Career Series Summary: Striking Out on Your Own with Noemí Jiménez

In a session with helpful advice and well-informed insight, Noemí Jímenez shared her experience of successfully co-founding her organization, qb consulting. Noemí did not have complete control over her move away from the corporate space; the local office of her previous employer shut down, pushing Noemí to decide what to do next. After a brunch with a former co-worker, Noemí discovered that she and her business partner Sam Hartsock shared the same sentiment regarding the lack of diverse ownership in corporate sustainability businesses. From there, the pair decided to begin their own organization. For additional event details, please click here.

Business Planning Process

It took time to get started. Without yet forming a website, official name, or bank account, Noemí and Sam figured things out as they went. At the beginning, they took any work that clients could offer them. As time progressed, they took a more focused approach to decide which projects to take on, refining their niche. One of the company’s biggest forms of growth came from reaching out to larger clients through LinkedIn. One of their most impactful and engaging tactics was increasing thought leadership and providing free content. Noemí quickly found that putting in the work to offer free content is a great investment into your organization.

Finances

With Noemí’s background in marketing and her co-founder’s being in business, and their work within agencies doing similar work, the pair had a good idea of what their rates should be. Their initial financial approach was to be competitive without underserving. However, Noemí recommends that you base your hourly rates according to the salary you would be excited to make in a year’s time, not just the bare minimum. If a client’s budget is not in line with your organization’s rate, Noemí suggests lowering the scope of the project as opposed to compromising on your compensation (e.g. completing 10 pages instead of 12). Doing so shows your clients that you are confident in the value of your time and work.

Company Values & Vision

There have been moments where Noemí has made the decision to turn down potential clients who do not align with her company’s values. Making these difficult decisions becomes easier when you have core values to guide your company, clients and a track record. 

Noemí also emphasized the importance of being aligned with the vision of the company with her partner. When she started, she wanted to create an “empire” - however, as she got deeper into the business, and expanded her family, she and her business partner realized that they both wanted more of a “lifestyle” business instead. This helped frame the trajectory of their company’s growth..

Work-life Balance

Noemí encourages the delegation of tasks, time management, and prioritization of what is most important. Instead of trying to complete your whole to-do list and feeling as if you’ve failed when you’re unable to accomplish everything, choose 2 or 3 things that are the most important to complete. There can always be more to do and doing it all at once is an unrealistic expectation. It’s possible to have excellent performance without perfection! Working with an executive coach - and in her case, a fellow woman of colour -  has been invaluable to Noemí, as it has given her insight to finding balance within her profession.

Managing Impostor Syndrome

It was difficult to find sources of mentorship, but Noemí found connecting with others who had similar visions through LinkedIn to be helpful. It is encouraging to have others who can offer advice and celebrate successes with you.