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Hands-Off CEO

Business & Economics Podcasts

They said getting started was the hardest part, but no one told you how hard it is to scale a custom service business. It’s time for your team to step up, but your clients want YOU. Discover how to scale to 7 figures and beyond by freeing up time and getting your team to run whole parts of the company so you can focus on scaling profits. That means more income, more time with your family, and more ability to make impact in the community and beyond. This is the Hands OFF CEO Podcast with Mandi Ellefson.

Location:

United States

Description:

They said getting started was the hardest part, but no one told you how hard it is to scale a custom service business. It’s time for your team to step up, but your clients want YOU. Discover how to scale to 7 figures and beyond by freeing up time and getting your team to run whole parts of the company so you can focus on scaling profits. That means more income, more time with your family, and more ability to make impact in the community and beyond. This is the Hands OFF CEO Podcast with Mandi Ellefson.

Language:

English

Contact:

4699198271


Episodes
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Here’s How the Top 5% of Firms Raise Prices (and Win Bigger Deals)

10/21/2025
In this episode, Mandi shares how one firm went from charging a few hundred dollars an hour to closing million-dollar contracts, simply by redefining the category they played in. Instead of selling services like engineering or surveying, they positioned themselves around solving the high-stakes problems that keep executives up at night, saving companies hundreds of thousands in lost profits and delays. By reframing their offer around measurable client outcomes, they didn’t just raise prices, they multiplied their value. Within months, they replaced low-margin clients with top-tier ones willing to pay six and seven figures for results that truly mattered. 🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The top 5% of firms aren’t competing on rates, they’re competing on results. When you position your business around outcomes your clients can’t ignore, you stop chasing opportunities… and start commanding them. 🎯 Want to Scale? Here Are 4 Ways to Work With Us: 1/ FREE - Want to stop undercharging and start landing $100K+ clients? Join our next Executive Briefing: https://handsoffceo.com/briefing/?utm_source=podcast 2/ FREE – Grab our $500K Pipeline Map: How to Unlock $10K-$50K Hidden in Your Business Right Now → https://scale.handsoffceo.com/map?utm_source=podcast 3/ Get My Book: The Hands-OFF CEO – Triple Your Fees and Scale Without Burning Out. Yours for just $4.99 → https://handsoffceo.com/book?utm_source=podcast 4/ Work With Us 1-on-1: Let’s find the breakthrough that takes your agency to the next level → https://handsoffceo.com/scale?utm_source=podcast

Duration:00:40:30

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The #1 Advantage the Top 5% of Firms Have (& How To Build It In 30 Days)

10/14/2025
In this solo episode, Mandi reveals the single biggest advantage that sets the top 5% of consulting and agency firms apart and how you can start building it in your business in just 30 days. While most agencies are busy optimizing operations, chasing leads, or cutting costs, the best firms are doing something entirely different: they’re optimizing for client profit and proof of results. Mandi shares real client examples, case studies, and frameworks that show how to reposition your firm from being a vendor to becoming a strategic advisor your clients can’t live without. 🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The top 5% of firms aren’t waiting for the market to stabilize, they’re creating stability through proof, outcomes, and bold leadership. You can do the same. Build the systems that make your results undeniable, and watch the right clients start chasing you. 🎯 Want to Scale? Here Are 4 Ways to Work With Us: 1/ FREE - Want to stop undercharging and start landing $100K+ clients? Join our next Executive Briefing: https://handsoffceo.com/briefing/?utm_source=podcast 2/ FREE – Grab our $500K Pipeline Map: How to Unlock $10K-$50K Hidden in Your Business Right Now → https://scale.handsoffceo.com/map?utm_source=podcast 3/ Get My Book: The Hands-OFF CEO – Triple Your Fees and Scale Without Burning Out. Yours for just $4.99 → https://handsoffceo.com/book?utm_source=podcast 4/ Work With Us 1-on-1: Let’s find the breakthrough that takes your agency to the next level → https://handsoffceo.com/scale?utm_source=podcast

Duration:00:40:54

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From Zero to Booked Out: Build a High-Converting B2B Webinar Strategy w/ Logan Lyles

10/7/2025
In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson talks with Logan Lyles, founder of Demand Shift. Logan helps B2B agencies and brands turn simple marketing into predictable growth using webinars that actually convert and authentic outreach that builds trust. Together, they unpack how Logan went from launching his agency to booking dozens of sales calls in just weeks, all without complicated funnels or big ad budgets. He shares exactly how he used LinkedIn, a short survey, and value-first webinars to build relationships and win clients fast. You’ll learn why most agencies overcomplicate their marketing, and how a back-to-basics approach can help you grow faster, reach better-fit clients, and stop wasting time on tactics that don’t move the needle. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: and If you’ve been stuck in overcomplicated marketing systems that don’t deliver, this episode will show you how to simplify your strategy, attract better clients, and turn conversations into real growth. Connect with Logan Lyles: https://demandshift.co/webinar-fast-track

Duration:00:40:05

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Clients Say “Why Are Your Prices Going Up?” And You Say…

10/3/2025
In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson unpacks one of the biggest fears firm owners face, raising prices. For many, it feels risky, even dangerous, because losing a single client can feel like a step backward. But as Mandi reveals, the real danger isn’t in raising your rates, it’s in how you position the increase. You’ll discover why most firms trigger pushback the moment they justify price hikes with “rising costs” or extra deliverables, and how to avoid falling into that trap. Instead, Mandi shows you how to reframe your offers around the bigger outcomes. Clients truly want growth, profit, and transformation so that higher fees land as a declaration of leadership, not bad news. She also shares a simple four-part script you can use to confidently present new fees in a way that builds trust, authority, and excitement with your best clients. And you’ll see why the top firms in every industry are charging 2x–3x more without working harder by anchoring their services to results that matter most. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Why raising your prices feels risky 00:35 – The real danger isn’t the price increase 01:10 – The wrong way firms explain higher fees 01:55 – What clients actually care about (outcomes) 02:40 – Reframing your value around revenue impact 03:25 – Thinking like a growth partner, not a vendor 04:15 – How to anchor fees to client results 05:05 – The 4-part script for raising your prices 06:10 – Avoiding the “more deliverables” trap 06:50 – Spot, quantify, and prove the value gaps 07:40 – Turning price increases into trust and authority 08:25 – Your challenge: lead with outcomes, not tasks 09:10 – Case studies: firms doubling and tripling profits 09:55 – Why premium fees unlock scalable growth If you’ve been holding back on raising your rates out of fear of pushback, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shift to increase profits, strengthen client trust, and position yourself as the leader clients can’t afford to lose. 👉 Want to stop undercharging and start landing $100K+ clients? Join our next Executive Briefing: https://handsoffceo.com/briefing

Duration:00:10:29

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How to Simplify Your Agency Marketing and Attract Better Clients w/ Kristie Plantinga

10/1/2025
In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson talks with Kristie Plantinga, founder of Place Digital. Kristie helps agencies and service providers simplify their marketing and attract clients with content that actually converts. Together, they dig into why so many agencies struggle with marketing that feels scattered and how to build a simple, repeatable system that brings in the right leads without burning you out. From choosing the right channels to creating content that speaks directly to your ideal clients, Kristie shares practical steps you can start using right away. You’ll discover why trying to be everywhere online leaves you exhausted, and how focusing on the basics can grow your authority and your pipeline. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: If you’ve ever felt like your marketing is all over the place or you’re creating content that doesn’t get results, this episode will show you how to simplify, focus, and finally make marketing work for your agency. Connect with Kristie: https://www.therapieseo.com/

Duration:00:39:45

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The Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) Won't Work Without This

9/27/2025
If you’ve tried EOS but growth still feels flat, exhausting, or like you’re just spinning your wheels, this podcast explains why. EOS is a powerful framework, but it’s not designed to fix weak positioning, underpriced offers, or a sales process that drags. And until those pieces are solved, no amount of L10s or accountability charts will create real scale. In this episode, you’ll see why firms plateau when they “systematize struggle” and the smarter path to building a scalable, premium offer first. Once your offer is dialed in, EOS becomes rocket fuel. But without it, you’re just making inefficiency more efficient. 🔍 You’ll Learn: after 🚀 Want Help Repackaging Your Offer to Scale Without a Bigger Team? 1/ Book a Free Strategy Call If you’re ready to reposition your firm and start closing premium deals, let’s talk. 👉 handsoffceo.com/scale 2/ Read the Book – *The Hands-Off CEO Learn the framework behind scaling premium consulting engagements — without doing it all yourself. 📘 handsoffceo.com/book 3/ Download the Free Revenue Recovery Map Unlock hidden revenue in your firm and learn how to command premium fees without more complexity. 📄 handsoffceo.com/map Watch the episode on YouTube here: YOUTUBE PODCAST

Duration:00:03:47

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How to Simplify Agency Growth and Win Better Clients w/ Jody Sutter

9/25/2025
In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson talks with Jody Sutter, founder of The Sutter Company. Jody has helped agencies of all sizes simplify their business development and win clients without burning out or chasing the wrong opportunities. Together, they dig into why most agencies overcomplicate growth and how to make business development simple, repeatable, and effective. From positioning that actually attracts the right clients to turning your sales process into a system, Jody shares practical steps to help agency owners escape the feast-or-famine cycle. You’ll hear why trying to be everything to everyone keeps agencies stuck, and how a clear niche and client-focused messaging can unlock real growth. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing proposals, competing on price, or struggling to win the right clients, this episode will show you how to simplify your growth strategy and finally build a business development system that works. 👉 Connect with Jody: https://www.thesuttercompany.com/

Duration:00:30:03

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How to Protect Your Agency, Get Paid, and Grow with Sharon Toerek

9/19/2025
In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson talks with Sharon Toerek, founder of Toerek Law and host of The Innovative Agency. Sharon is an attorney who’s spent years helping agencies protect their businesses, get paid faster, and turn their ideas into valuable assets. Together, they dive into the hidden risks that hold agencies back and the simple legal moves that can unlock more profit, protection, and long-term value. From contracts that actually get you paid to new rules around using AI in client work, Sharon shares practical steps every agency owner needs to hear. You’ll discover why treating your ideas and systems like real assets is a game-changer, and how the right protections can increase what your business is worth if you ever want to sell it. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: If you’ve ever worried about not getting paid, losing ownership of your ideas, or building something that’s not secure, this episode will give you the tools and clarity you need to grow a stronger, more valuable agency. 👉 Connect with Sharon: legalandcreative.com

Duration:00:31:52

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AI, Uncertainty & Consulting in 2025: How to Stay Ahead w/ Michael Zipursky

9/17/2025
In this episode of the Hands-Off CEO Podcast, Mandi Ellefson welcomes back Michael Zipursky, CEO of Consulting Success. Michael has worked with thousands of consultants worldwide, helping them build more profitable, scalable, and freedom-filled businesses. Together, they dive into the radical shifts happening in the consulting space. From AI disruption to global uncertainty and how these changes are creating a clear divide between firms that adapt and those that fall behind. You’ll discover why consultants who only sell “deliverables” risk being commoditized, and why the real winners are repositioning around must-have offers that solve urgent, strategic problems. Michael also shares how consultants can use AI, not as a threat, but as a multiplier, both in their own operations and in creating value for clients. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: If you’ve been feeling stuck selling deliverables or competing on price, this episode will show you how to adapt, differentiate, and thrive in a changing market. 👉 Michael’s Consulting Website: consultingsuccess.com 👉 Take Michael’s Consulting Superpower Quiz: consultingsuccess.com/superpower

Duration:00:29:56

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The Hidden Trap Keeping Top Firms Stuck — And How to Escape It: Step 1 of 3

7/25/2025
Discover the invisible bottleneck that keeps consulting firms overworked, underpaid, and unable to scale — even when they’re delivering incredible client results. If you’ve hit a ceiling in your growth — this video reveals the #1 reason why, and what the most successful firms are doing differently to break through. This is Part 1 of our 3-part Invisible Advantage™ Mini Series — designed to help consulting firm founders uncover what makes their business irreplaceable… and turn it into a $100K+ offer that sells itself. 🚨 If you're the bottleneck in every high-value deal… 🚨 If clients need you on every call… 🚨 If you're tired of explaining your value while others win the deal… → Then this is where your transformation begins. 👇 Ready to turn your Invisible Advantage™ into a premium offer? 1/ Book a Free Strategy Call If you’re ready to reposition your firm and start closing premium deals, let’s talk. 👉 handsoffceo.com/scale 2/ Read the Book – *The Hands-Off CEO Learn the framework behind scaling premium consulting engagements — without doing it all yourself. 📘 handsoffceo.com/book 3/ Download the Free Revenue Recovery Map Unlock hidden revenue in your firm and learn how to command premium fees without more complexity. 📄 handsoffceo.com/map Watch the episode on YouTube here: YOUTUBE PODCAST

Duration:00:03:05

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How to Turn Your Invisible Advantage™ Into a $100K Consulting Offer: Step 2 of 3

7/24/2025
If you're tired of selling time, deliverables, or access to you — and still not breaking past your growth ceiling — this episode is your turning point. In Part 2 of our Invisible Advantage™ Mini Series, Mandi Ellefson walks you through exactly how to identify and articulate the unique, uncopyable value your consulting firm already delivers — and turn it into a premium offer that sells itself. You'll learn: Invisible Advantage™ ✨ This episode is for consulting founders ready to reposition their value, simplify delivery, and command premium fees — without being the bottleneck. 👇 Ready to turn your Invisible Advantage™ into a premium offer? 1/ Book a Free Strategy Call If you're ready to reposition your firm and start closing premium deals, let's talk. 👉 handsoffceo.com/scale 2/ Read the Book -- The Hands-Off CEO Learn the framework behind scaling premium consulting engagements --- without doing it all yourself. 📘 handsoffceo.com/book 3/ Download the Free Revenue Recovery Map Unlock hidden revenue in your firm and learn how to command premium fees without more complexity. 📄 handsoffceo.com/map Watch the episode on YouTube here: YOUTUBE PODCAST

Duration:00:04:49

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Copy This Strategy to 6X Your Profit — Without Hiring a Big Team

7/10/2025
If you're stuck at capacity, pricing too low, and feel like growth means burnout — this video shows you a smarter path to scale. In this episode, Mandi Ellefson shares how two consulting firms 2X’d their prices and 6X’d their profits without hiring or hustling harder. They didn’t need a bigger team — they needed a better offer. This strategy helped them reposition around outcomes, simplify delivery, and close premium deals with confidence. If you’re delivering great results but not getting paid what you’re worth — you’ll want to see how they did it. 🔍 You’ll Learn: 🚀 Want Help Repackaging Your Offer to Scale Without a Bigger Team? 1/ Book a Free Strategy Call If you’re ready to reposition your firm and start closing premium deals, let’s talk. 👉 handsoffceo.com/scale 2/ Read the Book – *The Hands-Off CEO Learn the framework behind scaling premium consulting engagements — without doing it all yourself. 📘 handsoffceo.com/book 3/ Download the Free Revenue Recovery Map Unlock hidden revenue in your firm and learn how to command premium fees without more complexity. 📄 handsoffceo.com/map Watch the episode on YouTube here: YOUTUBE PODCAST

Duration:00:06:13

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Copy This Process to Save 20 Hours a Week in Your Company

7/8/2025
Are you the one holding your agency together — and holding it back? If you’ve hired a team, built some systems, and delegated tasks… but you still can’t step away without things stalling — you're not scaling, you're surviving. In this video, Mandi Ellefson breaks down why founders become the bottleneck in their agency’s growth — even when it looks like they’re doing everything right — and how to fix it. You’ll learn: ✅ The real reason your team still leans on you for everything ✅ Why systems alone don’t create scale ✅ How to shift from managing work to leading a high-performance team ✅ A case study of a founder who stepped away during a launch — and came back to everything running better without her ✅ What has to change if you want to scale profitably without sacrificing quality or growth Whether you're stuck in meetings, reviewing work, or constantly catching problems before they hit the client, this is your invitation to finally step out — and level up. 🎯 Ready to stop being the bottleneck and start scaling forward? 1/ Book a Free Strategy Call If you’re ready to reposition your firm and start closing premium deals, let’s talk. 👉 handsoffceo.com/scale 2/ Read the Book – *The Hands-Off CEO Learn the framework behind scaling premium consulting engagements — without doing it all yourself. 📘 handsoffceo.com/book 3/ Download the Free Revenue Recovery Map Unlock hidden revenue in your firm and learn how to command premium fees without more complexity. 📄 handsoffceo.com/map ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – You’ve Hired and Delegated — But It’s Still on You 00:27 – What Being the Bottleneck Really Looks Like 01:20 – Real Story: Sharon’s Team Handles It Without Her 01:55 – Why Most Agencies Stay Stuck 02:18 – The Shift: From Delegating Tasks to Owning Outcomes 02:45 – How to Rebuild a Business That Runs Without You 03:10 – Next Steps to Scale Without Sacrificing Growth Watch the episode on YouTube here: YOUTUBE PODCAST

Duration:00:02:52

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Why Clients Say No to Your $20K Offer — and Yes to Your $100K One

6/28/2025
Your $20K proposal isn’t failing because of the price — it’s failing because your consulting firm’s value proposition isn’t landing. And ironically? The same clients who ghost your $20K pitch might eagerly say “yes” to $100K — if you position it the right way. In this video, Mandi Ellefson shares the agency positioning strategy that helped one firm move from stalled $30K deals to consistently closing $100K+ engagements — with the same clients. 🎯 You’ll learn: 1. Why smaller offers feel riskier than premium ones 2. The #1 reason your “reasonable” price is still getting rejected 3. How to reframe your services into strategic growth outcomes 4. A client-tested approach to selling $100K+ projects with confidence 5. What premium buyers actually look for before they say yes 🚀 Want to Work With Hands-Off CEO? 1/ Book a Free Strategy Call If you’re ready to reposition your firm and start closing premium deals, let’s talk. 👉 handsoffceo.com/scale 2/ Read the Book – *The Hands-Off CEO Learn the framework behind scaling premium consulting engagements — without doing it all yourself. 📘 handsoffceo.com/book 3/ Download the Free Revenue Recovery Map Unlock hidden revenue in your firm and learn how to command premium fees without more complexity. 📄 handsoffceo.com/map 📍 Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: From $20K Grind to $100K+ Deals 00:38 - Shift #1: Own the Sales Process (Without Overexplaining) 01:27 - Shift #2: Reposition Around Results — Not Scope 02:18 - Shift #3: Speak to Bigger Problems 03:14 - Shift #4: Make Your Offer Obvious (and Premium) 04:30 - What Happens When You Shift All 4 05:02 - Want Help? Here’s Where to Start

Duration:00:06:00

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High-Paying Clients Keep Passing You Over — Here’s Why (And How to Stop It)

6/26/2025
Still stuck trying to sell $20K projects… while your competitors are landing $100K+ deals? In this video, Mandi Ellefson breaks down the 4 strategic shifts consulting agency CEOs are using to close premium, high-trust engagements — without chasing leads, discounting your fees, or getting stuck in the weeds of delivery. If you’re delivering great results but getting ghosted, undercut, or passed over for bigger firms… this will change how you sell forever. ⏱️ What You’ll Learn: actually 🚀 Want to Work With Hands-Off CEO? 1/ Book a Free Strategy Call If you’re ready to reposition your firm and start closing premium deals, let’s talk. 👉 handsoffceo.com/scale 2/ Read the Book – *The Hands-Off CEO Learn the framework behind scaling premium consulting engagements — without doing it all yourself. 📘 handsoffceo.com/book 3/ Download the Free Revenue Recovery Map Unlock hidden revenue in your firm and learn how to command premium fees without more complexity. 📄 handsoffceo.com/map 📍 Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: From $20K Grind to $100K+ Deals 00:38 - Shift #1: Own the Sales Process (Without Overexplaining) 01:27 - Shift #2: Reposition Around Results — Not Scope 02:18 - Shift #3: Speak to Bigger Problems 03:14 - Shift #4: Make Your Offer Obvious (and Premium) 04:30 - What Happens When You Shift All 4 05:02 - Want Help? Here’s Where to Start Youtube Podcast Episode: 👉 youtube.com/watch

Duration:00:03:14

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Struggling to Sell $20K? These 4 Shifts Close $100K Deals Instead

6/24/2025
Trying to sell $20K projects — but clients keep ghosting, lowballing, or dragging their feet? This video breaks down 4 powerful shifts that will help you close $100K+ consulting deals with confidence — without chasing leads, discounting your fees, or working more hours. Mandi Ellefson (founder of Hands-Off CEO) shares the exact mindset, offer, and positioning strategies top consulting and agency owners are using to consistently close high-ticket clients — even in a tight market. 💥 If you’ve been stuck in $10K–$30K projects that drain your time and don’t reflect your value — this is your wake-up call. ⏱️ What You’ll Learn: 🚀 Want to Work With Hands-Off CEO? 1/ Book a Free Strategy Call If you’re ready to reposition your firm and start closing premium deals, let’s talk. 👉 handsoffceo.com/scale 2/ Read the Book – *The Hands-Off CEO Learn the framework behind scaling premium consulting engagements — without doing it all yourself. 📘 handsoffceo.com/book 3/ Download the Free Revenue Recovery Map Unlock hidden revenue in your firm and learn how to command premium fees without more complexity. 📄 handsoffceo.com/map 📍 Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Why Bigger Deals Aren’t About Doing More 00:32 - Who This Is For: From $10K Projects to Premium Pricing 01:00 - Meet Mandi Ellefson & Hands-Off CEO 01:23 - Why High-Ticket Is Easier in a Tough Market 01:58 - Get Paid to Sell: The Power of Discovery 02:45 - Make Your Offer Sexy (Without Adding More Stuff) 03:42 - Sell Outcomes, Not Deliverables 04:09 - Engineer a Sales Process for Trust and Control 04:50 - Want Help? Build Your High-Ticket Sales Process Are your prospects not seeing your worth? This video highlights the importance of value perception and how it impacts your business growth. Learn how to communicate value effectively and understand consumer behavior to make sure you're not being overlooked. Youtube Podcast Episode: 👉 youtube.com/watch

Duration:00:04:27

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How to Inspire Clients to Unlock Bigger Budgets (Even When They Say "No")

5/26/2025
In this episode, Mandi Ellefson reveals why you don’t need to search for "clients with bigger budgets" - they’re already right in front of you! Discover how to inspire existing clients to unlock budgets they didn’t even know they had. Mandi shows exactly how to transform your business from charging $5K per month on 3-month engagements to commanding $90K for a 90-day ROI builder offer. This is how our clients are building breathtaking case studies that naturally justify premium pricing. 0:00 - Why clients resist higher fees (and what to do about it) 1:29 - The myth of "finding clients with bigger budgets" 3:08 - How to unlock hidden client budgets 4:14 - The ROI Builder Offer explained 6:54 - From $60K/year to $90K/90 days: A real client story 9:10 - The key to selling premium services with confidence 10:27 - What you’ll learn in the Quantum Leap Workshop #ConsultingAgency #PricingStrategy #AgencyGrowth #ProfitMargins #ServiceAgency #BusinessWorkshop #ScaleYourBusiness

Duration:00:12:11

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Growing Faster by Hiring Managers from Eastern Europe with Noel Andrews - E115

2/25/2025
It’s a common misconception in North America and the UK that talent from Eastern Europe isn’t as qualified as job candidates from local markets. But is it actually true? (Hint: it’s not). You can grow your business faster when you tap into remote markets like Eastern Europe or South Africa. On average, hiring talented remote workers from these markets costs only 50-60% of hiring locally. And with the freed-up capital from hiring remote workers, you might be able to fully staff your business with good people before your team burns out. In this episode, Noel Andrews from JobRack joins me to share the secret weapon for helping clients find and train top-performing leaders. We discuss important topics, including: Importance of taking your time during the hiring process [10:12] Learn why rushing to fill roles might end up backfiring on you, and why it’s important to plan when hiring your next employee. The best roles for remote workers [23:17] Discover which roles are most commonly filled by remote workers (it might surprise you). Who to hire first [26:05] Understand how hiring an operations manager first can help you build out your team and backfill roles later. The importance of training and onboarding remote workers [40:47] Learn why being extra intentional when onboarding remote workers can help create a strong company culture. A free resource for our listeners [43:08] Reach out to Noel and gain access to Hands-Off CEO’s 90-day training roadmap template. Key Quotes: The Entitlement of Local Hiring Markets:‘people can’t do it as well as us,’ The Benefit of Hiring Overseas Talent: Resources: Noel Andrews on LinkedIn JobRack Mandi Ellefson on LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Hands-Off CEO – Executive Briefing

Duration:00:40:49

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The Winning Consultancies of 2024: What They're Doing in 2025 - E114

2/19/2025
In this insightful solo episode of Hands-Off CEO, Mandi Ellefson shares critical insights from her extensive experience working with thousands of consulting companies over the past 12 years. She reveals the four key strategies that distinguish thriving consulting firms from those struggling to scale. Drawing from real-world examples and case studies, Mandi breaks down how successful consultancies are adapting to market changes and positioning themselves for sustainable growth. She emphasizes that 2024 has been a challenging year for many companies, making these strategies even more crucial for success in 2025. The episode deep dives into four fundamental areas: Mandi shares several compelling case studies, including how one agency increased their fees by 367% by shifting their focus to long-term client transformations. She explains how Jamie Birch's company positioned themselves to add $10 million in new sales for DTC brands over three years, demonstrating the power of clear, focused value propositions. A particularly valuable section discusses the common profit delusion in consulting agencies, where owners often underestimate their true profitability by not accounting for market-rate compensation for their own roles. Mandi provides practical guidance on how to evaluate and improve real profit margins. The episode also tackles the critical distinction between growth and scale, explaining why simply working harder or hiring more people often leads to diminishing returns. Instead, Mandi advocates for creating "unfair advantages" that compound over time, allowing firms to command premium fees while delivering superior results. Throughout the discussion, Mandi emphasizes that scaling doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality or becoming "mediocre." She presents a compelling vision for how consulting firms can maintain their excellence while becoming more profitable and less dependent on the owner's direct involvement. Want to implement these strategies in your consulting firm? Book a complementary Scalable Growth Session at handsoffceo.com/scale to have Mandi's team analyze your business and identify your biggest opportunities for sustainable growth. Ready to transform your consulting agency into a valuable asset that grows without you? Get your copy of "The Hands-Off CEO" at handsoffceo.com/book and access the proven framework that's helped countless agency owners triple their fees while working less. Don't miss out on the audiobook, PDF version, and valuable bonus materials – all for just $4.99.

Duration:00:30:03

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Dream Big and Win: Creating a Billion-Dollar Business – with Liz Elting – E113

12/4/2024
In this episode of Hands-Off CEO, Mandi Ellefson interviews Liz Elting, author of “Dream Big and Win” and founder of TransPerfect, which she built into the world’s largest language solutions company. Starting from an NYU dorm room at age 26, Liz shares her journey of scaling a business while maintaining exceptional service quality. Liz discusses how she transformed her company by implementing innovative strategies to empower employees to think and act like owners. She emphasizes the importance of building world-class sales and production teams early, with compensation structures that align employee incentives with company goals. Rather than traditional fixed salaries, she advocates for arrangements that offer lower base pay but significant upside potential tied to performance. A key insight from the conversation is Liz’s approach to fostering innovation within her organization. She regularly asked employees: “What would you do differently if you owned the company?” and, importantly, gave them the authority to implement their ideas. This created a culture of ownership and continuous improvement. The discussion also tackles the challenges of stepping back as a CEO. Liz candidly shares her early mistakes, including working through maternity leave due to lack of proper delegation systems. She stresses the importance of establishing succession plans early, noting that it becomes more difficult to step away as the company grows larger. Throughout the interview, both Liz and Mandi emphasize that scaling actually makes business easier when done right, challenging the common assumption that bigger means more complicated. Liz’s parting advice: “Don’t think small – it can be easy to run a small or big company. It actually got easier over time because we had more options.” The episode provides practical insights for business owners looking to scale while maintaining quality and creating a sustainable organization that doesn’t depend solely on the founder’s involvement. Listeners can find Liz’s book “Dream Big and Win” on Amazon and major retailers, and connect with her on various social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (Twitter). Want to transform your agency from a resource-heavy operation to a streamlined, profitable machine? This episode provides the blueprint for making that transition while actually increasing client satisfaction and results. Ready to become a true Hands-Off CEO? Grab your copy of “The Hands-Off CEO” at handsoffceo.com/book and unlock the proven framework that’s helped countless agency owners triple their fees while working less. Get the audiobook, PDF version, and valuable bonus materials – all for just $4.99. Don’t wait to start your journey to freedom and scalable growth! Resources: Mandi Ellefson on LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Hands-Off CEO – Instagram | Executive Briefing Liz Elting on LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Elizabeth Elting Foundation – Website | LinkedIn TransPerfect – Website

Duration:00:53:57