237 episodes

Welcome to The Corporate Escapee hosted by Brett Trainor, a podcast dedicated tor GenX professionals and management consultants yearning to break free from the 9-5 grind. Our goal is to guide 10,000 GenXers on their journey to exit corporate life, achieve work/life balance, and command their futures, all while maintaining their financial stability. This show is your roadmap for transitioning from corporate confines to flourishing in solo or expertise-based ventures, utilizing decades of experience.

Embark on your corporate escape and redefine your professional journey. We focus on building and optimizing the solo business/solopreneur career path.

Subscribe to Corporate Escapee Podcast define your legacy in the world of business today.

Join us and transform your expertise into a thriving, fulfilling business outside the traditional corporate confines.

The Corporate Escapee: Helping GenX find their What's Next‪!‬ Brett Trainor

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 31 Ratings

Welcome to The Corporate Escapee hosted by Brett Trainor, a podcast dedicated tor GenX professionals and management consultants yearning to break free from the 9-5 grind. Our goal is to guide 10,000 GenXers on their journey to exit corporate life, achieve work/life balance, and command their futures, all while maintaining their financial stability. This show is your roadmap for transitioning from corporate confines to flourishing in solo or expertise-based ventures, utilizing decades of experience.

Embark on your corporate escape and redefine your professional journey. We focus on building and optimizing the solo business/solopreneur career path.

Subscribe to Corporate Escapee Podcast define your legacy in the world of business today.

Join us and transform your expertise into a thriving, fulfilling business outside the traditional corporate confines.

    Unlocking Freedom: A Corporate Couple’s Escape (by monetizing their experience) w/ Ethan Bull

    Unlocking Freedom: A Corporate Couple’s Escape (by monetizing their experience) w/ Ethan Bull

    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.

    • 42 min
    5 Steps to Land Your 1st Customer (while still in corporate)

    5 Steps to Land Your 1st Customer (while still in corporate)

    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. 

    • 17 min
    Escapee Curious? The 6 Stages and How to Get Unstuck

    Escapee Curious? The 6 Stages and How to Get Unstuck

    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.
    TakeawaysThere 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.

    • 21 min
    The Corporate Escapee Goes Down Under: A Discussion With Michael Haynes About Professional Services as Exit Strategy

    The Corporate Escapee Goes Down Under: A Discussion With Michael Haynes About Professional Services as Exit Strategy

    SummaryIn this episode, Michael Haynes shares insights and guidance on how corporate escapees can build their own B2B professional service practice. He emphasizes the importance of expertise and the need to deliver advice, insights, and recommendations to clients. Haynes highlights the significance of listening and researching the market to understand target industries, customers, and decision-makers. He recommends becoming visible in the target market by leveraging professional associations and collaborating with thought leaders. Additionally, Haynes discusses the process of finding the first customer and suggests testing strategies before fully committing. In this conversation, Michael Haynes shares insights on building a professional services business. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your focus and strengths, as well as determining your target market. Building a strong network and referral engine is crucial for acquiring clients. Michael also highlights the significance of creating a content strategy and being visible where your target audience seeks information. Transitioning to sales involves understanding the challenges and priorities of your prospects and building a mutual action plan. Micro events, such as roundtables and forums, can be effective in engaging with prospects and providing value. Finally, Michael emphasizes the need for clarity and a buyer-driven approach when building and growing a professional services practice.
    Takeaways
    Corporate escapees have massive opportunities to build their own B2B professional service practice.Delivering advice, insights, and recommendations based on expertise is crucial in the B2B professional services industry.Listening and researching the market helps in understanding target industries, customers, and decision-makers.Becoming visible in the target market through professional associations and collaborations with thought leaders is essential for success.Testing strategies before fully committing can help corporate escapees find their first customer and refine their approach. Understand your strengths and determine your focus in order to build a successful professional services business.Build a strong network and referral engine to acquire clients.Create a content strategy and be visible where your target audience seeks information.Transition to sales by understanding the challenges and priorities of your prospects and building a mutual action plan.Engage with prospects through micro events, such as roundtables and forums, to provide value and unlock conversations.Maintain clarity and a buyer-driven approach when building and growing a professional services practice.Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    00:27 Opportunities for Corporate Escapees
    03:04 The Importance of Expertise in B2B Professional Services
    04:00 First Steps for Building a Professional Service Business
    06:06 The AIR Framework: Advice, Insights, and Recommendations
    07:39 Listening and Researching the Market
    11:21 Finding the Sweet Spot and Targeting Customers
    18:06 Next Steps: Visibility and Becoming Referable
    20:36 Becoming Visible in the Target Market
    21:04 Finding the First Customer and Testing Strategies
    21:18 Understanding Your Focus
    23:34 Building Your Network and Referral Engine
    26:27 Creating a Content Strategy
    29:15 Transitioning to Sales and Discovery Meetings
    32:44 Micro Events and Engagement
    41:06 Considering the Path of Building a Professional Services Business

    • 46 min
    How to Escape Corporate & Why Brett Would Bet Everything on the Future of Fractional

    How to Escape Corporate & Why Brett Would Bet Everything on the Future of Fractional

    Summary
    This is a special episode of the Corporate Escapee podcast. I was recently interviewed on hot new podcast called Your Work Friends.  It was a fun conversation with the 2 hosts Mel and Francesca. They are two HR leaders with no filters.
    Your Work Friends Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yourworkfriends 
    Your Work Friends Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2280460
    Join the Your Work Friends LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9558237/  

    Brett Trainor, founder of The Corporate Escapee, discusses the growing trend of freelance fractional work and how it can provide opportunities for corporate professionals to escape the nine-to-five grind. He emphasizes the importance of defining your goals and expertise, building a supportive community, and avoiding common pitfalls in the transition to freelance work. 

    Trainor also highlights the benefits of fractional work for businesses, including cost savings and access to specialized expertise. He predicts that the freelance fractional market will continue to grow and offers advice for those considering a career pivot. In this conversation, the guest discusses the importance of designing your life and incorporating work into it. They share examples of individuals who have built their lives around their passions and created successful businesses. The conversation also highlights the opportunities in solo businesses and the possibility of achieving high revenue with the right freelancers or virtual assistants. The guest emphasizes the importance of time and encourages listeners to take control of their lives and find alternative paths. The conversation concludes with a reminder to tap into your main character energy and build the story you want.

    Takeaways
    Freelance fractional work provides opportunities for corporate professionals to escape the nine-to-five grind and find more flexibility, freedom, and control in their careers.Defining your goals and expertise is crucial in transitioning to freelance work and building a successful business.Building a supportive community of like-minded individuals can provide valuable connections, support, and learning opportunities.Avoiding common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating the process and falling for scams, is important in navigating the freelance fractional market. Design your life and incorporate work into it.Solo businesses offer opportunities for high revenue.Take control of your life and find alternative paths.Tap into your main character energy and build the story you want.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:03 The Corporate Escapee Mission
    04:23 Who is The Corporate Escapee For?
    05:19 Success Factors for Freelance Fractional Work
    07:16 The Growing Market for Freelance Fractional Work
    09:43 The Future of Freelance Fractional Work
    13:01 The Benefits of Fractional Work for Businesses
    14:24 The Transition from Traditional Employment to Fractional Work
    16:38 The Importance of Trust and Autonomy in the Workplace
    17:56 The Role of Culture in Organizations
    19:45 The Challenges of Maintaining a Strong Company Culture
    22:07 The Importance of Defining Your Goals and Expertise
    25:22 The Financial Aspects of Freelance Fractional Work
    30:08 Making Space for a Career Pivot
    36:53 Building a Supportive Community
    39:41 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Freelance Fractional Work
    41:02 Defining Your Goals and Solving Problems
    45:32 Designing Your Life
    46:00 Building Your Life and Incorporating Work
    47:26 Opportunities in Solo Businesses
    48:28 Rapid Round: Life After Leaving Corporate
    49:19 Negotiating and Saying No
    50:14 Working from Unconventional Locations
    51:42 Time Blocking and Calendarizing
    52:13 Superstitions and Comfort in Work
    53:22 Taking Control of Your Life
    54:20 Driving Towards Your Goals
    55:00 Main Character Energy
    55:34 Closing Remarks

    • 54 min
    Reimagining Possibilities: Tamara Loring on Escaping the 9-to-5

    Reimagining Possibilities: Tamara Loring on Escaping the 9-to-5

    SummaryIn this episode, Tamara Loring, from the Entrepreneur Source, discusses the need for change and the possibilities that exist beyond the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs and seeking support from mentors and coaches. Tamara also explores the fear of success and the concept of becoming You 2.0. She encourages listeners to design their lives and explore different possibilities. Finally, she highlights the importance of taking action and involving others in the journey towards a better future.
    Links: The Entrepreneurs SourceTakeaways
    Don't be afraid to explore possibilities beyond the corporate world.Overcome limiting beliefs and seek support from mentors and coaches.Embrace the fear of success and be open to new opportunities.Design your life and create a vision for your future.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
    03:17 The Need for Change
    08:39 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
    13:08 The Importance of Support
    17:44 The Fear of Success
    23:25 Designing Your Life
    27:22 Becoming You 2.0
    29:43 Exploring Possibilities
    36:56 Taking Action and Involving Others
    38:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
31 Ratings

31 Ratings

ASobering ,

Entertaining, insightful, and actionable! 🔥

Whether you’re well established as an entrepreneur, or just getting started carving out a profitable niche that’s ready to grow, this is a must-listen podcast for you! Brett does an incredible job leading conversations that cover a huge breadth of topics related to the ins and outs of building a thriving business (and life!) you can be proud of with leaders who’ve actually experienced success themselves. Highly recommend listening and subscribing!

My Stuttering Life ,

It's All About Education

Thank you for this great podcast showcasing amazing business mentors and their strategies for success. This podcast is a must for anyone that has a business!!!!

Tunefarmer ,

Love this kind of content.

I like the style and all of the guests have been spot on.
Thanks for taking the creative journey to make this happen

Keep on creating!

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