Hello, and thank you for sharing your story—it takes courage to be this honest. Your experience founding and growing two companies to significant revenue levels is valuable and demonstrates leadership and resilience, even if the ventures ultimately closed.

Here are some tailored suggestions to help you find a role in a startup:

1. Reframe your narrative:
Instead of focusing on the closures, highlight what you learned and achieved: scaling teams, managing revenues of $1-2 million, overcoming challenges. Startups value grit and lessons from failure.

2. Target startups that value experience:
Look for companies at growth or scale-up stages where your operational and leadership skills are crucial. Smaller early-stage startups often prefer younger, flexible candidates, but growth-stage startups want proven operators.

3. Update your resume and LinkedIn:
Emphasize your startup accomplishments, leadership, and ability to manage cross-functional teams. Use metrics and stories that show impact.

4. Network strategically:
Leverage startup events, accelerators, and communities. Connect with founders and executives who understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

5. Consider advisory or interim roles:
Offer your expertise as an advisor or interim executive. This can open doors to full-time positions.

6. Show willingness to learn and adapt:
Emphasize openness to new roles, technologies, and company cultures.

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Your age and experience can be a huge asset if positioned correctly. If you want, I can help review your resume and LinkedIn profile and prepare you for interviews to maximize your chances.

Feel free to book a call to discuss your situation in detail!

Hello! Running a successful financial consulting firm requires a combination of strategic planning, financial expertise, and strong client relationships. Here are the key steps to start and run your firm effectively:

1. Develop a clear business plan:
Outline your services, target market, pricing strategy, and growth goals. A solid plan guides your decisions and attracts investors or partners.

2. Obtain necessary certifications and licenses:
Ensure you meet all legal requirements to operate a financial consulting business in your region.

3. Build a strong team:
Hire or partner with professionals who have expertise in accounting, finance, tax, and compliance to provide comprehensive services.

4. Define your unique value proposition:
What makes your firm different? Specialized industry knowledge, personalized service, or innovative financial tools?

5. Invest in marketing and networking:
Use digital marketing, attend industry events, and build relationships with potential clients and referral partners.

6. Implement efficient systems:
Use financial software and CRM tools to manage clients, projects, and billing efficiently.

7. Focus on client satisfaction and trust:
Deliver accurate, timely advice, and build long-term relationships based on integrity.

Hello! Thanks for your question—this is a very common challenge, and I’m here to help you fix it step-by-step.

Here are the best first steps you should take to improve your job application success and start getting positive responses:

1. Revise and tailor your resume and cover letter:
Make sure each application is customized to the specific job description. Use keywords from the job posting, highlight relevant skills, and keep it clear and professional.

2. Optimize your LinkedIn profile:
Recruiters often check your LinkedIn before contacting you. Ensure your profile is complete, uses a professional photo, highlights your achievements, and matches your resume.

3. Apply to the right jobs:
Focus on roles that closely match your experience and skills. Applying widely without targeting can reduce your chances.

4. Follow up politely:
If you haven’t heard back within 1-2 weeks, send a brief, polite follow-up email to express continued interest.

5. Improve your networking:
Sometimes, applying blindly is less effective. Try to connect with people inside the company or industry and ask for referrals or advice.

6. Prepare for interviews:
Use the waiting time to research common interview questions and practice your answers confidently.

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If you want, I can help you review your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters or guide you on how to network effectively to increase your chances.

Feel free to book a call to discuss your specific situation in detail!