Paul Conley

Start a Side Business Not a Side Hustle

I was doing fine.

Good actually. About 71 out of 100.

I lived in a great city, had just gotten married, bought a house, and had a good career. On paper, everything worked.

But I kept asking myself, is this it?
Go to work. Come home. Eat dinner. Do it again. Nothing was wrong, but something was missing.

So I started exploring. I hired a coach. We focused on my career because surely that was the problem.

It wasn’t.

What I wanted was freedom. To do what I wanted, when I wanted to do it.

So I started building on the side using the skills I already had, working with clients. It stayed small because I was scared, so I played small.

Then my son was born. January 23rd 2024. 

I knew one day I would tell him to live up to his potential. I also knew the question he’d ask me back:

"Why didn’t you?"

So we made real decisions. We chose the life first and then figured out the revenue.

Now almost daily the version of me from 4 years ago reaches out to me. 
Successful dads. Comfortable. Doing well. Knowing and wanting more.

⚡️ Here’s what I know

71% isn’t failure. It’s postponement.

The work you actually want.
The business you keep thinking about.
The time you want back.
The dad your kid grows up watching.

I help high-achieving dads stop postponing, ask the real questions, and take action on the thing they’ve been putting off.

🔥 I’d love for you to join High Achievers, our community but I’d rather you start for free.
Check out the featured section and see what happens.

People usually message me a week or two later and say,
“I didn't know I was the only one and that this is possible"

Paul

P.S. If something here hit, DM me, the stories are the reason I show up on LinkedIn everyday

District Executive Director

Effectively lead a diverse team of 130+ associates and 100+ volunteers in leading a $2.8M operation. 
•	Led the Tampa market in sales in 2019 and improved sales by 15% YTD.
•	Fundraising of $300K cumulatively and highest fundraising year in 2021. 
•	Increased revenue by 10% in 2019 and improved net margin position by 8% YTD.

Hours worked do not matter.

Curt Cignetti is leading Indiana to unprecedented success.

And they practice 6 hours a week.
The maximum is 20.

Because no one cares if you win practice.

There are no parades for working the hardest.

Did you succeed or did you fail?

His job is to get his team ready to win games.

That’s how every role is measured in the end.

And he does it.

Executive Coach | Founder, The Conley Group

I want to lose followers in February.

Dude who connects just to raise his connections---Bye.
Cold pitch as soon as we connect? Cya.
Bots from some random country — Hasta La Vista, Baby.

When I started on LinkedIn, I truly cared about the follower and connection metrics.

I accepted every invitation.

I worried that if I said something that pissed someone off, or if someone disagreed with me, I’d look dumb.

So I didn’t do much.
I said vanilla things.

My feed got bigger.
It didn’t get better.

We’re doing something cool all of February.

If you’re here to actually connect as humans, with humans, build, and think bigger, stick around.

If not, peace out, you won’t like February.

You’re Successful. You’re Comfortable. You’re at 71%. Building Community for High Achieving Dads Who Want More

“Why? Because our name is Indiana?”

That was Cignetti’s response when asked if the moment would be too big.

Defined.
Judged.
Limited by history.

But we do the same thing to ourselves.

People from my town aren’t successful.
People like me don’t get lucky.
People like me can’t do that.

We inherit a story and treat it like a truth.
 
Your past explains you.
It doesn’t decide you.

My son will ask me one day if I chased my dreams.

I need to have an answer.

Cooper turns 2 today. 
When he was born, I made myself a promise:

I'd never tell him to go after the life he wants while I played it safe.

For 34 years, I thought wanting more was selfish. Irresponsible. Something to grow out of.

So I aimed for security. Comfort. The responsible path.

Then I held my son for the first time and thought: What am I going to say when he asks why I settled?

I didn't have an answer.

So I stopped building a life I could defend and started building one I wanted.

For me, that looks like: Training for HYROX with Jenna on a Monday. Golf on a Friday. Saying yes to a last-minute trip. Being there every day after school. Coaching Leaders. Writing books. Speaking to rooms full of people. Building a community around people who refuse to settle.

Are there days I have no idea what I'm doing? Absolutely.

Days I wonder what would've happened if I'd played it safer? Yep.

But when Cooper's old enough to watch how I live, I don't want him to see comfort.

I want him to see courage.

Happy birthday, Coop. This is for you.

I talked to 103 new people in 2025. 

Here’s what actually happened: 

– 47 conversations went nowhere.
– 30 were good conversations, and that was it.
– 11 turned into clients.
– 3 helped me enough that I became a client of theirs.
– 2 became real friends.

In 2026, we have a real opportunity.

In a world that keeps getting more digital,
we can choose to be connectors.

Because every positive relationship in your life
started the same way.

Someone initiated the conversation.
Let it be you in 2026.

This might be my least engaged post ever.

The haters will call it cringey.

But it’s meant to serve as a reminder to you. 

So here we go.

 I’m probably in the top 1% in the world at:
• Ice cream consumed
• Paid coaching clients
• LinkedIn conversations
• Dollars fundraised
• Dad communities built
• Miami Dolphins games watched
• Miles run
• Petty debates had
• Businesses Built
• Losing and gaining the same 10 lbs.
• Big questions asked
• Goals set

The list of things I’m bad at is way longer.

But here’s the truth

It’s not arrogant to admit what you’re good at.

It’s useful.

Because if you’re in the top 1% at anything
someone else is trying to figure out how to get there.

So I’ll ask you. 

You. 
Yes, you.

What are you in the top 1% at?

I lied yesterday.

Colin Weatherwax even politely corrected me. 

I said I want to lose followers in February, that's not true. 

I want to gain the right followers, the human ones. 

The High Achieving Dads at about 71% of their potential.

The ones who, 29 minutes into conversation, finally say:

“Actually, you know what I really want…”

Thinking they’re the only ones who feel this way.

They’re not.

That’s who I want to be here. 

That’s who February is for.

If you’re that High Achieving Dad

The one who feels selfish for even wanting more.

Join us in February.

PS. I do still really really want to get rid of the cold pitches from randos--is there a setting for that?

This is one of the worst pieces of advice we got as kids.

“Don’t brag.”

I took that advice seriously.

Get an A in middle school. Keep it to yourself.
Graduate college with honors. Anyone can do that. 
Become an executive at 25. They’ll say you got lucky. 

It didn’t make me more humble.

It made me quiet.
It made me think everything I was good at was easy.
It made me think I couldn’t impact lives on a large scale.

Bragging to make others feel bad makes you a jerk.

But being honest about your wins and  talents matters.

Because everyone has top 1% talents. 

And hiding those is the most selfish thing we can do.

We are connected to people we don’t know.

Thousands of “connections.”
And we aren’t actually connected to half.

Almost every meaningful problem we face
is solvable. 

By a person. 

Not a post.
Not a comment.
Not a like.

A real conversation.

That’s how jobs change.
That’s how businesses grow.
That’s how ideas get unstuck.

Not through boring networking events.

Through actual, intentional connection.

Am I alone in this?
Or are you trying to actually connect in 2026?

The Surgeon General says loneliness is an epidemic.

If you work for yourself, you already know this.

No watercooler.
No team lunch.
No one who gets what you're building.

Just you, your laptop, and a growing list of problems you can't talk through with anyone.

I've felt it. I'm tired of it.

So I'm starting something called High Achievers Connected.

It's simple:

People with big goals get matched 1:1.
You talk honestly. Share challenges. Share wins.
Actually connect with someone who gets it.

Not a networking group.
Not a community with 47 people.
Just two people helping each other.

We start Monday.

If you're one of the 97% who reads LinkedIn but never comments, never reaches out, never asks for help:

This is me inviting you.

DM me or drop a comment. I'll send you the details

7 Steps to Solve Almost Any Challenge You Face:

1. Talk to a friend.
2. Talk to a mentor or coach.
3. Talk to a potential new friend.
4. Talk to someone you can help.
5. Talk to someone who can help you.
6. Talk to a professional.
7. Talk to literally any human.

Replace overthinking and overanalyzing
with conversation and connection.

Because people solve problems.
For people.

Who pushes you?

I have a goal this week.
Pilot High Achievers Connected with 20 people.

Last night, I told Jenna Conley I was at 14.

I was happy with the group.
It’s a great group of people.

She could’ve said “great job.”

Instead, she said:
“I thought your goal was 20?”

“Yeah, but it starts Monday. This is good.”

She paused.

“Sounds like you’ve got more work to do.”

She was right.
I was being comfortable.

Instead of connecting six more people, I was ready to stop.

Not because I couldn’t do it.
Because I had decided this was good enough.

Thankfully, I got pushed.

Who’s your Jenna,  the person in your life that won’t let you settle?

Adaleza Morales

Corporate Marketing Communications

Salesforce

Senior BDR NGO EMEA

As a BDR for NGO EMEA Strategic Accounts, I focus on:

• Engaging with high-potential strategic NGO accounts.
• Building strong relationships with key decision-makers.
• Conducting market research to inform strategy.
• Collaborating with teams to develop tailored solutions.
• Driving revenue growth through new and existing business opportunities.

My aim is to support NGOs in achieving their missions through impactful partnerships.

BDR NGO EMEA Strategic Accounts

As a dedicated Business Developer for NGO EMEA Mid-Market and Enterprise Accounts, I am passionate about driving growth and fostering strategic partnerships within the non-profit sector across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies to expand our footprint in the NGO sector.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers within target organizations.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive landscape.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tailor solutions that meet the specific needs of NGOs.
• Drive revenue growth by securing new business and expanding existing accounts.

Achievements:

• Overachieved 140% of my targets in the first year, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence and results.
• Honoured as the BDR NGO EMEA of the Year, recognising my contributions and success in driving impactful partnerships.

BDR EMEA MM/ENT - NonProfit Consultant 

Ada's Online Agency

As the founder of my Digital Marketing Agency, I lead the strategic vision and client acquisition, while my dedicated team executes our innovative marketing strategies. Key highlights include:

- Strategic Direction: Developed and executed marketing strategies that doubled first-quarter targets, securing 60% of new clients on long-term contracts.
- Client Acquisition: Specialized in signing clients and crafting tailored strategies, focusing on B2B acquisition and consultative selling to enhance client engagement and retention.
- Team Leadership: Guided a skilled team in implementing comprehensive marketing campaigns across various channels, ensuring efficient lead generation and brand growth.
- Data-Driven Insights: Analyzed campaign data to inform lifecycle marketing and cross-sell strategies, driving growth and client success.
- Brand and Digital Presence: Oversaw brand messaging and digital presence, including website design and social media growth, leveraging these platforms for effective lead generation.

In this role, my focus is on strategic planning and client relationships, while my team's expertise in execution ensures our clients and our agency's continued success.

BDR & Marketing Consultant

Twin Group

In my role as Business Development & Centre Manager, I lead the strategic and operational management of the Irish English Centres, focusing on:

- Strategic Growth: Driving market growth and team development, orchestrated post-COVID recovery.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes and maximized technology use, enhancing operational excellence.
- Financial Oversight: Collaborated with C-level executives on P&L and corporate strategy, contributing to informed financial decision-making.
- Global Expansion: Played a key role in international expansion, elevating our global market presence.
- Customer Satisfaction: Prioritized customer experience, leading to improved service delivery and engagement.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Developed and nurtured relationships with clients and stakeholders, aligning with organizational goals.

My approach combines strategic insight with hands-on management, achieving significant results and setting the stage for sustained success.

Business Development & Center Manager - Ireland

6-Figure Coaching Biz

As a co-founder of an ambitious online coaching program, I played a pivotal role in creating an innovative learning platform tailored for SMBs, primarily service providers. Key aspects of my involvement included:

- Platform Development: Spearheaded the build of an online learning platform featuring over 100 lessons, designed to empower SMBs with essential skills and knowledge.
- Community Building: Established a community platform for peer-to-peer support and referrals, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous learning and growth.
- Strategic Goals: Set ambitious targets for client acquisition, successfully overachieving our first-quarter goal by 200%. This early success demonstrated the program's potential and market demand.
- Project Leadership: Although the project didn't progress to the promotional ad stage due to other commitments, my involvement was instrumental in laying a strong foundation and achieving significant early milestones.

This project was a testament to my passion for education and innovation in the digital space, offering valuable insights into online learning dynamics and community engagement.

Co-Founder

BooksGoSocial

In my seasonal role at BooksGoSocial, an online platform dedicated to boosting book sales for authors and publishers in English-speaking countries, I honed my expertise in digital marketing and social media. Key contributions include:

- Social Media Growth: Utilized various tools to successfully grow social media channels, significantly increasing online visibility and engagement for authors and their works.
- Lead Generation Campaigns: Crafted and executed effective lead generation campaigns on social media, directly contributing to increased book sales and author recognition.
- Literary Community Engagement: Collaborated closely with a renowned Irish author, contributing to the success of the International Writers Festival in Dublin. This involvement provided a unique opportunity to blend my marketing skills with a passion for literature and community events.
- Strategic Marketing: Developed and implemented marketing strategies tailored to the literary sector, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in promoting books and authors in the digital age.

This role at BooksGoSocial was a valuable part of my journey, where I combined my digital marketing expertise with a love for literature, contributing to the growth and success of authors and publishers in the competitive world of book sales.

Digital Marketing Consultant

Hygiene Solutions

During my year-long contract with Hygiene Solutions, an innovative Irish company specializing in germ elimination and sanitization solutions, I led a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to enhance the company's online presence and market reach. My key responsibilities and achievements included:

- Comprehensive Digital Strategy: Oversaw the entire spectrum of digital marketing, including web presence, SEO/SEM, CRM, and social media advertising, aligning with the company's vision to revolutionize sanitization solutions.
- Social Media Management: Designed, built, and maintained a robust social media presence, significantly increasing brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Performance Analysis: Measured and reported on the performance of all digital marketing campaigns, successfully increasing the ROI by 25% over the target through strategic campaign management.
- Optimization and Testing: Planned and executed various experiments and conversion tests, identifying and optimizing critical conversion and drop-off points in user funnels.
- Technology Integration: Continuously evaluated and integrated emerging technologies to keep the company at the forefront of digital marketing trends.

My role at Hygiene Solutions was instrumental in driving digital growth and enhancing the company's position in the market, leveraging innovative marketing strategies and technology.

BDR & Digital Marketing Executive

Atlas Language School

At Atlas Language School, an international language school in Dublin known for its multicultural environment, I played a multifaceted role that spanned customer service, digital marketing, and team management. My tenure here was instrumental in gaining extensive experience in the international education and travel sector. Key contributions include:

- Customer Service Excellence: Managed front-of-house operations, ensuring every student's travel programme was an unforgettable learning experience. Excelled in providing top-tier customer service in a multicultural setting.
- Market Expansion: Spearheaded the marketing strategy for entry into the LATAM market, achieving a 200% increase in ROI. This initiative not only expanded our market reach but also underscored the effectiveness of targeted marketing strategies.
- Team Leadership: Led and trained a diverse team, enhancing their skills in digital marketing, customer service, and student engagement. My focus on cross-departmental collaboration significantly improved overall productivity, surpassing targets by 125%.
- Multicultural Environment: Thrived in a multilingual setting, supporting international sales and fostering an inclusive environment for students and staff from various cultural backgrounds.

My role at Atlas Language School was a journey of growth in leadership and customer engagement, providing me with invaluable insights into the dynamics of international education and multicultural communication.

BDR & CM | Digital Marketing Manager

PANACEA "Newspaper and Magazine"

At Panacea, a prominent media company in the health sector known for its insightful magazine and newspaper, I embarked on a multifaceted journey that spanned from an internship to sales and journalism. My time here was marked by diverse experiences and significant contributions:

- Internship and Learning: Began my career with an internship, gaining foundational knowledge in health and medicine journalism, and understanding the intricacies of media in the healthcare sector.
- Sales and Business Development: Progressed to work directly under the Sales Manager, engaging with directors of pharmaceutical laboratories to drive sales. My role involved negotiating and closing deals, showcasing my ability to understand and meet client needs effectively.
- Journalistic Involvement: Acted as a journalist and the face of the newspaper/magazine at various conferences, reporting on new technologies and medical research outcomes, thereby bridging the gap between doctors, patients, and the latest industry developments.

My tenure at Panacea was a blend of learning, growth, and hands-on experience in the health media sector, equipping me with a unique perspective on healthcare communication and business development.

Evenpro

In my initial professional role at Evenpro, one of Venezuela's largest events companies renowned for hosting major concerts and international events, I was a member of the newly established corporate sales department. My responsibilities and achievements included:

- Client Relationship Building: Tasked with creating and nurturing business relationships with a diverse range of corporate clients, including banks, petroleum companies, private healthcare firms, and financial institutions.
- Sales Process Management: Managed the entire sales process, from data collection and client outreach to closing sales. My approach was focused on understanding client needs and offering tailored solutions.
- Sales Event Organization: Played a pivotal role in organizing private corporate sales events, ensuring a high level of service and seamless execution. These events were often high-profile concerts featuring renowned artists, requiring meticulous planning and coordination.

This role at Evenpro was a foundational experience in my career, where I developed my skills in sales, client management, and event coordination, contributing significantly to the success of the corporate sales department.

Corporate Sales Account Executive

Helping coaches, consultants and course creators to grow their biz with a proven system | Business Development, Communications, Strategy & Digital Marketing

With 15 years of experience as a Business Developer and Marketing Consultant, I specialize in steering product growth, business expansion, and enhancing brand positioning for enterprises globally. My multilingual capabilities and international exposure have enabled me to excel in creating and executing marketing strategies that drive significant business results.

I thrive on leadership, team management, and building collaborative relationships with C-level executives to align business and marketing objectives. My passion lies in exploring new technologies and productivity techniques to foster continuous improvement and innovation.

As a consultant, I am keen on open collaborations, leveraging my expertise in project management and corporate communication to facilitate seamless integration and strategic partnerships. I am committed to using my diverse skill set to support businesses in achieving their goals through dynamic and effective consulting practices.

Fluent in Spanish and English, I leverage my language skills to break cultural barriers and build strong, diverse networks. My educational background in marketing and communication, complemented by ongoing professional development in AI Marketing and Data Analysis, positions me as a dynamic consultant and strategist in the evolving world of enterprises, marketing and corporate communications.

I am always keen to connect with like-minded professional to collaborate and explore new opportunities in business development, marketing and corporate communications. 

Let's connect and share insights!

taplio

The Battle

Paul Conley

Adaleza Morales

Followers

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taplio

The Battle

Paul Conley

Adaleza Morales

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Paul Conley's LinkedIn Performance

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