Shannon Godfrey's Consulting Firm Focuses on First-Time Founders

Hi, Shannon! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Hi, I'm Shannon Godfrey, the founder of RevUp. I recently leaped and launched my own business. I've built a diverse career spanning multiple industries with over 15 years of experience in sales, leadership, startups, marketing, and consulting. RevUp is the culmination of my experiences and successes. We're a specialized consulting firm focused on helping first-time founders in B2B companies build robust sales strategies and training plans. At RevUp, we're passionate about driving growth, developing effective sales strategies, and helping startups maximize their sales team potentials and revenues.

Who are your customers?

At RevUp Your Sales, we empower first-time B2B founders, early-stage startups, and growing small businesses to overcome the challenges of building a successful sales strategy. Our ideal customers are experts in their fields—technology, software, or educational solutions—but often lack the foundational sales processes needed to scale, hold teams accountable, or dedicate focus to driving revenue.

• First-Time Founders: Typically in their 20s or 30s, these founders are passionate about their product or service but feel overwhelmed by the sales process. They seek guidance in creating a structured sales approach and building a playbook that drives consistent results.
• Small Business Owners: Leading teams of up to 50, these owners wear many hats and recognize the need for a strong sales process to fuel growth. They need support in optimizing sales activities and managing their time effectively, valuing practical, actionable advice that immediately impacts them.
• Growing Startups: Startups with initial revenue looking to scale further benefit from a refined sales approach. They need help identifying ideal customers, developing effective sales processes, and training new team members. They value our hands-on, tailored sales coaching and strategy.
• Tech and Education-Focused Companies: Many of our clients come from the technology and education sectors, where sales are complex and relationship-driven. They aim to align sales goals with broader business objectives and understand the importance of fostering long-term customer relationships.

Our clients aren’t just looking for quick tips—they want a partner who can simplify sales, offer ongoing support, and help them build a solid foundation for sustained growth. At RevUp Your Sales, we transform their sales process from overwhelming to streamlined, from stressful to successful.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I spent over 15 years in sales, leadership, startups, marketing, and consulting before launching RevUp. My journey began in the sports industry with the Arizona Diamondbacks and ASU Athletics, where I learned the value of resilience, teamwork, and the power of building loyalty. Transitioning into the startup world, I worked with sporting events and consumer electronics brands, mastering how to position new products in competitive markets and drive brand differentiation. Next, I spent a decade leading sales in the Education Technology and Emerging Technology sectors. Here, I developed a deep understanding of navigating complex B2B sales cycles and building solid relationships with key stakeholders. I led teams that achieved 2X growth, increased renewal rates, and secured major clients, significantly boosting revenue. I also successfully opened new verticals, thriving in environments where I could create sales strategies from scratch. A significant part of my success came from my ability to bridge the gap between sales and other departments like marketing, product development, and customer support.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

What inspired me to start my own business was the common challenge I saw among startups and small businesses when it came to building effective sales processes. While in the startup community, I noticed many first-time founders had incredible products and passionate teams yet often struggled with sales strategy. These weren't isolated incidents but recurring patterns I saw across different organizations. As I advanced in my career, I realized that even minor missteps in sales strategy were holding back otherwise promising startups from reaching their full potential. I felt a strong calling to address this gap and develop a solution specifically tailored to the needs of startups. I wanted to use the strategies and insights I had developed over the years to help founders and small business owners who are passionate about their products but need a partner to navigate the complexities of sales. With RevUp, I work closely with clients to transform their sales efforts, empowering them to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but it felt out of reach for a long time. I wasn’t the type to dream up inventions or immediately see a problem and think I could create a better solution. Instead, I envisioned partnering with visionary founders, supporting their ideas, and carving out my place in the entrepreneurial world. My real turning point came when I discovered my purpose: supporting the goals of many people simultaneously and using my experience to drive their success. It became clear that this ability to uplift others and leverage my unique skill set was my superpower. My startup background made me more comfortable than most when leaping into entrepreneurship. Still, I also had the incredible support of mentors and allies who saw my value and believed in my business vision. Their encouragement and my passion for helping others succeed gave me the confidence to make it a reality.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I first launched my business, I followed the typical approach: building a website, launching social media channels, and updating my public-facing profiles. Marketing is a key focus area as I look ahead to 2025 and plan to expand my reach. (Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or follow me on Instagram—it’ll keep me accountable for my marketing goals!)

Based on my experience, I knew a strong sales strategy was even more important in the early stages. I joined various local and virtual groups, and nothing has matched the value of Entreprenista when it comes to networking, building connections, and sharing energy with like-minded founders. I planned to engage with my network and community, and while I received a lot of positive encouragement, I also discovered gaps in my services that needed attention. Along the way, I experimented with new tools and automation, hoping they’d help me reach my goals faster. But I learned that while automation can save time, nothing replaces the value of personalization, human interactions, and first-hand experience. These elements are what truly drive meaningful improvements and sustainable growth. So, I dialed back on some of the automation and doubled down on what I know best: building genuine connections and delivering a personal touch.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge I've faced so far has been believing in myself and trusting my own experiences and instincts. Starting a business is incredibly difficult, and there have been many moments when I’ve questioned why I left the security of a steady salary to pursue my venture. The uncertainty can be overwhelming, and self-doubt has been a constant companion. But then, I see the impact I’m making with my clients, I build new connections, and I feel a weight lifted from my shoulders that I didn’t even realize I was carrying in the corporate world. I've learned that my biggest hurdle isn’t external—it's my mindset and the tendency to get in my way. Recognizing this has been empowering because it’s helped me focus on embracing the freedom of entrepreneurship and finding the courage to push through the doubts.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of in my business is my impact on my clients, even in the small, everyday wins. Every time I see a client’s face light up, hear them say “thank you” for the guidance, or when they offer to introduce me to someone in their network, I feel a deep sense of pride. Those moments when they dance in their chair because something finally clicks—that’s what makes all the hard work worth it, and I hope that feeling never gets old. Since launching my business in March 2024, I’ve seen positive changes in my clients’ growth and heard their encouraging feedback. Supporting their success is exactly why I started this venture, and I’m incredibly grateful for the sense of accomplishment I’ve felt so far. It’s a reminder that celebrating every win—big or small—is a crucial part of the journey.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I have ambitious plans for RevUp over the next few years and am excited about what’s ahead. My primary goal is to expand our reach and impact within the startup community, helping even more founders and small businesses build successful sales strategies. I’ll be pursuing speaking engagements and training opportunities, allowing me to share my expertise and connect with a broader audience. I also plan to immerse myself in this incredible community, especially by supporting women entrepreneurs—offering guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate so we can all thrive together. One of my key goals is to create a new revenue stream by productizing some of my experiences and turning them into valuable resources that can reach more people. I’m especially eager to collaborate with like-minded women, leveraging our strengths to make an even bigger impact and support others on their entrepreneurial journeys. Expect to see RevUp growing through meaningful partnerships, expanded offerings, and a commitment to empowering others in the coming years!

What is your top productivity tip? 

Calendar time blocking and making sales prospecting the first task of the day. For many, sales isn’t their passion, so tackling it first thing in the morning—before distractions arise—helps build a strong pipeline and ensures a steady flow of revenue.

Another key to success is focusing on curiosity over pitching. Ask thoughtful questions, actively listen, and avoid getting caught up in talking about features. Understand your client’s or prospect’s pain points and their priorities, so you can better align your solution to their needs. And lastly, break tasks into smaller chunks to make them more manageable. If you find yourself stuck or unproductive, don’t be afraid to step away and reset—sometimes a short break is all you need to regain focus and energy.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

For me, avoiding burnout means leaning into the power of community—networking with other founders and building relationships with people who truly understand the challenges of entrepreneurship. Knowing I’m not alone in this journey, especially when close family and friends might not fully get it, provides a sense of support and validation that’s invaluable. I also focus on setting realistic weekly and daily goals that blend both work and personal life. It’s crucial to create a balance that allows me to achieve progress in my business while also making time for personal interests and downtime. By keeping my goals achievable and aligning them with my priorities, I ensure that I’m pushing forward without overwhelming myself. Most importantly, I remind myself that it’s okay to pause and recharge when needed—burnout doesn’t serve anyone, and stepping back often helps me come back stronger and more focused.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

My approach to work-life balance is all about integrating activities that bring both enjoyment and opportunities to connect with others. I picked up golf during 2020 and have made it a regular part of my weekly routine. It’s become more than just a hobby—it’s an active way to network, meet other women and business owners, and build meaningful connections outside of a formal setting. Golf allows me to clear my head, enjoy the outdoors, and step away from the constant screen time. It’s been a great way to recharge while still staying connected to the business community. This blend of relaxation and networking helps me maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, making my time feel more fulfilling and less stressful. Anyone else in the community like to golf? Let's connect! :)

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known when I started my Entreprenista journey is that you don’t need to have everything figured out—just go for it! The most important thing is to take that first step, even if it feels uncertain. The path might be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’d also advise anyone starting out to leverage the Entreprenista community. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and get involved. There’s so much support and wisdom in this community, and everyone started somewhere. Building connections and learning from others’ experiences can make the journey less daunting and more inspiring.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Apollo & LinkedIn Sales Navigator both have been great tools to support my prospecting and sales outreach strategy.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Trust your gut, be proud of your accomplishments, and stay positive. Your confidence and knowledge will carry you far, so never downplay what you bring to the table. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison or to feel like you’re not doing enough, but remember that your unique strengths and experiences are what set you apart. Surround yourself with a supportive community—people who lift you up and understand the journey you’re on. Entrepreneurship can be challenging, but leaning on others who’ve been there before or are navigating similar paths can make all the difference. And finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. Some of the best opportunities come from stepping out of your comfort zone. Believe in yourself, embrace the challenges, and celebrate every win, no matter how small. The journey might not always be easy, but it will be worth it.

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