The Business of College Consulting Brooke Daly

In this episode, Stef Mauler, founder of the Mauler Institute, shares her story of her early days as a Canadian navigating U.S. college applications to becoming a Harvard MBA graduate and launching her own thriving college consulting business, 
Stef discusses her strategic growth and the pivotal decision to hire writing coaches. Her business acumen shines through as she details her unique college admission strategies by leveraging business principles and helping students craft their unique selling points. 
Stef opens up about her strategies for success, such as time management and setting professional boundaries. Discover how building a supportive community rather than viewing others as competition and being generous with knowledge can be powerful tools in client retention and satisfaction. This episode is jam-packed with insights to inspire and guide whether you are an emerging consultant or a seasoned pro.

ChatGPT
In this interview, Lisa Bleich discusses her initial steps in marketing her services, relying heavily on word of mouth and personal connections. As her business grew, she recognized the need for systematizing processes and hiring a team to handle various aspects of client work, particularly essay writing.  Lisa emphasizes the importance of finding team members who complement each other and align with the company's culture. She also shares insights into employee compensation structures and strategies for managing client workloads efficiently. We wrap up the interview with Lisa sharing what's on the horizon for College Bound Mentor and her best advice or new college consultants!

Check out Lisa's book Surviving the College Application Process!

Joan Koven,  culinary connoisseur turned college consultant, dishes out her recipe for success, from her bold leap into a new field to her savvy networking that seasoned her burgeoning career. 

In the heart of our discussion, Joan shares her innovative hiring practices, switching from Craigslist to Indeed to concoct the perfect team. Plus, sneak a peek at how Joan's Italy-based assistant became an indispensable cog in their well-oiled machine and the rewarding journey of internal promotions.

To conclude we discuss balancing technology with tried-and-true method, we celebrate the nurturing relationships with parents, a cornerstone of the consulting process, and look at the power of professional development through involvement in professional associations

Joan's story is a testament to the passion and leadership that fuel the college consulting community, a beacon of inspiration for all striving for excellence in this field. Join us for a hearty serving of wisdom and wit from a leader who's truly worth following.

Have you ever felt the thrill of discovering your true passion after taking an unexpected turn in your career path?  Jess Shermack of Virtual College Counselors, shares her entrepreneurship journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of support networks and the courage required to transition from a full-time job to the uncertainties of running a start-up. She uncovers the strategic branding and adaptability that have driven the success of her business, even as the pandemic reshaped the educational landscape.

Jess recounts the evolution of her collaboration with Sawyer, where skepticism turned into synergy, and long work hours blossomed into a thriving business relationship. They juggle multiple roles and set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This episode peels back the curtain on the real grind of building a startup, complete with the occasional "Shaun of the Dead" quote to keep things in perspective.

 Jess shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, the quest for credibility without an Ivy League badge, and the art of setting firm client boundaries. Through her anecdotes, you'll gain invaluable insights into the importance of specializing and building genuine connections. Tune in for an intimate look at the personal and professional growth that comes from following one's passion!

Join Brooke Daly and special guest Chris Bell from Bell College Consulting as they dive deep into the benefits of staying solo versus growing a team. Chris shares a wealth of experiences from his career transitions to humorous marketing mishaps, and offers candid insights into establishing a client base.  Chris shares wisdom on prioritizing well-being in a lifestyle business, offering strategies for maintaining quality while managing demand. They conclude by highlighting the value of professional groups and the importance of forging a unique path in educational consulting for a fulfilling professional life.

In this episode, Brooke talks with Liz Murphy, the founder of Liz Murphy College Advising and the creator of the "IEC's Growing Our Business" Facebook group. Liz shares her journey in business growth from starting as a part-time consultant and transitioning to full-time. She discusses her unique business model, which includes part-time college coaches assisting her clients and her approach to relationship marketing. Liz also mentions her challenges related to money mindset and how she worked on improving her pricing and financial management skills.