What does it really take to leave a long career in sales, launch your own consulting business, and adapt to the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven marketing?
In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Jacki DeVries, founder of FireUp AIO
, to explore her journey from inside sales professional to self-employed entrepreneur. Jacki shares how she overcame challenges like building a sales process from scratch, stepping outside her comfort zone with in-person networking, and pivoting her services to meet evolving client needs in AI and digital marketing.
Jacki opens up about the lessons she learned working at NP Digital and IQS Directory, the trial-and-error involved in finding her ideal target market, and how she structures outreach and content strategies to generate leads effectively in 2025.
Throughout the conversation, Jacki covers:
Transitioning from inside sales to consulting entrepreneurship
The challenges of in-person networking and stepping outside her comfort zone
Time management and productivity as a solo business owner
Pivoting to AI-driven marketing with FireUp AIO
Outreach strategies and building a sales pipeline in a competitive market
Differentiating herself and her services in a crowded digital landscape
Learning from mentors, books, and real-world trial-and-error
Building confidence and resilience as a first-year entrepreneur
Jacki also shares actionable strategies for consultants and marketers looking to scale services online while maintaining personalized client relationships. Her approach emphasizes adaptability, quick learning, and leveraging AI-driven marketing strategies to stay ahead in the evolving SEO and digital marketing landscape.
In this episode, we cover:
Jacki DeVries’ career journey from inside sales to consulting
Launching and growing FireUp AIO
Managing time, productivity, and client work as a solo entrepreneur
Networking and outreach strategies that actually work
Developing a repeatable sales process
Differentiating yourself in a competitive market
Lessons learned from trial-and-error
Resources and books that guided her entrepreneurial growth
If you’re a consultant, marketer, or business owner navigating AI-driven marketing and digital outreach, this episode offers a grounded, practical, and honest perspective on what it means to thrive through launching and scaling a consulting business.
👉 Learn more about Jacki DeVries:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackidevries/
🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
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