Bradley Jacobs

Mylance

I'm passionate about part-time, flexible work where you can use your skills to work on your time, across a number of companies, and make more than your W2 job. 

Mylance supports your business in two main ways:
1. Free, vetted community with templates, workshops, resources, and an up to date fractional jobs database

2. Marketing services "done for you" through outbound LinkedIn campaigns and thought leadership content.

Grow your network, and build trust with that network = more clients and a sustainable business

Our team at Mylance is working hard to embrace the changing landscape of work. If you'd like to join us or have questions, please reach out to learn more: info@mylance.co and it'll get to our team

Founder and CEO

Six-Figure Secrets of Fractional Experts

After building my own consulting business, I've been supporting others for over 5 years. I share best practices, tips, mindset support, and interviews with the best in the business so you can up-level your business.

Podcast Host

JO Advisors

Leveraging my experience at Uber Freight to advise logistics start-ups.

Managing Partner

We Just Imagine

Board Member

On Deck

Joined On Deck to collaborate with a passionate, talented group of like-minded individuals starting companies. Launched and am growing Mylance

On Deck Fellow

Uber

I joined Uber Freight at its launch and built it up to a $1B+ valuation within 2 years.

1. I started and built up the Carrier Operations team, playing a key role in the initial strategy and operations. 
2. I shaped the direction of Uber Freight’s Carrier Strategy as it related to carrier acquisition and engagement
3. I played a key role in marketplace dynamics, pricing, product prioritization, and service expansion decisions. 
4. I managed a team of 12 analysts responsible for building up a carrier base of 10,000+ carriers for the app and executing all operational elements to surpass OKRs every quarter.

Head of Carrier Operations, Uber Freight

Head launcher for Miami and Milan for UberEATS. To do this, I designed and executed a grassroots-marketing plan including the creation of a courier and restaurant base to give Uber a competitive advantage in both Miami and Milan. Navigated a complex tax and regulatory market in Italy resulting in a successful business strategy

Key Accomplishments:

1. Hired and empowered a team of 25 employees in Italy to manage the courier, marketing, restaurant, and customer support aspects of the UberEATS business
2. Developed launch strategies in both Miami and Milan that included differentiated marketing, restaurant, and courier acquisition strategies to ensure successful growth post-launch 
3. Led one of the largest US-based Uber Eats launches, reaching thousands of customers and processing tens of thousands of transactions within the first month of operation

Launch Manager UberEATS

Built up Uber's Rides to a multimillion-dollar business in 9 North Carolina markets over two years. Built up and managed a team of 6 Operations Managers to eventually grow the 9 markets in North Carolina 
Key Accomplishments: 
♣	Aggressively organized grand scale initiatives such as reduced early lifecycle driver churn and driver appreciation messages resulting in high driver NPS and exponential growth in profitability
♣	Expanded the region’s revenue run rate to greater than a hundred million dollars within one year through creating scalable processes, creating action items from data analyses, and strategic expansion initiatives including the launch of a new premium Uber product 
♣	Began managing only the Raleigh market in 2014, expanded to managing all 9 markets in North Carolina, while supervising a team of 6 Operations Managers and 3 Marketing Managers by 2016

Sr Operations Manager, North Carolina Markets

Kaiser Associates

Managed 10 client portfolios from various markets such as healthcare, public sector, and property insurance. Implemented new consumer surveys, formulated accessible models, and analyzed complex results to give business recommendations
Key Accomplishments:
§ Outlined and implemented a new marketing and operations plan covering a billion-dollar portfolio for a Fortune 500 Telecom company.
§ Produced a threat and opportunities assessment for the protection of a Fortune 500 financial service company’s market through the creation of a new model based on consumer surveys.
§ Conducted in-depth primary market research and fashioned quick and easy-to-implement solutions for clients to increase their productivity and employee fulfillment.

Senior Consultant

Eco-Mail Development, LLC.

•	Developed a marketing and social media plan to introduce a $5 million company
•	Designed and edited investor presentations to raise capital from venture capitalists

Internal Consultant

Hill International, Inc

· Integrated cost and scheduling data for the San Francisco MTA for an estimated $1.8 billion subway system
      · Collaborated with cost engineers to meet deadlines for $150 million cost estimate for the Moscone subway station
      · Analyzed claims reports to resolve a conflict following the completion of a Major League Baseball practice facility

Project Engineer

After growing my consulting biz to $25k / mo, I founded Mylance to make finding new clients easier for your Fractional Business | Follow me for consulting best practices and my journey building Mylance

I'm incredibly passionate about part-time, fractional work that pays for your life (and then some) and gives you freedom and flexibility to live the life of your dreams.

My Professional Story
After 4.5 years launching and scaling businesses at Uber, I built my independent consulting business up to $25k / month in 25 hours per week. After running my own $25k / mo consulting business post Uber, I experienced the importance of reliably finding new clients and the challenge of inconsistent revenue.

I built Mylance Scale to challenge the status quo and rethink marketing and sales for the Fractional industry.

Mylance Scale is the marketing machine that your Fractional Business needs, but you don't have time to run. So it operates daily, growing your brand, completely done for you.

Instead of dangling numbers in front of you, our approach focuses on precise and thoughtful input: comprehensive niche and positioning work, a compelling strategic content plan, then Done For You content creation and posting to establish trust and legitimacy.

Mylance Scale is for you if: 
- You’re an **experienced fractional executive** with several closed clients under your belt and a clear understanding of your positioning and value.
- You know your **ideal customer profile** but lack the time to consistently generate high-quality leads that match it.
- You prefer to focus on client work and leave the business development to experts.
- You value authentic, relationship-driven content over cookie-cutter or AI campaigns that feel inauthentic.
- You want a partner who monitors and optimizes your campaigns, so they stay effective as your business and market evolve.

Apply for access to check it out - you won't be disappointed: https://mylance.co/users/sign_up

If you're a newer fractional, please join our free, vetted community to get resources and a supportive network to find your next few clients: https://mylance.co/site/community

Thanks for being a part of our journey!

My experience prior to Mylance:
-Managed 9 markets for Uber Rides in North Carolina
-Launched Uber Eats markets: Miami (1,003 orders in our first day) and Milan (<1,003 orders in our first day)
-Launched and managed the Carrier Operations team for Uber Freight and built to a $1B valuation in 2 years
-Management consultant for Kaiser Associates - managed 10 client portfolios from various markets such as private equity, healthcare, telecom, and property insurance

On a personal note, I love wine, golf, crypto, learning about AI, and thinking about how we probably shouldn't develop something smarter than we are.

I'm passionate about part-time, flexible work where you can use your skills to work on your time, across a number of companies, and make more than your W2 job. 

Mylance's community uses our tools to build and grow their consulting businesses. It's made up of hundreds of talented tech professionals who have challenged the status quo of work and are working for themselves. 

Our team at Mylance is working hard to embrace the changing landscape of work. If you'd like to join us or have questions, please reach out to learn more: info@mylance.co and it'll get to our team

This 0% related to anything I do, but I laughed this morning, so maybe you will too.

I received a very official looking email this morning from the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office that I’m requested to be present in court in response to the attached subpoena. 

It looks legit, but it’s to a different Bradley Jacobs (not my physical address or phone number on the subpoena).

I ask ChatGPT if it’s a scam and it says no, it’s real, it’s just to the wrong Bradley Jacobs, and it suggests a response saying hey you got the wrong guy basically.

So I send the suggested reply and then I get this back 😂

Create authentic, credibility-building content - take advantage of LinkedIn to build trust and attract the right clients. Founder @ Mylance: make finding clients easy | ex-Fractional COO | ex-Uber

How I transformed my LinkedIn posts from stiff, generic noise into magnetic, trust-building content that attracts clients.

When I first started posting on LinkedIn, my content could best be described as generic and uncomfortable. It lacked authenticity and, frankly, any real connection with my audience. I realized I needed a change, a strategy that would resonate with my network and establish trust over time.

The first step in my transformation was to understand my audience. I took the time to research what topics were important to them and how I could address their needs. This shift in focus allowed me to create content that was not only relevant but also valuable.

Authenticity became my guiding principle. I started sharing personal experiences, insights, and lessons learned. This approach not only humanized my brand but also made my content relatable and engaging.

Feedback played a crucial role in my strategy. I actively engaged with my audience, welcomed their comments, and encouraged discussions. This interaction not only enriched my content but also strengthened the trust between us.

Over time, these changes have transformed my LinkedIn presence. My posts now attract genuine interest and have become a powerful tool for building trust and attracting clients. By focusing on relevance, consistency, authenticity, and engagement, I turned my content from noise into a valuable asset.

If you're looking to transform your own LinkedIn strategy, remember: it's about connecting, not broadcasting. Build trust by being genuine, consistent, and truly interested in your audience's needs.

This post had a draft initially generated by the Mylance tool (and then edited by me). To get access while we’re still in beta, check out https://lnkd.in/edXxhZW7

When I quit my job to start my own thing, I had no idea what I was doing. But I wanted to make some money while I figured it out. So I reached out to 11 companies. 10 said no. But one said yes. And that company paid me $250 / hour for 25 hours per week and all of a sudden, I was making $25k / month in 25 hours per week.

My mind was blown. All I had known up until that point was my W2 job where I gave all my energy, attention, and focus to ONE company.

And I wasn’t getting paid poorly there. I was making $115k / year.

But now, with ONE client, I was getting paid over double that. And better yet, to work less than half the amount of time. And I had the flexibility and freedom to work when I wanted, from where I wanted, and with whom I wanted.

But, I still had no idea what I was doing. And I made a TON of mistakes. Including charging hourly. Including not doing proper business development, which led me to a feast-and-famine cycle.

Over the next 2 years, I learned. I iterated. I spoke to experts. And I started nailing it down. So that I could repeat what I did with that first client over and over. To where I had a repeatable business that would bring in $25k - $35k / month reliably.

And when I wanted to start Mylance, I wound it down to only $10k / mo in 10 hours per week so I could pay my bills comfortably, and still have plenty of time.

Because working for myself part-time was incredible, and I became passionate about bringing that way of working to everyone.

So today, I share with you everything I learned, plus the last 7 years of working with thousands of consultants and fractional executives, packaged together so YOU can create the business that works for your life. That earns you plenty of money, working with clients you genuinely enjoy, working from wherever and whenever you want.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, I’m sharing this action-oriented playbook for only $99. Because price should never be a barrier to building the business of YOUR dreams!

Check it out → https://lnkd.in/enjjJNWm

Sending love to you and your family!

Open article: Consulting Playbook Course | Mylance by mylance.co

A recent podcast guest went months without closing a client.

Then signed four in one day.

What changed?

She stopped improvising.

She had a script taped to her screen with specific questions.

Questions to understand the prospect's situation so she could quote them accurately.

But also questions designed to position her as the expert.

To create a little FOMO.

To drill into the pain point and create urgency.

Every time she veered from that script, she didn't close.

Here's what she learned: sales is counterintuitive.

It's psychological, but it's not intuitive.

I've seen this pattern in my own work. Structure beats spontaneity every time.

The conversations where I follow a framework convert. The ones where I wing it don't.

Your prospects need you to guide them through a process.

Do you have a sales script that you stick to?

4 common LinkedIn posting mistakes that silently sabotage founders' client attraction—and how to fix them fast.

Change things here.

1. Over-promotion: Constantly pushing your products or services can turn off potential clients. Instead, focus on providing value. Share insights, industry trends, or success stories that highlight your expertise without overtly selling. This positions you as a thought leader and builds trust.

2. Ignoring engagement: Posting content is only half the battle; engaging with your audience is equally crucial. When someone comments on your post, respond promptly and thoughtfully. This interaction not only boosts your post's visibility but also fosters a sense of community and connection.

4. Neglecting visuals: Text-heavy posts can be overwhelming and easy to scroll past. Incorporate visuals, such as images, infographics, or videos, to make your content more engaging and digestible. Visual content often results in higher engagement and helps convey your message more effectively.

By steering clear of these mistakes and implementing these quick fixes, you'll be better positioned to enhance your LinkedIn engagement and attract the clients you desire. Remember, LinkedIn is not just a platform for promotion; it's a space for meaningful interaction and relationship building.

New Podcast Episode Alert: Stop Donating $15K to the IRS: Smart Solo Tax Moves with Ran Harpaz!

Most solos are handing the IRS an extra $15,000 a year without realizing it.
That was one of the biggest surprises in my conversation with @Ran Harpaz, founder and CEO of Lettuce Financial.

Here’s what stood out:

Most people set up their business structure in a way that quietly costs them thousands. Ron explained why the fix is simple but rarely done correctly.
He also shared the one mistake that instantly gets your books flagged, and it’s something almost every solo does unintentionally.

And the biggest myth he debunked: you don’t save on taxes by chasing deductions. The real savings come from a few structural choices most solos overlook.

Ran's advice for solos: think like a CEO and build systems that keep money in your pocket instead of the IRS's.

Sign up for Lettuce here: https://lnkd.in/e7iKcV4D 

And listen to the full episode:

YouTube: https://lnkd.in/e-TxUqfE
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eFcYrkM6
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eAarG4hV

Open article: Stop Donating $15K to the IRS: Smart Solo Tax Moves with Ran Harpaz of Lettuce by open.spotify.com

Stop Donating $15K to the IRS: Smart Solo Tax Moves with Ran Harpaz of Lettuce

Posting consistently on LinkedIn turned weeks of passive impressions into a steady stream of inbound clients without a single cold email. Here's how I achieved this transformation by leveraging LinkedIn's potential.

Key to this strategy was understanding the algorithm. I optimized my posts by using relevant hashtags, engaging with comments, and sharing content at times when my audience was most active. This approach increased visibility, leading to a steady rise in impressions—from a modest 500 per post to over 5,000 within a few months.

Equally important was the genuine engagement with my network. I made it a point to respond to comments, participate in discussions, and connect with like-minded professionals. This fostered a sense of community and trust, turning passive followers into active contacts.

The results were compelling. Over a span of six months, my inbound client inquiries increased by 300 percent, all without resorting to cold outreach. This surge in interest was driven by a consistent presence and the value delivered through my content.

By maintaining a strategic and consistent LinkedIn activity, I was able to cultivate a reliable client pipeline. This experience underscores the power of a well-executed content strategy on LinkedIn, transforming passive engagement into tangible business opportunities.

Massive congrats Margaret Upshur!

Inspiring to watch you bring Mobius Materials to life and pursue your mission to bring price transparency, liquidity, and trust to the global semiconductor market by building the first authenticated spot marketplace for electronic components!

Helping build circular supply chains as founder of Mobius Materials

Big news from Mobius Materials! We’ve raised $3M in a seed round led by Spero Ventures, with participation from Outsiders Fund and REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund to continue improving our safe spot market for chips. 

Spero, and our partner Shripriya Mahesh, brings deep expertise in secondary marketplaces (former VP of Product and current board member at eBay) and shares our belief that companies can do social good AND make money. That’s the spirit behind what we’re building at Mobius too: reducing the $15B in electronic components going to landfills annually for lack of a secondary market.

We also knew we had to work with Outsiders Fund when Austin and George bought a reel of STM32s for their New Havoc Robot League as part of diligence!

As tariffs continue and geopolitical tensions hit semiconductor supply chains, we’re focused on building a safe secondary market where electronic manufacturers can buy and sell at real market prices with short lead times.

With this round, we’re accelerating growth of our auction product and investing heavily in pricing algorithms and quality control infrastructure.

Thank you to Pablo Valerio and EE Times | Electronic Engineering Times for telling our story.

And thank you to our partners: Shripriya Mahesh, Marc Tarpenning, Austin McChord,  George Easley, Lisa Morales-Hellebo, Brian Laung Aoaeh, CFA, Y Combinator, Brad Cummings, Mark Rausch, M.D., Larry Eiben, Joseph Kunkel, Lighthouse Network, Matt Gittleman, Joe Wilson and many more.

How I create a full week of genuine LinkedIn content in under 60 minutes without sounding like every founder on the platform.

In the fast-paced world of business, time is a precious commodity. Crafting authentic LinkedIn content should not feel like an endless task. Here’s a streamlined 5-step routine that helps me produce a week’s worth of engaging posts in just under one hour, keeping them fresh and free from sales jargon.

1. Mindset Preparation (10 minutes): Before diving into content creation, I take a moment to clear my mind and focus on authenticity. The goal is to connect, not to sell. This mindset shift is crucial for ensuring that the content resonates with the audience and stays true to my voice.

2. Content Ideation (15 minutes): I use tools like Trello or Notion to organize my ideas. During this time, I brainstorm topics that align with my experiences and insights. Whether it is a lesson learned, a market trend, or a personal story, the aim is to share something valuable and relatable.

3. Message Crafting (20 minutes): With a clear idea in mind, I start writing. Each post is structured with a strong opening hook, a concise body, and a thoughtful conclusion. The key is to keep the language simple yet impactful, avoiding industry jargon that might alienate some readers.

4. Editing and Refinement (10 minutes): After drafting, I review each post to ensure clarity and coherence. Tools like Grammarly can aid in polishing the language, but the focus remains on maintaining an authentic tone. This step ensures the content remains engaging without sounding rehearsed.

5. Scheduling (5 minutes): Finally, I use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to plan the posts for the week. This ensures a consistent presence on LinkedIn without the need for daily intervention, allowing me to focus on other critical tasks.

This routine not only saves time but also ensures that each post carries genuine value, fostering meaningful connections on LinkedIn. By prioritizing quality over quantity, I stay engaged with my network in a way that feels personal and impactful.

New Podcast Episode Alert: From $7 an Hour to the Inc. 5000: How Natalia Zacharin Built a $3M Firm in 5 Years!

I spent 45 minutes talking with someone who went from earning 7 dollars an hour as an invoice clerk to running a multimillion-dollar accounting firm in just five years. Her name is Natalia Zacharin.

Here’s what stood out to me about her journey:

She started with zero accounting experience. Her first client signed before she had a process, a contract, or even knew how to use QuickBooks. She learned while fixing his books, and he’s still with her today.

Early on, she made a decision almost no one would make: she invested half her revenue into mentorship. That single move changed the entire trajectory of her business.

The lesson she shared that surprised me most: sales isn’t about being natural or compassionate. It’s about following a process. And when she did, she closed almost every deal.

She built all of this in her late forties, after being demoted.

Listen here:

YouTube:https://lnkd.in/eKzA6eVn
Apple: https://lnkd.in/eq5afEnz
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ej7SyNTP

Open article: From $7 an Hour to the Inc. 5000: How Natalia Zacharin Built a $3M Firm in 5 Year by open.spotify.com

From $7 an Hour to the Inc. 5000: How Natalia Zacharin Built a $3M Firm in 5 Year

The professional LinkedIn voice is a myth that’s silently driving your ideal clients away—and here’s how to fix it.

In the quest to maintain a professional demeanor on LinkedIn, many founders unintentionally dilute their authentic voice, often leading to a disconnect with potential clients. The belief that a formal tone equates to credibility can strip away the personal touch that makes your message resonate. Here's why this happens and how you can reclaim your unique voice without sacrificing professionalism or credibility.

Firstly, the overemphasis on sounding professional can create barriers. Language that is overly technical or devoid of personality makes content less relatable. Clients and partners are drawn to stories that reflect genuine experiences, not corporate jargon. A relatable voice fosters trust, an essential component in business relationships.

So, how can founders maintain authenticity while retaining credibility? Start by infusing your personal experiences and insights into your content. Share your journey, the challenges you've faced, and the solutions you've discovered. This approach not only humanizes your brand but also positions you as an approachable and knowledgeable leader in your field.

Make it yours. 

Lastly, remember to balance personal anecdotes with valuable information. While it's important to share your story, ensure that your content provides actionable insights or advice. This combination of personal and practical elements will reinforce your expertise while maintaining an authentic connection.

In conclusion, authenticity on LinkedIn doesn't mean sacrificing professionalism. By embracing your unique voice, sharing meaningful stories, and engaging with your audience, you can build a credible and relatable presence that attracts your ideal clients.

AI is everywhere now. Which means human connection is more important than ever. 

Share an anecdote about your family.

Talk about a trip you took.

Mention your hobbies.

B2B isn't really business to business.

It's a person who wants to enjoy working with you.

A person who doesn't want to make a mistake in hiring you.

That's what we've lost sight of in the world of AI and digital spam.

Your content needs to be valuable and human.

Something you actually wrote, not obviously generated by AI.

How are you bringing more humanity into your business relationships?

If your client pipeline feels random, it’s because your process is random.

Most fractional executives approach client acquisition like throwing spaghetti at the wall.

Post when inspired. Network when convenient. Hope someone happens to need help that day.

It feels random because it is.

But the buyers you're trying to reach aren’t random at all. They move through a predictable path long before they ever think about booking a call with you.

Most people only focus on the moment a lead reaches out, but the real leverage is in everything that happens before that moment.

And if even one step is unclear or missing, the client never makes it to your inbox.

Tomorrow’s newsletter breaks down the path most buyers follow and the simple shifts that drastically increase how many make it all the way through.

Sign up for the newsletter to get tomorrow’s edition:

Open article: Weekly Consulting Tips | Mylance by mylance.co

The reality is, posting consistently on LinkedIn has been the main driver of revenue for my business for over 7 years. So, I keep doing it. Here's how:

I committed to a regular posting schedule, aiming for 6-7 posts a week (yes, daily). I focused on sharing valuable insights and industry trends—this frequency kept me visible without overwhelming my audience.

Each post had a clear value proposition. I made sure to tackle common challenges in my industry, offering actionable solutions. This approach not only engaged my current network but also attracted new connections who found my content relevant and useful.

Monitoring key metrics became essential. I kept an eye on impressions, engagement rates, and the types of posts that sparked the most interaction. Over time, I noticed that posts blending personal experiences with professional insights really drove higher engagement.

The results? Over a three-month span, my average post impressions tripled, and I saw a 25% bump in profile views. Even more exciting, inbound contact requests grew by 40%, creating a steady flow of client inquiries without cold outreach.

The takeaway is simple: Consistency, value-driven content, and strategic content can turn LinkedIn into a powerful inbound client generator. 

This post had a draft initially generated by the Mylance tool (and then edited by me). To get access while we’re still in beta, check out https://lnkd.in/edXxhZW7

Why my consistent weekly LinkedIn posts have become the single biggest driver of inbound clients and trust my business.

Six years ago, I started to elevate my LinkedIn presence with one clear goal: to consistently deliver value to my network. Little did I know this commitment would transform my business by generating tens of thousands of impressions and creating abundant inbound client opportunities.

Here is how I did it and how you can too:

1. Establish a routine: I dedicated time each week to create and share content. By setting a regular posting schedule, I ensured my audience knew when to expect new insights, keeping me top-of-mind.

2. Engage with authenticity: Interaction does not end with posting. I made it a point to respond to comments, participate in discussions, and show genuine interest in my network's content. This fostered a community of mutual respect and collaboration.

3. Analyze and adapt: I regularly reviewed engagement metrics to understand what resonated with my audience. This data-driven approach allowed me to refine my strategy, ensuring relevance and impact.

4. Build a personal brand: Over time, my consistent presence established me as a thought leader in my field. This credibility not only attracted clients but also opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The results speak for themselves. By committing to a consistent and thoughtful LinkedIn strategy, I transformed my professional network into a powerful business asset. Consistency is not just about frequency; it is about maintaining a standard of quality that reflects your brand and values.

Why I haven’t had to introduce myself on a sales call in over two years—all because of relentless LinkedIn consistency.

Establishing a recognizable presence on LinkedIn has transformed the way I do business. Gone are the days of cold outreach; instead, I receive inbound leads from individuals who already know my work and trust my insights. Let me share how I achieved this shift.

First, I focused on creating a strong profile that clearly communicated my expertise and value proposition. I ensured every section was complete and up-to-date, showcasing not only my professional journey but also the unique perspective I bring to the table.

Engagement is a two-way street. I made it a point to interact with others' posts, offering thoughtful comments and joining relevant discussions. This not only expanded my network but also deepened relationships with my connections.

Another crucial aspect was leveraging LinkedIn's analytics to understand what content was resonating most with my audience. This data-driven approach allowed me to refine my strategy and focus on what truly mattered to my followers.

Over time, my efforts paid off. People began reaching out to me, mentioning how they had seen my content and felt a connection with my message. This shift from outbound to inbound was a testament to the power of consistent, authentic engagement on LinkedIn.

For those looking to make a similar transition, remember: it's about showing up regularly, providing genuine value, and building relationships. With dedication and strategic effort, LinkedIn can become a powerful tool for generating warm leads and enhancing your professional footprint.

This post had a draft initially generated by the Mylance tool (and then edited by me). To get access while we’re still in beta, check out https://lnkd.in/edXxhZW7

Why showing flaws and vulnerability on LinkedIn is the fastest way for founders to build real client trust.

In today's digital landscape, authenticity stands as a beacon of true connection. While perfectly polished content may captivate at first glance, it often fails to foster the genuine trust that is crucial for lasting business relationships. For founders aiming to build real client trust, embracing vulnerability and imperfection on LinkedIn can be a game-changer.

Here's why this approach works: 

1. Relatability: Sharing your challenges and setbacks makes you more relatable. Prospects can see themselves in your journey, understanding that success is often accompanied by hurdles. This relatability lays the groundwork for stronger connections.

2. Authenticity: When you present a flawless image, it can come across as too good to be true. By acknowledging imperfections, you display authenticity, showing that you are genuine and trustworthy. Prospects are more likely to engage with someone who is real and transparent.

3. Learning Opportunities: Sharing your mistakes and the lessons learned from them provides valuable insights to your audience. It positions you as a leader who is not only knowledgeable but also willing to grow and adapt. This openness to learning is attractive to potential clients.

4. Engagement: Vulnerable posts tend to spark conversations. They invite feedback, questions, and discussions, creating an interactive community around your content. This engagement is key to building a loyal network on LinkedIn.

As founders, it is essential to balance professionalism with authenticity. While polished content has its place, revealing your flaws and vulnerabilities can foster deeper trust and engagement with your audience. Embrace the power of imperfection and watch your LinkedIn community thrive.

Consistent LinkedIn content has been the single biggest driver of awareness and inbound clients in my business growth over six years. How? 

First, I committed to a regular posting schedule. Consistency is key to building a recognizable presence. I aimed for at least 4-5 posts per week, focusing on delivering valuable insights and industry trends. This routine not only kept me visible but also positioned me as a thought leader in my field.

Secondly, I prioritized quality over quantity. Each post was crafted to address common industry challenges and provide actionable solutions. By sharing experiences and lessons learned, I connected with my audience on a deeper level, fostering trust and engagement.

Thirdly, I leveraged the power of storytelling. Sharing personal anecdotes and client success stories made my content relatable and memorable. This approach encouraged more interaction, as people often resonate with real-life experiences.

Additionally, I engaged with my audience and added new connections every week. LinkedIn lets you add 100 new connections each week, so it's a growing audience that I'm building trust with. Further, responding to comments and engaging in meaningful conversations helped build relationships and a sense of community. This interaction often led to further inquiries and discussions beyond the initial post.

Here's the remarkable result: tens of thousands of impressions and a clear increase in inbound client inquiries, all achieved without any cold outreach. By harnessing the potential of LinkedIn, I turned passive viewers into active participants in my business narrative.

Consistent and strategic LinkedIn posting has been instrumental in my business growth. For those looking to attract clients to their business, embracing LinkedIn as a platform for engagement and learning is an absolute gamechanger and a no-brainer!

This post had a draft initially generated by the Mylance tool (and then edited by me). To get access while we’re still in beta, check out https://lnkd.in/edXxhZW7

A recent podcast guest shared the three things she'd tell her younger self.

First: be consistent and don't give up.

It's the boring stuff that works, not the sexy things.

Hone in on what's most impactful and focus there.

Your brain will push you toward easier tasks that aren't impactful.

Don't delay the impactful work.

Second: read a lot.

If you read five books on a subject, you'll start seeing patterns and understanding what actually works.

Your five closest people don't have to be physical. They can be books and podcasts.

Third: join a mastermind or work with a fractional expert.

A fractional CMO, CFO, or consultant can help you grow exponentially and avoid the pitfalls most of us fall into.

I've followed this same approach in my business. The consistency and continuous learning have been game-changers.

Which of these three resonates most with where you are right now?

After six years of posting, I haven’t needed to introduce myself on a sales call because my LinkedIn content does the work for me. This realization came gradually, but its impact has been profound.

In today's business landscape, building trust online is as crucial as traditional face-to-face interactions. LinkedIn, a platform I once used merely for networking, has become a powerful tool in my sales arsenal. Here's what I've learned about trust-building through consistent, authentic content:

1. Authenticity Builds Credibility: Early on, I focused on presenting a polished image. However, it was the genuine posts, where I shared both successes and challenges, that resonated most. Authenticity invites connection, fostering an environment where trust can grow naturally.

2. Consistency is Key: Regularly sharing insights and updates keeps you top-of-mind. It signals reliability to your audience. Over time, this consistent presence translates into a digital reputation that precedes you in sales conversations.

3. Engagement is a Two-Way Street: Remember, LinkedIn is a community. Engaging with others' content is as crucial as posting your own. It shows you value your network's contributions, reinforcing mutual trust and respect.

4. Educational Content Establishes Authority: Sharing valuable insights and industry knowledge not only helps your audience but also positions you as a thought leader. This, in turn, builds confidence in your expertise.

5. Storytelling Connects on a Human Level: Integrating personal stories with professional lessons creates relatable content. It humanizes your brand, making it easier for others to connect and trust you.

These strategies have transformed my approach to sales. My LinkedIn presence now acts as a digital introduction, paving the way for meaningful conversations and partnerships.

If you're looking to strengthen your online reputation, consider how authentic, consistent engagement can serve as a bridge to trust-building in your professional journey.

This post had a draft initially generated by the Mylance tool (and then edited by me). To get access while we’re still in beta, check out https://lnkd.in/edXxhZW7

KO Knows Consulting

If you're this far down my profile, I’m guessing you’re familiar with this challenge:

Your organization has a great opportunity to grow, but you have no bandwidth to get there. You KNOW just how much potential there is and how many customers you can impact...

But it all feels urgent.

This is exactly what the Founders at a Series B SaaS company felt before I started working with them.

They'd landed a great agency channel partner, but had no experts on their team to implement the program.

The most frustrating thing was they knew this program was critical to growth. So if they cracked this, they could scale.

My first step was to put the partner at the center to create a new customer journey. This meant framing out their ideal client outcomes so we could replicate this for new partners.

Then I:

➡️ Identified critical enablement needs, collaborating with the Marketing team to provide video onboarding series
➡️ Prioritized partner feedback sessions and shared cross-functionally to speed product feature development
➡️ Developed mutual target account plan to align to both partners’ ideal industries, working with Sales on forecasting

Through this partner relationship, the Founders gained valuable feedback for product development and customer retention. Plus - they now had a scalable, strategic partner program for immediate deployment.

After 1 year, they had...

📈 $6M+ partner opportunities created
📈 $2M connected partnership revenue
📈 Deep product/roadmap feedback from agency power users

All the foundation pieces were in position for them to continue hitting their KPIs.

There were systems, playbooks, and processes making the entire customer journey seamless.

With the Founders’ urgent need addressed by an expert, their stress levels went down and their revenue went up.

If this is something you want for your professional services firm, agency, or B2B tech startup, drop me a message here and let's put together a plan.

Founder

Texas Wine Growers

Texas Wine Growers is a 501(c)(6) foundation whose mission is to promote and protect the integrity of Texas Wine by making wines solely from grapes grown in the Terroir of Texas. In my Executive Director role, my goal is to drive meaningful impact for our winery, grower, and advocate members through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

What I’m focused on:
➡️ Supporting our members – Working alongside the board, wineries, and growers to strengthen Texas wine’s future.
➡️ Planning key events – Consumer tastings, educational sessions for industry pros, and partnerships with tourism and economic development groups.
➡️ Leading marketing & PR – Expanding Texas wine’s reach through sponsorships, social media, partnerships, and media tours.
➡️ Advocating for Texas wine – Supporting legislative initiatives that protect and promote our grower and winery members.
➡️ Securing funding – Driving grant opportunities to increase awareness and support for 100% Texas wine.

Proud to champion the Texas wine industry and support the people making it happen!

Executive Director

MiNDPOP

Provide fractional post-sales and customer success leadership for MiNDPOP’s startup clients, partnering with founders and GTM teams to increase retention, expansion, and lifetime value. Embed with client teams to design scalable post-sales systems, including onboarding programs, health scores, feedback loops, and advocacy strategies. Contribute to the MiNDPOP Toolkit with actionable resources for early-stage growth.

Fractional VP Customer Success / Post-Sales Leader

Fractionals United

"Fractional leaders are an invaluable asset for companies navigating dynamic challenges. They bring experience, objectivity, and drive to create impactful solutions." 
~Fractionals United

Fractionals United is the leading global community for Fractional Leaders.

It's the go-to place for Fractionals to grow their expertise and business, network with other like-minded executives, and access valuable resources and support.

Companies can also take advantage of the community if you're in need of Fractional Leaders to help grow your business.

Fractional VP Customer/Client Success

GTM Partners

Selected by GTM Partners to be an Ambassador - a group of experts and thought leaders that partner to share more insights with our colleagues. GTM Partners is a data-driven analyst firm helping organizations to achieve efficient growth by transforming their GTM strategy.

Ambassador

the old girls club

The old girls club is an invite-only community of talented women and non-binary people in tech and vc. These women are driven and committed to raising the bar at any company they contribute to. Members also have a shared belief around supporting each other in their career growth and personal fulfillment.

Member

BlueOcean

Growing organizations are exciting. You are generating revenue! You have customers! You’re hiring leaders and team members! 

There is also the very common chaos that comes with not having strategic frameworks, processes, data, and enough time in the day to solve for all the challenges that customers may present. 

I arrived as the first Customer Success hire, post Series A, to own the post-sales customer journey. The customer-facing team was overloaded and in reactive mode. 

My Critical Actions: 

➡️ Build consistent Go-to-Market team processes for forecasting, use case enablement, customer onboarding, and renewals with my Sales and Marketing leader counterparts
➡️ Created Advocacy program to highlight customer Outcomes with references, testimonials, case studies, and reviews for Marketing and Sales to feed the lifecycle
➡️ Constructed Customer Success discipline outlining CSM job description, authoring detailed CS playbook + scripts/templates, and launching a variable CS comp plan

This was all particularly challenging during the 2022-2023 macro-economic downturn. Despite that, we developed a data-driven approach + aligned the GTM tech stack — creating a foundation for automating CS operations. 

Key outcomes:

📈 Onboarded 28 new customers in one year using the playbook I created (still in use/continued scale)
📈 Implemented CS platform fed by Salesforce, automating customer health scores, CSAT surveys, product usage, communication plays, and retention metrics for Board reporting
📈 Recruited, hired, and onboarded 6 CSM team members who began specializing across the CS team
📈 Maintained stable ARR of $5M despite macro-economic pressure

Director of Customer Success

George P Johnson Experience Marketing

When I worked at GPJ (a marketing agency) I experienced firsthand how important communication & satisfaction is between agency and client.

Without this? Well — clients have the luxury of choice when it comes to agencies or professional services firms, and can move on when they please. 

So to build successful client relationships in my role (which in turn leads to larger retainers and referrals), I focused on:

➡️ Developing a deep understanding of client objectives, both with active listening for growth opportunities + by immersing myself in how they actually make money (Plus, I taught my team how to do this)
➡️ Completing extensive event portfolio analysis, competitive analysis, and made practical portfolio optimization recommendations during annual retainer planning
➡️ Connecting strategy to execution across the $1M client retainer, I managed to align back to IBM objectives

Plus, I had a surprise learning:

→ NPS scores alone don’t cut it.

We couldn’t assume that clients would always remember the positive interactions they had with our team when it came time for an agency satisfaction survey. 

To fix this, I focused on both cross-agency process improvement initiatives to be more efficient with client investment - AND proactively bridging the communication gap between agency and client.

After just 1 year, this led to:

📈 10% increase in agency satisfaction
📈 Deeper connections, more satisfied clients - knowing their objectives were our objectives
📈 Proven processes and systems that account managers could replicate to see consistent success & strong results

Account Director

IBM challenged the agency account leaders to continue raise the bar on their world-class event marketing.

So the first step I took was to:

→ Gain a deep understanding of IBM marketing objectives and personas to reflect that in their events. 

I wanted to know them at least as well as they knew themselves. I dug into their products, audiences, and marketing challenges…

Then I used this information to:

➡️ Create strategic portfolio guidance
➡️ Build a robust competitor analysis 
➡️ Share quarterly business reviews both with clients (and internally)

All of this?

Ensured creative, strategy, and execution teams deeply understood IBM’s key focus area which led to: 

📈 My 40+ event portfolio consistently receiving above average client satisfaction ratings the entire time I led the business unit account

Senior Account / Program Manager - IBM Account

Onboarding new clients is tough. It’s even tougher when your 30 clients are distributed worldwide and across business units.

I prioritized getting outcomes and ROI quickly and:

➡️ Consulted clients across geographies to standardize planning timelines, staffing models, and resource allocations.
➡️ Led a comprehensive event optimization with clients across product marketing, channel marketing, regional marketing, and sales to synchronize AMD's worldwide event strategy.
➡️ Realigned all key stakeholder’s focus so everyone’s actions were working towards the major goals.

And with a lead time of less than 180 days…

📈 I oversaw critical $2.1M launch event in Beijing with 40+ client team and 20+ agency staff

Account / Program Manager - AMD Account

Flawless event execution was the goal here. No pressure. 

My aim was to support brand growth and achievement of business objectives. 

But… Client satisfaction was lagging. I was hired during a time of growth to improve event execution and build client trust. 

My strategies:

➡️ Align event components (creative, digital marketing strategies, drive-to tactics, AV, logistics, vendors, budget, post-event MQL handoff to sales) to the event strategy and client objectives
➡️ Worked side-by-side with clients to develop strategy and tactics based on their event KPIs for events with budgets ranging from $15k to $1M
➡️ Upgrade key event execution guidance to ensure a positive experience from concept to wrap-up

From tradeshows, dinners, conferences and receptions, I ran an average of 17 events a year.

The outcome?

📈 Consistently received 90% Flawless Execution ratings (and fixed the low client satisfaction I’d been hired to address)

Project / Event Manager - IBM account

Weight Watchers

"We inspire healthy habits for real life. For people, families, communities, the world – for everyone." 

After achieving my own success as a member of Weight Watchers, I was eager to be a role model and help show others the benefits of the plan. As a leader I was honored to support members in making connections with each other, having AHA moments, and facilitating the tough conversations at our in-person meetings, typically between 30-75 members. I loved being a champion for our members and being the hub for brainstorming about challenges and lifting each other up.

Meeting Leader

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Most universities leave money on the table by ignoring non-resident students. The first year provided positive data and pipeline momentum of prospective non-resident students. KPIs indicated we were having success and it was time to invest further to maximize non-resident enrollment. 

So, I looked to B2B tech for inspiration:

➡️ Executed Account-based marketing (ABM) strategies at key schools nationwide to maximize conversion in specific markets (and train 19 admissions staff on how to replicate)
➡️ Created alumni host program to enable alumni to hold conversion receptions in local cities for admitted prospects
➡️ Hired data analyst to leverage University information system as a CRM for targeted communications to prospects

These strategies, along with those from the initial program build, came together and in 4 years: 

📈 Partner program I built generated $14M in revenue for the University

Assistant Director of Admissions

Revenue matters. A University is no different. Leaders at the University knew they needed to increase revenue to cover the rising cost of educating students. I was hired to do just that. 

→ Except - I was working with the smallest budget in the Big Ten conference. In a very sensitive political environment given that I was recruiting non-resident students. I had to get creative. 

Here’s what I did:
➡️ Created a multi-channel marketing program to leverage key human channels to amplify our message through thousands of counselors, current students, and alumni
➡️ Implemented overnight visit program designed to convert admitted students to enrollment
➡️ Designed centralized telemarketing program for current students to call admitted prospects from their hometowns

After 1 year, in an extremely sensitive political environment: 

📈 Overnight visit program had a 70% conversion rate in one year
📈 Alumni ambassadors represented the University at 600 local college fairs
📈 Created KPI dashboard for top campus administrators and state legislators

Program Manager, National Recruiting Initiative

Customer Operations Consultant bringing order to chaos | SaaS CS + Agency leader | Let's build playbooks and increase retention!

If you’re a Founder, CEO, or go-to-market leader at a growing professional services firm, agency, or B2B tech startup - this might sound familiar. 

Although your product (or service) is generating revenue, you're trying to juggle:

- Proving the product
- Acquiring customers
- Retaining customers
- Capturing the right data to measure customer health

You and your team are running back and forth, trying to grow your marketing and sales engine with customer feedback. But before you can make any progress, the customer emergency of the day takes priority.

Nothing happens smoothly. There's a lack of structure with everything.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Customer growth and retention is HARD. Especially for growing companies.

What fixes this is systems and playbooks that get:

1. Accurate data to your board/investors
2. Your customer-facing team out of reactive mode
3. The right signals to confidently plan for customer retention and growth

👋 Hi, I’m Kelly. I’m an operational whiz and customer leader who helps your team get out of reactive mode and into processes that give you predictability and scale.

My top superpowers are listening, strategic thinking, and problem-solving – all refined in customer-facing roles over the last 20 years. I love Texas wine, travel, and people-watching – which has taught me to see and hear things that most people miss, intuitively processing the smallest details. As a leader, I’ve noticed that parenthood has taught me to be a more curious, thoughtful, and flexible human.

➡️ I build and deliver foundational processes, playbooks, customer segmentation, and health scores to increase customer retention. 

Bonus: these can be automated and scaled as your company grows.

Send me a message and I’ll help you map out a plan to get the right pieces into place for retaining your most valuable asset - your customers.

Kelly Olson

We all have a million photos on our phones of our kids, dogs, and the random things we need to remember from the grocery store.

 → But I am a photo album girl.

I have a cabinet full of albums from middle school, high school, college, and even some trips from my twenties. When my daughter was born in 2013, we suddenly had thousands of photos. As her first birthday approached, I wondered if I could create a modern version of those albums and actually keep up with it.

In 2014, I made our very first Shutterfly photo book. What started off as a scramble to finish that one turned into a system I have now followed for 12 years.

Over time, I realized I had created a Playbook for this process. At its core, it is simply step by step instructions I follow every year. I even keep the instructions tucked in the previous year’s book, which has become both my filing system and my reminder of how to start.

Here is how it works:

→ All year long, my husband and I drop photos into a shared album for that “photobook year,” which runs from November 1 to October 31. This timing allows me to design and order the book in time for Christmas so grandparents can receive their copy since my daughter's birthday is November 19.

→ Each September, I pull the best 80 to 100 photos into a dedicated album for the upcoming book.

→ In October, I have Shutterfly auto-populate the book using the photos selected so far.

→ After Halloween, I reorganize the layout, write captions, adjust groupings, add all the details, and complete the design following the same steps I use each year.

When everything looks right, I place the order and move the instructions into the new book for next year when it arrives!

It used to feel overwhelming. 

Once I created a playbook, even in its most simple form, it became something I look forward to each fall. I am not trying to remember the steps or reinvent anything. The system does the heavy lifting, and the result is meaningful every year. (Sound familiar to my client work?!)

Each fall, I find myself grabbing a stack of these books off the shelf to remember what age 2 or age 8 looked like as I begin a new book. I am always grateful I made the first one because it gave me the chance to create this tradition year after year.

And this past week I hit the order button on Charlotte’s 12th year photo book. We also celebrated her birthday with a shopping center scavenger hunt with her girl gang, pizza, and cake pops (last photo). 

Here’s to the milestones, the traditions, and the systems that make it all possible.

Customer Growth & Retention Leader for services firms, agencies, & B2B tech | $14M+ generated from my proven strategies | Improved customer experience ➕ efficiency 🟰 predictable revenue & customer outcomes

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Kelly Olson

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