Kate Manley, Collaborkate
Kate Manley started Collaborkate after nearly 15 years in the Chamber of Commerce space. Collaborkate offers association and event consulting in Upstate New York, with a focus on event management for nonprofits and associations, plus fractional operations, management, and board governance support for small associations.
What led you into this work?
In 2022, after nearly 15 years in the Chamber of Commerce space, I left my full-time job as president to spend more time with my young children. I loved what I did, but I was heartbroken over missing major life moments in my then-4-year-old's and 11-month-old's lives. I craved more flexibility and autonomy over my life compared to the traditional view of success: making it to the C-suite. Plain and simple, I was burnt out.
I knew my career journey held various chapters, and in this chapter, I wanted to put my family first. My time as a full-time stay-at-home mom didn't last long, and I soon was picking up small projects from my vast network. I'm a connector, relationship builder, and lover of people, so I couldn't help myself! What I found out is that I loved making space and having control over the specific work I loved while still being able to enjoy the small moments with my family.
And from there, Collaborkate was born, with a focus on event management for nonprofits and associations, and fractional operations, management, and board governance support for small associations. For me, event management was a full-circle moment, since that's how I started my career in the Chamber world right out of college. As president, I loved working with my board of directors, so those were two natural areas to start. I was doing what I loved. At Collaborkate, we understand events aren't for everyone, nor is managing a small, board-run association. We do what we love, so you can get back to doing what you love.
What's a project you're proud of?
During a time of leadership transition, I helped an association turn their largest event from an event that nearly broke even into one that made a significant profit, which allowed the association to make some important, strategic decisions regarding the direction of the organization. Without those funds, they wouldn't have been in a financial position to do that.
What are you building right now?
My biggest goal is to continue doing what I love with Collaborkate!
What advice would you give someone earlier in their journey?
You'll never be fully ready to jump into the consultant world, so instead of continuing to put it off until you're a little more ready, just leap. It will be worth it! Be sure to always be growing and engaging your network for clients and your own support system. Find a group to be your own personal "board of directors" who will support you, share advice, and be willing to bounce ideas off. Also, I have to keep reminding myself it's a journey!
How has Relatable Nonprofit helped your business?
I had been in business close to a year and a half before I joined the Mentorship Community, so while I had clients in place and the beginnings of a brand, the Mentorship Program helped me finesse my offerings, build systems to implement, tailor my pricing to be reflective of the value I provide, and really gain more focus and clarity about my business. It's made a huge impact on helping me attract new clients and retain existing ones.