Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lori Reeves, Founder and CEO of BrandStrength, located in Jackson, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a business coach who helps entrepreneurs launch their high-ticket offers in the quickest and simplest way possible. My clients are impact-driven people who believe they have a skill or talent that can improve people's lives, and they want to build a profitable and meaningful business providing that service.
Tell us about yourself
My entrepreneurial career started back in 2013 when I realized that I had a love for web design and that my passion and skill in that area could help other people make a bigger impact. After working with many solopreneurs for about four years, I realized that there was more I could do to help these entrepreneurs because most of them didn't have clear and compelling messaging. So I became a certified copywriter so I could help them create more magnetic messaging in addition to helping them improve their professional image online.
However, I still saw people struggle to get their ideas and offers to the point where they felt confident fully going after their dreams. So I created a program to help them organize and build everything for their high-ticket offering, including the program messaging and deliverables and the tech they need to run their business efficiently & effectively.
I know that each person I help to create an impactful business increases the impact that I can make in the world. There are so many people hurting in today's world and lots of people who want to help. And I want to do what I can to connect the hurting people with those who can help them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I wrote an article for Forbes about collecting testimonials, and it was a huge honor to be highlighted there. But honestly, the pride I felt when I was published in Forbes doesn't compare to the joy I feel when I work with my clients and see their excitement and confidence build as we accomplish their goals.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In my experience, one of the hardest things about being a business owner is not comparing yourself to others and what other people are doing. It's human nature to look around to see how you fit in. But fitting in is not what will make a business stand out. Having the confidence to boldly do what feels right to you, without regard for what others are doing or might think about it, is one of the hardest things about running my own business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
As Simon Sinek would say, start with why. If you don't have a heartfelt passion or drive for the work you're doing, it will be very tempting to give up when you have to spend time doing things you don't love doing.
Also, be very clear about who you want to serve and what you want to help them accomplish. It's much easier to grow an audience and become known for serving a small subset of people and then expand your target audience as you gain skill, experience, and notoriety than it is to start with a broad group of people and a vague explanation of what you help them with.
And lastly, I'd recommend starting before you feel ready. Every conversation you have with a potential client will give you great insight into what your audience is really looking for and how they state the circumstances they're currently in. That insight will inform your messaging to help you grab the attention of the people who need your solution and help you develop a program that truly meets the needs of your clients.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://brandstrength.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fulfillmentfanatic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandstrength/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-nelson-reeves/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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