We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Regina Alhassan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Regina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
I am happy as a business owner. That has been a journey for sure! I’ve had to redefine and create my own version of happiness. And, then get comfortable living it on my own terms. Coming from a working class family, leaving a good job to start my own consulting firm was not the norm. Getting there meant I had to dismantle versions of myself and confront many of the value systems around me.
Business has its ups and downs. It’s normal for revenue to fluctuate and for challenges to arise. Logically, I know that’s true. But, when business is slow or I’m launching a new offer, it all feels incredibly risky. In the back of my mind, I know those risks don’t exist with a regular job. A regular job promises “job security” without the added pressure of managing people, payroll, accounting, contracts, software – the list goes on.
When I’m doubting myself, I think about “job security.” But, everything we do in life is a risk. And, I enjoy taking the risk on my terms. As a business owner and CEO, I spend my energy in a manner that I choose for my greatest benefit and well being. That far outweighs the idea of a regular job.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I own ResearchPRO, a prospect development consulting firm. I help nonprofit leaders reach their highest goals by finding qualified donor prospects for multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns. In addition to qualified donors, I help fundraising teams build data management systems and create engagement strategies to support their institutional advancement.
I’ve spent my entire 23 year career in Philanthropy and major gift fundraising. I have found billions of dollars in qualified prospects. I’m incredibly proud of the impact of my work which has resulted in college scholarships, healthcare facilities, medical research, a women’s shelter, early literacy programming, community gardens, multi-generational arts initiatives, and so much more real-life impact across the United States.
While many inequities persist in Philanthropy, the science of fundraising closes the gap. I believe every nonprofit can have a million dollar donor pipeline. Every nonprofit – and their supporters – deserve best practices and fundraising infrastructure so they can continue their mission and deliver sustainable impact.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Relationships and conversations remain the best source of new clients. Colleagues and former clients are great for referrals and connecting with new opportunities. Conversations inevitably lead to solutions which in turn allows my nonprofit clients to continue their great work.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn years of c0nditioning that made me believe I could only be an employee. I had to unlearn a money mindset that was based in lack and living paycheck to paycheck. Unlearning these lessons allowed me fully envision my self as an abundant CEO who is capable of leading an international consulting firm and deserving of unlimited earning potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theresearchpro.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresearchpro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresearchpro/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/researchpro/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCStUIZdAVRquiOj33ym7KdQ
- Other: Linktree – https://linktr.ee/TheResearchPRO
Image Credits
Jennifer Adams