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This week on the podcast we continue with part two of the story of our CEO and founder, Debbie Wooldridge, and how she built ttcInnovations, from the ground up. Debbie’s vision was to craft a business that not only delivered top-notch instructional design and content development service but also fostered robust client relationships with multiple Fortune 50 companies. We start the conversation where we left off with how Debbie was able to push past that $1,000,000 milestone and how that motivated her to keep grinding and turning ttcInnovations into the powerhouse in the world of L&Dit is today. We also discuss the current state of ttcInnovations with regards to new services offered and the acquisition of Dashe and Thompson.

Growing an Instructional Design Business

Now, let’s rewind to the early days. Debbie faced a heap of challenges getting ttc off the ground. From struggling to expand her client base beyond a handful of connections to learning the ropes of running a business on the fly, it was a whirlwind. But hey, she embraced the bumps along the road as learning curves, constantly refining ttc’s offerings and services. Even with this small group of clients and the small-but-mighty team of Instructional Designers, ttcInnovations crossed that $1,000,000 mark within the first 12 months of running the business. An impressive milestone that not many small businesses or entrepreneurs ever reach. How did she do it? By embracing challenges and always striving to move forward.

Positioning the Brand as a Partner

One of Debbie’s secret sauces? Positioning ttcInnovations as more than just a hired hand. Instead of being seen as a run-of-the-mill outsourced solution, Debbie wanted to be in the trenches with her clients. It was all about understanding their goals, aligning strategies, and working hand-in-hand to achieve success. The idea was to be a client’s extra pair of hands. ttc comes in as an extension of your team to help tackle whatever sized project or initiative that can arise. Not only being there to add folks to your team, but to identify what the issue might be and help pinpoint the best solution for any training needs; from micro learning, onboarding, leadership training, etc.

Core Values and Being Authentic in Business

Debbie’s motto? Keep it real. She built ttc on a foundation of authenticity and integrity, making honesty and reliability non-negotiables. Even when the going got tough, she stuck to her guns, knowing that staying true to ttc’s values would pay off in the long haul. Understanding oneself is the key to success. When you’re authentic in your abilities and strengths, good things follow. Integrity is the ability to take the authentic self and continue to be a partner that clients can depend on.

Staying Motivated as an Entrepreneur

Now, let’s talk about staying pumped as an entrepreneur. Debbie knows firsthand that the journey’s full of ups and downs. So how does she keep the fire burning? By setting new goals, finding mentorship, never stopping the learning train, and making time for some good ol’ self-care. Debbie was accepted into the 10,000 Small Businesses program offered by Goldman Sachs, which is where she was able to foster lasting relationships with multiple small businesses in California as well as her mentor. Having someone that has had success in running businesses, developing businesses, finding top tier talent to run those businesses that also has their finger on the pulse of multiple industries is something that Debbie contributes a lot of the company’s success to. If you’re struggling as a small business or entrepreneur to really break onto the scene, you may look to mentorship to get that person in your corner that can help you reach those milestones and successes you strive for day in and day out.

Innovators on Demand® Staff Augmentation

In the late 2010s Debbie came up with a game-changer: Innovators on Demand®, staff augmentation. With clients often needing temporary talent for short or long-term replacements, Debbie saw an opportunity to swoop in and save the day. The program hooked clients up with top-notch L&D talent, providing flexibility without the headache of lengthy hiring processes. Leaning heavily on the talent acquisition team for ttcInnovations, the company has been able to be the matchmaker for thousands of successful consultant and contingent worker partnerships. Within the first year of releasing the program, it ended up contributing to 50% of the business’s revenue. You never know when an idea can become the driver for new opportunities and dollars, but you’ll never find out if you don’t take the chance on turning that idea into a reality.

Subscription Learning Service

Then came the subscription learning service, a brainchild from one of ttc’s relationship managers (Brady Grover) that gave clients access to learning content whenever they needed it. With this new subscription model clients have the freedom to tailor their learning to fit their business needs and budget. It also allows full flexibility for any client, big or small, to have instant access to a team of instructional designers, content developers, and project managers to be there whenever they’re ready to make a move on a training initiative. It also allows for initiatives to grow; our clients know that things can change at the drop of a hat, and the subscription learning service gives them the ability to stay nimble and roll with the punches if or when they come.

Acquiring Dash and Thompson

Debbie’s move to acquire Dashe and Thompson is the latest in changes and growth for the company. With their expertise in serious gaming and storytelling, it was a match made in heaven. The acquisition not only beefed up ttc’s talent solutions but also opened doors to new markets and opportunities. The impact of adding them to the ttc family has been massive.

Looking Ahead

Debbie’s got her sights set on the future; by blending the strengths of ttc and Dashe, she’s ready to take on new challenges, expand into fresh markets, and keep the innovation train chugging along. And at the heart of it all? The people. Debbie knows that nurturing talent and fostering a culture of innovation will be the driving force behind ttc’s continued success. There’s certainly more of this story to be told in the future, but this has been an unbelievable ride so far.

Dive deeper into Debbie’s secrets to securing repeat business and driving customer loyalty! Listen and watch Episode 02 of the Learning Matters podcast – available everywhere you listen to podcasts!

Additional Resources

• Tune into Part 1 of Debbie’s story: From Corporate ID to 6-Figure Freelancer in 1 Year
• How to Launch Your Career as an L&D Consultant
• 6 Practical Ways to Grow Your ID Business Tips for Beginners
• How Learning Leaders Can Create a Learning Culture in Organizations
• 3 Ways to Reinforce Culture & Values in Your Training Curriculum
• Tailoring Solutions: Budget-Conscious Learning Alternatives to Propose to Your Clients