We were lucky to catch up with Sandy Tyrrell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sandy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?
Dr. Beverly Browning is my hero, a real-life superhero whose cape is crafted from steel, wisdom, and ferocity. To me, she’s the embodiment of resilience, a prayer warrior, and an educator who can metaphorically ‘whoop your butt’ without laying a finger on you. She’s not just Dr. Bev; she’s “Mama” to me, a figure of profound love and guidance, the kind of mothering soul I needed in my life.
I can’t even discuss her impact without tears welling up in my eyes and a lump forming in my throat. She’s seen me through life’s darkest, most demonic attacks. There was a time when she almost gave up on me, but she prayed over my name, written down and kept in her Bible, waiting for God’s answer. Thankfully, the answer was yes. I completed her Master Class in Grant Writing with flying colors, earning a Letter of Recommendation and a Certificate of Completion that changed my life forever.
Our first meeting in 2013, albeit over the phone, was a turning point for me. Her stern, straightforward question – “What are you? A grant manager? A grant writer? Are you even seriously a business owner because you sound like someone with a dozen excuses and a hobby, not a business” – shook me to my core. I hung up with tears streaming down my face, but it paved my way. It took several years, but I eventually flew to California as Dr. Bev’s associate and met her in Boise, where I became her assistant during that visit.
Dr. Bev knows my secrets, my heart. She has been an irreplaceable part of my journey, never to be forgotten or replicated. She is more than a mentor; she is the legacy I aspire to continue. Her influence on me extends beyond professional guidance; it’s a testament to the power of tough love, resilience, and believing in one’s potential. Dr. Bev is my hero, not just for what she has achieved but for how she lifts others, including me, to achieve our own greatness.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Absolutely, I’d be delighted to share my journey and what I offer through my work.
I’m a testament to the belief that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth and success. Born into a challenging environment in Sacramento, California, in 1977, my early life was fraught with difficulties. However, these experiences shaped my resilience and determination. My turning point came when I moved in with my boyfriend and his mother at 16. This move, though born out of necessity, provided the stability I needed to flourish. I graduated from Trinity High School with honors, and my experiences there, particularly mentoring a fellow student, Amy Fortenberry, deeply influenced my path.
My professional journey in philanthropy and nonprofit work began at Abundant Life Fellowship in Roseville, CA. Starting with small donations and grant writing, I quickly grew into managing more significant responsibilities and programs. But the real transformation came in 2009, with the founding of “Grants by Sandy,” born out of a pivotal phone call with Dr. Beverly Browning. Her straightforward, no-nonsense approach shook me to my core, leading me to reevaluate my career. From that moment, I embarked on a journey to become a serious business owner, focusing on grant writing and nonprofit consulting.
Today, I live in Idaho Falls, ID, with my husband, co-founding Angels & Outlaws, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to be “A Beacon of Hope in East Idaho,” and we deeply understand that life can change with just one decision. This realization drives our empathetic approach to helping others.
Services Offered:
Grants by Sandy: Specializing in grant writing, nonprofit setup, and fundraising, we offer tiered services to cater to various needs. Our services include grant readiness training, QuickBooks for nonprofits, GuideStar charity profile registration, and more.
Angels & Outlaws, Inc.: As a nonprofit, we focus on community support and outreach, embodying the spirit of giving and understanding.
Unique Selling Points:
What sets me apart is my personal journey of overcoming adversity and my deep understanding of the nonprofit world’s challenges and opportunities. My approach combines professional expertise with genuine empathy and a commitment to making a difference.
Pride and Message to Clients/Followers/Fans:
I’m most proud of turning my life’s challenges into a force for good. My journey from a troubled childhood to leading a successful business and nonprofit is a story of hope and transformation. I want my clients, followers, and fans to see in me and my work the power of resilience, the importance of genuine empathy, and the impact of dedicated service.
My brand is about more than just providing services; it’s about empowering others, guiding them through their journeys, and helping them realize their potential. Whether through “Grants by Sandy” or “Angels & Outlaws, Inc.,” the core of my work remains rooted in the belief that everyone has the power to overcome their circumstances and achieve greatness.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Yes, my side hustle did indeed transform into my main, full-time business, a journey that was both deeply personal and profoundly transformative. The inception of this business, “Grants by Sandy,” wasn’t just a professional venture; it was born out of a necessity to heal and overcome the multitudinous challenges life had thrown my way, including generational curses, a low poverty mindset, imposter syndrome, multiple divorces, and the heartbreaking loss of both parents and two siblings within a span of two years.
The Beginning:
My business began as a hobby, a means to cope and find a sense of direction amidst the chaos of life. The initial steps were taken during a time of personal turmoil and uncertainty. The skills I developed were initially meant to aid in my healing process. They were the tools I used to navigate through the grief and pain of my personal losses and the struggles that stemmed from my background.
Scaling Up:
The pivotal moment in scaling up this venture came from a combination of personal growth and professional mentorship. Dr. Beverly Browning, my mentor, played an instrumental role in this transformation. She challenged me to move beyond my excuses and to see my hobby not just as a pastime but as a potential business. Her tough love and wise guidance were the catalysts that shifted my mindset from seeing myself as a hobbyist to recognizing my potential as a business owner.
The process of scaling up involved overcoming deep-seated challenges like a poverty mindset, imposter syndrome, and the emotional weight of my personal losses. Each step forward required a conscious effort to break free from the generational curses and patterns that had long defined my family’s narrative.
Key Milestones:
Mentorship and Realization: The hard-hitting conversation with Dr. Bev, leading to the realization of my potential as a grant writer and consultant.
Professional Development: Completing the Master Class in Grant Writing, which not only enhanced my skills but also provided the credentials I needed to establish credibility in my field.
Transitioning to Full-time: The decision to transition from hobby to full-time business was a major leap, fueled by the need to find meaning and purpose after the loss of my loved ones.
Family Involvement: A significant milestone was integrating my new husband and daughter into the business. This not only helped in healing and overcoming personal challenges but also in fostering trust and collaboration, turning the business into a family endeavor.
Expanding Services: Developing a range of services like “Tier Options” for grant writing assistance and nonprofit packages, which marked the growth of the business into a comprehensive consultancy service.
Conclusion:
Today, “Grants by Sandy” is not just a business; it’s a testament to personal resilience, a journey of healing, and a story of triumph over adversity. It stands as proof that with the right guidance, relentless perseverance, and the courage to break free from limiting beliefs, a side hustle born out of necessity can evolve into a thriving, impactful business. My story is one where professional success is deeply intertwined with personal healing and growth.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele in “Grants by Sandy” has been a unique blend of unwavering faith, digital marketing, and the power of referrals. My entire life’s journey, both personally and professionally, has been guided by a strong belief in a higher power. Recently, I stepped out of the traditional confines of religion, allowing a fuller expression of divinity and purpose in my work. This spiritual evolution has not only been a source of personal strength but has also resonated deeply with my clients.
Key Strategies:
Faith and Purpose-Driven Approach: My unwavering faith has been the cornerstone of my business. This approach has attracted clients who value and seek a deeper connection and meaning in their professional engagements. My journey, marked by overcoming adversities and finding healing through my work, has become an inspiring narrative for my clients.
Digital Marketing: Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat stories, and Alignable has been crucial. These channels have allowed me to showcase my services, share success stories, and connect with a broader audience. My presence on these platforms is not just about promoting my services; it’s about sharing a journey of transformation and empowerment, which resonates with many.
Client Referrals: The most significant growth in my clientele has come from referrals, accounting for about 85% of new business. This high rate of referrals is a testament to the strong relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. Some of them have been with me for as long as 8-9 years, and their satisfaction with my work leads them to recommend my services to others.
Client Success Stories: The success of my clients is integral to my marketing strategy. By highlighting how my services have facilitated their growth and success, I demonstrate the tangible value of my work. These stories serve as powerful testimonials to the effectiveness of my approach.
Conclusion:
In summary, the growth of my clientele is not solely due to conventional marketing strategies but is deeply rooted in the authenticity of my journey and the quality of relationships I maintain with my clients. My faith-driven approach, combined with effective use of digital platforms and the strong endorsement of my long-standing clients, forms the bedrock of my client growth strategy. It’s a holistic approach where professional expertise, personal journey, and spiritual beliefs intertwine to create a compelling narrative that attracts and retains clients.
Expanded Key Strategies:
Proven Success in Nonprofit Establishment and Maintenance: The accomplishment of successfully starting and completing over 200+ nonprofits nationwide is a testament to our expertise and commitment. This 100% success rate not only highlights our proficiency but also builds immense trust among potential clients.
Impact on Success Rate and Referral Base: This impeccable record in handling critical nonprofit services significantly impacts my success rate. Clients seeking to start their own nonprofits or requiring assistance with tax filings and reinstatement trust my services because of this proven track record. The satisfaction and confidence of these clients translate into a robust referral base.
Showcasing Success Stories: Each nonprofit we’ve successfully launched or aided is a story of impact and achievement. By showcasing these stories, we don’t just illustrate our services’ effectiveness; we demonstrate our role in empowering change-makers and community leaders.
Building Relationships Based on Trust and Results: The success of our clients in the nonprofit sector has enabled us to build long-lasting relationships based on trust, results, and mutual respect. These relationships are crucial in maintaining a high referral rate, as satisfied clients often recommend our services to others.
Conclusion:
Incorporating these accomplishments into my growth strategy has been pivotal. The success of “Grants by Sandy” in the nonprofit sector is not just measured in numbers but also in the trust, satisfaction, and impact we’ve achieved. Our 100% success rate in critical nonprofit services is a cornerstone of our reputation, fueling both our referral base and our continued growth in clientele. This track record, combined with a faith-driven approach and strategic digital marketing, forms a holistic and effective strategy for client growth and retention.
Contact Info:
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- Website: https://www.grantsbysandy.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantsbysandy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/grantsbysandy