Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandon Mustful. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brandon, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?

I have been an Executive Director of a nonprofit for many years. There were some things about the job that I enjoyed, and some things that I didn’t. Eventually, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to continue as an Executive Director forever due to the things I didn’t enjoy. However, I also realized that I am pretty good at the things I enjoy, and have particular skills that would be useful for other nonprofits; namely, strategic planning. After discussing things with my wife, I decided to start my own strategic planning consulting business.

While getting started as a consultant, I have continued in my role as an Executive Director, and have moved forward slowly. I acquired some of the tools I would need, registered as a business with the state, had a logo and website created, and started to get the word out about my business through social media. I also met with another consultant at the Small Business Development Center for some tips about how to do things right. Eventually, I was contacted by the local Fire Department for my first job. They were looking to update their mission statement. I was proud to help such a fine and important community entity to define their purpose.

The biggest challenges for me have been trying to find balance in my life. I knew I wanted to take this risk, and I knew I had something to offer, but how much can I realistically give. I still work a full-time job, have a family at home, and referee local soccer games. My plate is full! Nonetheless, in the long run, I want to do work that I truly enjoy. I knew that for my long-term health, starting this business was the right thing to do. I still have big decisions coming, but taking this first step was the right decision for me at the time.

My advice for other young professionals is to take your time when making these big decisions. Don’t get too impatient! Think about what you want for yourself and your family in the long run. If you can do that, you can make a plan that works and be successful.

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 am a Strategic Planning Consultant for nonprofits and public organizations. My road to this profession has been long, and started when I finished college. I had earned my degree in business administration, but knew that I wanted to spend my life serving others. Therefore, my first step was to join the Peace Corps! After spending two years in Paraguay, I returned to the US and began working with the Salvation Army. Then, I went back to school to earn a Masters degree in Nonprofit Management. Once I completed that degree, I became the Executive Director of a small animal shelter. I was using the skills and experience I had earned to help my community, and proud of it.

Now, I have the opportunity to not just serve one nonprofit and one community, but can serve many different organizations doing good work through consulting. I am the owner and lead operator of Mustful Strategic Consulting. I help nonprofit and public organizations make a strategic plan to guide their decision-making. I help them define their purpose and increase their impact. I help them address and respond to change to maintain stability and grow their organization. I am so proud to be able to support and assist professionals who are doing great work.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In any business, relationships are so important. When I came to my community, I didn’t know anyone, and they didn’t know me. It took years to start building relationships with other business owners and community members. Over time, they learned what I was about. They learned that I am not only smart and capable, but can be trusted. I was able to build that trust by working hard every day, but volunteering in my community, and by doing what I say I will do. I was always willing to help others in need, and listen and empathize with their challenges.

Today, as a Strategic Planning Consultant, I can lean on those relationships I’ve built. I don’t have to spend much time doing marketing and getting my name out there. The professionals in my community know me, what I am capable of, and my integrity. My brand was already formed by the time I created my business. Nonprofit directors will reach out to me for assistance before I even promote my business, brand, and services to them.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I am not the Executive Director of a nonprofit, and not doing consulting work, I referee high school and college soccer games. I began refereeing soccer when I was twelve years old. I used the money I earned in those days to pay for my undergraduate degree. Then, I used the money I earned in my twenties to help pay for my graduate degree. After that was paid off, I began setting aside my referee money to start my own business. It only took a few years, and I had enough saved up to begin my venture. I made a business plan and budget, and put that money to use. I am so glad that my coach and mentor started me refereeing at such as young age. It has been made self-sufficient and helped me achieve my goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mustfulstrategicconsulting.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mustfulstrategicconsulting/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mustful-strategic-consulting/