis Grenier discusses his unique approach to branding and product design, particularly in the context of his book launch. He shares insights on working with Lulu, the importance of prioritizing tasks during the launch, and the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way. The value of beta readers and the iterative feedback process in writing are emphasized, along with strategies for promoting and selling his book effectively. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

The author of “Going 1099: How To Become Solo Federal Sub-Contractor”, Dale Davidson, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the journey of becoming a solo federal subcontractor.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:17) - Dale Davidson's Background (00:49) - Navigating Hourly Billing in Government Contracts (01:39) - Transitioning to 1099 Subcontracting (04:01) - Importance of Security Clearance (05:51) - Client Relationships and Consulting (07:06) - Understanding Government Contracting (16:01) - Becoming a Prime Contractor (33:52) - Hiring Employees and Scaling Up (35:41) - Recruiting and Retaining Talent (36:24) - Scaling Up: Employees and Income (37:17) - The Soloist's Dilemma (38:53) - Challenges of Growing a Business (41:17) - The Admin Burden (48:02) - The Hourly Trap (49:39) - Government Contracting Insights (53:12) - Personal Stories and Advice (58:32) - Finding Your Niche and Passion (01:09:15) - Promoting the Book and Final Thoughts DALE’S LINKSDale’s BookDale’s LinkedInAI SUMMARYIn this conversation, Jonathan Stark and Dale Davidson discuss the journey of becoming a solo federal subcontractor, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within government contracting. They explore the nuances of hourly billing, the importance of security clearance, and the significance of client relationships. Dale shares insights on transitioning from employee to 1099 contractor, the role of subcontracting, and the complexities of government contracts. The discussion also touches on the mental shift required when moving from a corporate environment to self-employment, the importance of setting boundaries, and the value of understanding market demand.TAKEAWAYSHourly billing is the norm in government subcontracting.Security clearance can significantly increase your value in government contracting.Building strong client relationships is crucial for success as a contractor.Transitioning from employee to 1099 contractor offers more freedom and control.Subcontracting is a common practice in government work and can provide opportunities.Understanding the different types of government contracts is essential for contractors.Fixed price contracts are rare but can be negotiated successfully.Finding opportunities in government contracts requires diligence and networking. ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Advisory CFO, daily emailer, and podcast host Lauren Pearl joined me on Ditching Hourly to unpack the nuances of the pricing framework she uses with her start-up and small business clients. CHAPTERS(00:00) - DH358 Lauren Pearl - The Daily CFO Pricing Framework (00:09) - Lauren Pearl's Background and Role (02:08) - Client Types and Fit (04:18) - The Origin of the Pricing Framework (07:23) - Step-by-Step Pricing Framework (08:01) - Setting the Floor Price (20:47) - Setting the Ceiling Price (38:50) - Understanding Customer Decision-Making (40:15) - The Power of Post-Purchase Feedback (41:27) - Exploring Customer Value Perception (43:51) - Competitive Analysis and Market Expectations (47:40) - Pricing Strategies and Customer Commitment (01:09:55) - Experimentation and Continuous Improvement (01:14:18) - Where to Find Lauren Online LAUREN'S LINKSLauren’s LinkedInThe Daily CFO NewsletterThe Growth-Minded CFO Podcast ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Andrew Croasdale, a former police officer turned consultant, joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss his transition from policing to consulting.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:18) - Andrew's Background in Policing (01:05) - Transition to Consulting (05:11) - First Steps in Business (06:06) - First Client Experience (09:37) - Challenges of Small Business Owners (17:38) - Defining Governance and Leadership (26:25) - Diagnostic Approach in Consulting (29:10) - Cross-Referencing in Police Work (29:32) - Challenges in Communicating Strategic Objectives (29:48) - Overcoming Ego for Improvement (30:09) - Psychological Differences in Large vs. Small Organizations (31:27) - Resistance to Change in Large Companies (35:11) - The Importance of Psychological Safety (36:15) - Choosing the Right Company Size to Work With (37:11) - Balancing Impact and Satisfaction (41:04) - Implementing Values in Solopreneurship (43:58) - Defining Mission and Values (51:22) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information Andrew’s Links:- LinkedIn » https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-croasdale/- Website » https://octopusleadership.com/AI SUMMARYIn this conversation, Jonathan Stark interviews Andrew Croasdale, a former police officer turned consultant, about his transition from policing to the business world. Andrew shares insights on how his background in counter-terrorism policing informs his consulting work, particularly in enhancing governance and operational excellence for businesses. He discusses the importance of creating high-performing environments, the role of governance versus leadership, and the need for clear communication and structure within organizations. Andrew emphasizes that good governance can lead to improved team performance and customer service, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole. Andrew discusses the critical role of transparency in leadership and the importance of clear communication of strategic goals within organizations. He emphasizes the need to overcome ego and fear in order to foster a culture of improvement and psychological safety. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced when working with larger organizations compared to smaller businesses, highlighting the impact of organizational structure on decision-making. Additionally, Andrew shares insights on how solopreneurs can define their values and create alignment with their clients to drive business success.TAKEAWAYS- Andrew transitioned from policing to consulting to seek a change- His experience in policing helps him develop high-performing teams- Customer service quality significantly impacts people’s lives- Starting a business involves aligning passion, skills, and market value- His first client came from a casual conversation in a showroom- Small business owners often lack leadership training and support- Good governance is crucial for effective team performance- Clear communication and structure are essential for business success- High-performing environments require a holistic approach to governance- Leadership and governance are interconnected but distinct concepts- Transparency is essential for effective leadership- Assessing strategic goals requires open communication- Ego can hinder organizational change and improvement- Working with large organizations often involves navigating politics- Smaller businesses may allow for quicker decision-making and implementation- Creating governance structures is important for solopreneurs- Defining clear values helps align business practices with client expectations- Continuous improvement should be a focus for all businesses- Psychological safety encourages team members to admit mistakes- Finding the right client size can enhance the impact of consulting work ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Author, founder, and CEO Barry LaBov joined me on Ditching Hourly to geek out about niching down - while walking me through the five-step process he describes in his book The Power of Differentiation. Barry's Bio:Barry LaBov is the founder and CEO of LABOV Marketing Communications and Training. He is a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient and an inductee into the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame. He is also a Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics recipient. Under his leadership, LABOV Marketing Communications and Training has received the Indiana Growth 100 Award six times, was named Small Business of the Year and recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana. Additionally, LABOV’s client work has been honored with nearly 100 national and regional awards.Barry's links:The Power of DifferentiationBarry's biz websiteBarry's personal siteBarry's LinkedIn ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Guest Russ Waddell joined me on Ditching Hourly to explain how he successfully went out on his own for the first time after more than a decade as a full-time employee. Guest Links:https://www.russwaddell.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-waddell/ ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

Zach Stevens, co-founder of Conversion Factory, came back on Ditching Hourly to give an update about how things are going with his “all-you-can-eat” subscription-based service business after two years in business.Zach's LinksConversion FactoryZach's LinkedInZach's TwitterOther LinksMicroConfTiny SeedFreePikVisual ElectricSomewhere ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!