Be Your Own Boss! How I Started My Own Salesforce Consultancy | Jason Washburn

The meeting was part of the Jerry-Rigged Business Marketing focusing on business technology, marketing, and analytics. The primary topic was exploring the benefits and process of starting a Salesforce consultancy, particularly through forming an LLC. Jason Washburn shared his experiences and insights on transitioning from job hunting to running a successful consultancy.

Host: Jerry Suhrstedt rstedt

Guest: Jason Washburn ? Owner of P3 Group Inc

Introduction

• Host's Welcome: Jerry Suhrstedt welcomed listeners and introduced the topic of starting an LLC as an alternative to job hunting.
• Guest Introduction: Jason Washburn, owner of P3 Group, a Salesforce consultancy based in Seattle, was introduced.

Benefits of Starting an LLC

• Flexibility: An LLC offers flexibility in taking on various types of work, including full-time contracts, part-time jobs, and multiple clients.
• Experience: Running an LLC allows individuals to gain hands-on experience and showcase their skills on platforms like LinkedIn without disclosing ownership.
• Financial Management: Setting up an LLC helps in separating personal and business finances, which is crucial for tax and liability purposes.

Steps to Form an LLC

• State Requirements: Filing paperwork with the Secretary of State, which varies by state in terms of cost and process.
• Business Accounts: Importance of setting up separate checking and savings accounts for the business.
• Payroll Management: Using services like Gusto to manage payroll, taxes, and benefits.

Transitioning to a Consultancy

• Initial Steps: Understanding the problem you aim to solve for clients and ensuring you have the necessary skills.
• Discovery Process: Differentiating between pre-contract discovery (not billed) and post-contract discovery (billed).
• Client Relationships: Building trust and delivering quality work can lead to long-term client relationships and repeat business.

Challenges and Solutions

• Financial Cushion: Importance of having 3-6 months of combined personal and business expenses saved to cushion against client payment delays or project losses.
• Insurance: Obtaining business insurance to protect against liabilities and meeting client requirements.
• Intellectual Property: Ensuring contracts specify who owns the work product to avoid disputes.

Success Stories

• Client Retention: Jason shared examples of clients returning to work with him after contract periods ended, highlighting the value of quality work and strong relationships.

Practical Advice

• Experience Section on LinkedIn: Use the experience section to showcase roles and responsibilities without necessarily disclosing ownership of the business.
• Balancing W-2 and LLC Work: It's possible to maintain a full-time job while running an LLC, providing additional security and income streams.

Q&A Highlights

• Knowledge for Freelancing: Encouragement to dive into projects even if not fully confident, as learning on the job is common.
• Billing for Discovery: Pre-contract discovery is generally not billed, but post-contract discovery should be included in the project scope.
• LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship: An LLC offers liability protection and separates personal and business assets, unlike a sole proprietorship.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement: Jason and Jerry encouraged listeners to consider starting an LLC for the flexibility and opportunities it offers.
• Resources: Jason mentioned he would provide links to useful tools and resources on the LinkedIn event page.

Contact Information

• Jerry Suhrstedt: Host of the Jerry Rigged Podcast, owner of SumoLab Total Business Marketing
• Jason Washburn: Owner of P3 Group, website: p3group.us

Next Podcast

• Upcoming Guest: Stephanie Majors , LinkedIn influencer, will discuss new topics in the next episode.

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