In this episode, Sean sits down with Jim Sartain, a seasoned entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in business consulting. Jim shares his unique journey from corporate leadership to founding two consulting firms, discussing the challenges and valuable lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear "why" for entrepreneurship, the significance of leveraging networks, and the necessity of being adaptable in business strategy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Utilize connections from previous employment and industry contacts to find potential clients. Networking can lead to opportunities that may not be available through traditional marketing methods.
Offering pro bono services to non-profits can help build credibility and experience, which may lead to paid opportunities with larger clients in the future.
Set your fees based on your expertise and experience, and use discounts strategically while ensuring that your full rate is visible on invoices. This helps maintain perceived value while attracting clients.
Be realistic about what you can deliver to clients. Overextending yourself can lead to dissatisfaction and damage your reputation, even if other aspects of your work are successful.
Continuously assess your business model and strategy to ensure they align with your vision and market demands. Adapting to changes can lead to significant growth and new opportunities.
BEST MOMENTS
"Consultants who go into their own businesses because they want to be their own boss are severely misled because you don't become your own boss; you get many different bosses."
"If you can, and sometimes you don't have the luxury to, but if you can get closer to what your ideal day is and the type of engagement that you want, that's a great thing."
"Only 50% of startups make it to celebrate their fifth anniversary. What lessons have you learned along the way that powered you well beyond five years to 25?"
"Don't over-promise and under-deliver. It's very important not to tell a client what you think they want to hear and acknowledge that you can do everything they ask you to do."
"If you can sit down as a burgeoning entrepreneur and ask those questions to yourself, I think it'll help you have fewer false starts than I have."
HOST BIO
Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.
With over 20 years in the trenches—working with businesses ranging from scrappy startups to Fortune 1000 giants — Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it and loves it!
Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.
If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/