Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christelle Biiga, Founder of Christelle Biiga Speaks, located in Manhattan Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer my services as a public speaker for corporate, online, and in-person events and training for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to leverage public speaking to grow their businesses and make an impact fast.
Tell us about yourself
I left Africa a few years ago to pursue my American dream. I barely spoke English and knew no one in the States. My American dream almost became a nightmare when an immigration officer accused me of being a prostitute and tried to deport me. I was put in jail for nine months before winning my case.
As traumatic as that experience was, it taught me some important lessons. It taught me that things don't always go as planned, and when that happens, our courage and leadership are what determine our ability to make it to the finish line.
So when the pandemic hit, I saw how many entrepreneurs and business owners were scared and unsure about what the future had in store for them and for their businesses. I started sharing my story on podcasts and at events to encourage them not to give up and keep hope alive no matter what because anything is possible.
The feedback from the audience after each interview or event I speak on has shown me the impact our story can have on other people's lives and how fast it can help a business grow its clientele. I decided to teach entrepreneurs and business owners how to leverage public speaking to quickly grow their impact and clientele.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been to leap. When I quit my corporate job to start my business, people told me I had lost my mind. Even in the industry, I was told I wasn't ready to be a speaker and needed more experience to be invited to podcasts or events.
I decided to believe and invest in myself and gave it a shot. Sure enough, I was booked on numerous podcasts and events in less than three months and was sharing my message worldwide. If you have a dream, or a desire in your heart, know that you have what it takes to make it happen. Just start where you are with what you have and grow wings as you fly.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge of being a business owner is access to capital. It takes money to run and grow a business. And businesses make money by selling their product and services. That's why having an audience is critical. The more eyeballs you have on your products and services, the more opportunities you have to make money.
I love public speaking because it's the easiest way to get your business in front of the largest audience possible in a short period. And the good news is that with proper support, anyone can quickly become a speaker.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start before you are ready:
When you have a business idea, don't wait to have all your ducks in a row to start. Your knowledge and resources are enough to start and grow as you go. When I began my journey as a speaker, I didn't even have a website. I needed to figure out how to write a signature story or where to find speaking opportunities. And that didn't stop me. Once I took the first step, things started falling into place, and it didn't take long before I started getting results. People spend too much time getting ready, failing to realize that when you take the first step, you have more clarity on the next. - Find a support system:
Building a business can be challenging, so having a support system is critical. Having people in your corner to cheer you on when doubts start creeping in, tell you what to do when needed, and share resources with you. You cannot build a successful business by yourself, and sometimes who you know can be a game changer. - Embrace your uniqueness:
As much as building a successful business doesn't require you to reinvent the wheel, it's essential to show up in a way that makes your business stand out. One of the best ways to do that is to use your personal story and share it in a way that connects with your target audience. Thousands of businesses can offer the same product or service. Still, each has a different story that can motivate customers to invest in one business instead of the other. A journey that led you to where you are today and inspired you to start your business. Your ability to share that story effectively can give you an edge in your industry.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://subscribepage.io/qSxM4Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bea.christelle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christellebiiga/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christellebiiga/
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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