I Was Running My Own Business Like an Employee — Here's What It Cost Me

This week Jessica and Matthew sit down with Natalie Hoop, founder of Hoop Strategy and Consulting, a fractional COO who specializes in building operational foundations for businesses and nonprofits that are either stuck in manual chaos or growing faster than their systems can handle.Natalie breaks down what "fractional" actually means, why business owners are so afraid to be honest with consultants (and why that fear costs them real money), and how she approaches the unique dynamics of nonprofit organizations. She also shares her proven method for breaking big, vague goals down into the specific actions that actually move things forward — plus her own biggest business mistake and the one thing she credits most for her success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fractional Leadership02:48 Understanding the Value of Fractional COOs06:04 Overcoming Fear in Business08:45 The Importance of Honesty in Business11:55 Navigating Nonprofit Challenges15:00 Setting Clear Goals for Nonprofits17:47 Breaking Down Big Goals into Actionable Steps20:52 Streamlining Operations for Efficiency24:03 The Role of Passion in Nonprofits26:48 Key Considerations for Starting a Nonprofit29:56 The Importance of Communication in Leadership32:50 Diversifying Revenue Streams for Sustainability36:04 Planning for Uncertainty in Business39:03 The Power of Knowledge and Planning41:54 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways