Episode 17: From Paycheck to Purpose: How Jessica Rickel Built a Thriving Consultancy by Creating Community-Centered Solutions
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Jessica Rickel, founder of Set to Scale Business Services.
We talk about how Jessica replaced her corporate income within 6 months of starting her business part-time, why true community-building is the secret to client retention and growth, and how she transitioned from time-based retainers to value-based deliverables that benefit both her clients and herself.
Hear Jessica's journey from corporate to consulting, discover the power of building authentic online communities, and learn her pricing strategy that revolutionized her business.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- How Jessica leveraged her existing network to launch her business with 6-7 clients rather than starting from zero
- Why community-building is more valuable than audience-building for client retention and business growth
- The process of transitioning from hourly retainers to deliverable-based pricing that benefits both consultant and client
- Practical strategies for managing the "one-person show" of consulting without working 80-hour weeks
- How to develop one-to-many offerings while still serving your core clients effectively
Why You Should Listen to This Episode:
If you're tired of trading time for money and want to create a business that allows for growth without burnout, Jessica's journey provides a roadmap. Her candid insights about pricing evolution, automation strategies, and community building offer practical steps you can implement immediately, whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing practice.
Listen to These Key Moments:
5:55 - From Corporate to Consulting: Jessica shares how she started her business as a side hustle while working full-time, and how supportive leadership allowed her to test her business model.
11:55 - The Power of Community: Learn why building genuine community (not just audience) is crucial for business growth and client retention in today's disconnected digital world.
16:30 - Managing the One-Person Show: Jessica reveals her approach to balancing automation with high-touch activities that don't scale but provide tremendous value.
24:45 - The Pricing Evolution: Discover how Jessica transitioned from time-based retainers to deliverable-based pricing, creating more clarity and value for both herself and her clients.
31:00 - Creating Scalable Offerings: Jessica discusses her strategy for developing one-to-many resources that generate income without requiring her direct time investment.