In this episode of The Corporate Escapee podcast, we welcome Shannon, a seasoned project management and HR consultant who partners with CEOs in growing organizations. Shannon focuses on building infrastructure that drives business results through human performance. She shares her escapee journey from corporate to solo business owner, having been solo for two and a half years, with a clear vision of her ideal clients and the work she wants to pursue.

Shannon shares her insights on the varied reputation of HR, emphasizing that most HR professionals take their roles seriously and are willing to face challenges head-on. Her eclectic career before going solo revealed her challenging nature and desire for results, leading her to realize that she didn't belong in the corporate world. The decision to go solo came after a job acquisition and a subsequent role that didn't fit.

Initially, Shannon struggled with networking and selling her services. However, once she embraced her work with pride, she found people receptive and willing to help. She advises newcomers to remain flexible with their offerings and not get caught up in perfection.

Shannon began with hourly work but soon realized it wasn't the right path. Now, she offers three types of engagements: emergency project management retainers, fractional engagements, and long-term retainers. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking to establish trust and credibility. Partnering with other professionals and surrounding yourself with experts is key to success, she notes.

Additionally, Shannon highlights the value of LinkedIn as a platform for networking and building a strong online presence. Join us as Shannon shares her journey, challenges, and valuable advice for fellow escapees.

Takeaways

• Focus on building infrastructure that drives business results through human performance.
• HR professionals take their roles seriously and are willing to take the heat for everything.
• Be flexible with your offerings and don't get caught up in having the perfect offering.
• Networking and being proud of what you do can lead to receptive and helpful connections. Hourly pricing may not be the best approach for solopreneurs offering specialized services.
• Building relationships and networking are crucial for establishing trust and credibility.
• Partnering with other professionals and surrounding yourself with experts in different areas can enhance your capabilities and provide better solutions for clients.
• LinkedIn is a valuable platform for networking and building an online presence.

Quick Hits:

• "Building infrastructure that's gonna drive business results through human performance."
• "Focus on the ones that get it so you don't have to educate them."
• "HR professionals will take the heat for everything."
• "Hourly was not the path for me and the kind of things that I offer."
• "You get all the value, you get all the good stuff without the overhead or the unnecessary meetings."
• "Networking is really good for me. It helps people see that I'm not a threat to their business."

Chapters
00:00 : Introduction and Current Work

02:53 : Challenging the Status Quo in HR

07:58 Realizing the Need to Go Solo

12:09 Building a Network and Finding Clients

13:36 Embracing Discomfort for Growth

16:59 Time Management and Work-Life Balance

20:01 The Evolution of Offerings: From Hourly Work to Flexible Services

20:54 Pricing for Results: Shifting the Focus from Hours

21:44 The Power of Partnership: Building Collaborative Relationships

22:16 Tactical Tips for Starting a Solo Business

27:40 The Importance of Networking and Building Relationships

36:01 The Empowerment of Setting Up an LLC