Templates by Joel Klettke

I am overwhelmed with the amount of support I've received over the past few weeks since announcing my entrepreneurial journey. My family, friends, and esteemed peers have showered me with positive vibes, and I am truly grateful.

I've also received many questions about this decision and how it came to be. While I'll soon be creating marketing content detailing our services and capabilities, I thought it would be beneficial to share some Q&A I've had recently about my decision to go all in with my own firm. Stay tuned until the end for some exciting news!

Q: How long have you been contemplating this move?

A: About 2.5 years. The pandemic prompted me to reflect on life decisions and reconsider what matters most to me.

Q: What has been the hardest part about making this decision?

A: Convincing myself that I had what it takes. I had to fight the inner voice urging me to stay in my comfort zone and avoid risking what I had already achieved.

Q: How did you conquer your fear?

A: I realized I was more afraid of regret than failure.

Q: How did you prepare?

A: I focused on four main areas:

1.Financially - Building a runway to sustain my dream during takeoff.

2.Mentally - Accepting that the journey would be difficult, scary, and uncertain.

3.Emotionally - Strengthening my support system with family, friends, and mentors to keep me motivated.

4.Understanding my strengths and weaknesses - Partnering with people whose strengths complement my weaknesses.

Q: What if you fail?

A: What if I succeed? Either way, I'm eager for the life experience that comes with taking this leap.

Q: Why do it?

A: I wanted to develop all my skills, and the best way to do that was to step out of my comfort zone. This meant building skills in marketing, sales, company incorporation, payroll, taxes, collections, contracts, strategy, and operations.

I'm excited to share that we have landed our first major contract and are officially in business!

Thank you all for your support and well-wishes. Remember, bet on yourself;be yourself and you are enough! If you want to discuss an idea or if you're unsure about taking the plunge, please DM me. I'd love to hear about it!

P.S: Below my reaction to closing our first contract! (I’m laughing not crying…a little of both)

No BS Building in Public: End of Quarter Recap 🔥

💡 Every Friday, I post my transparent stats for the week. Why?

- Most don't come from a long line of entrepreneurs (me included)

- My mission: equip minority founders with tools to scale their impact

- Part of that is to transparently live by example through my own journey

💡 Context: This post is about the last 90 days, and my last post of the year!

💡 Recap of what I did:

- 18 August-14 October: began market research, tested with my ICP, collected feedback and set up shop

- 25 September: Started posting on LinkedIn daily M-F

- 16 October: Launched the fCOO leg of keshty (set sail for scale)

- 6 November: Started working with my first client

- 12 November: Launched the keshty community for minority founders, investors and allies (only launched founder side)

💡 Meetings:

- Met with 60 new + 33 existing professional friends

- Had 11 networking events + 6 new business meetings

- Of 6 NB meetings: 3 ghosted, 2 are warm, 1 turned into a client

💡 The data (from before and after I started writing):

📉 412 unfollows (you read that right!)

📈 1978 new followers - 78% increase

📈 6,118 engagements - 61080% increase

📈 357,837 impressions - 9068% increase

📈 keshty has 363 followers and 20 community members

📈 Ideal follower demographic (Founder, Co-Founder, CEO) went from 8 to 11%

💡 Financials:

I invested £5k in start-up costs and have made £2.1k (42% breaking even).

💡 No BS Good-To-Knows:

- I literally panic hourly about not making the money I used to. Not even going to beat around the bush - you're here for no BS, after all.

- Need some humble pie? Start a business. You are sales, marketing, your EA, your co-founder, everything. If you've never specialised in these domains, the learning curve of "micro-incompetencies" is wild.

💡 Reminders:

- Don't start a business JUST to make money. Start one because it lights your fire. I'm not making anywhere near my past salary (yet 😉), but I'm fulfilled. I'm betting on me and I'm 100% more relaxed for it.

- It's about who does it longest, not fastest. You have to be bad at things 100x before you're semi-ok, which takes time.

- If I could give any advice I TRULY rate, it's still "every rejection is a redirection." I've had 412 unfollows, 3 👻 and loads of messages left on read. You need consistently thick skin and genuinely can't afford to take it personally.

There you have it, folks: one quarter of building in public down! Questions or thoughts? You know where to drop them👇🏼

Thanks for the messages, meetings and engagement: old friends and new. You know who you are. You've made 2023 brilliant.

🚢

PS: This is my last post of '23. My bestie (aka Mum) arrives today to watch me + Deren tie the courthouse knot. See you in '24 💍

PSS: I can't wait to share what's happening with keshty next year, but for now R&R and family time take prio. Have a lovely break, all ✌🏼

#minorityfounder #buildinginpublic #buildinpublic #transparency

When is rich enough for you❓

This is one of the questions I often ask myself, and I want to start the new year with a post like this.

Probably My biggest fear is ensuring my family is taken care of financially, even if something happens to me. This, for me, means being 'rich enough'.

That doesn't mean, everything is dependent on me because both me and mu wife work. It's just something that keeps me motivated to push myself over the limit more times than not.

Not long ago, I read a book called "How to Get Rich" by Felix Dennis. One thing I remember is his interpretation of 'rich enough', which goes something like this:

- Rich enough is to live where you want.

- Rich enough is to meet who you want.

- Rich enough is to go where you want.

- Rich enough is to do what you want.

- Rich enough is to buy Time❗

And it's so true, isn't it?

We all have different goals in life.

BUT from a business standpoint:

Do we need to be the biggest in the World?

Do we need to earn more each year?

Do we really need 1000+ clients?

Or should we rather focus on:

👉 Providing high-quality service at all times.

We all know that with quantity, service quality drops.

👉 Nurturing our relationships with clients.

The more clients we have, the more they feel like numbers.

👉 Being a people-first company.

We want our employees to be well-paid and prioritized over profit.

I know there are risks involved which every entrepreneur has to face but don't hire, if you are not prepared to pay well.

Do you know, how much time is needed for someone to be good at SEO or probably any other service?

Do you know how much value this person brings to your company?

I truly believe that we can all achieve wealth and richness if we prioritize taking care of the most important people around us first.

There is enough money for everyone who does give a sh**.

What do you think?

Happy new year to everyone 🎉❗

#newyeargoals #newyearwishes

Hey LinkedIn fam! 🌟

Ever wondered how you can transition from being a consultant to becoming an equity owner in a way that's both effective and comfortable? 🤔 Well, hold on tight because I'm about to spill the beans on this exciting topic! 💼💰

Let's drill down into the nitty-gritty of this transition. One powerful strategy is to leverage your expertise and proven track record to negotiate a partnership arrangement with your client or employer. Instead of just being another consultant, you can become a valued partner, sharing in the success of the business you've helped build.

Here's how it can work in the real world:

1️⃣ Identify your core competency: First and foremost, identify the unique value you bring to the table. What sets you apart from other consultants? Is it your specialized skill set, industry knowledge, or perhaps your ability to think outside the box? Highlighting your strengths will make the transition smoother.

2️⃣ Show them the numbers: Help your client or employer understand the financial impact your contribution has brought to their business. Showcase tangible results, such as increased revenue, cost savings, or improved operational efficiency. When they see the value you've brought to their bottom line, they'll be more inclined to consider an equity partnership.

3️⃣ Create a win-win situation: Present your transition as an opportunity for both sides to benefit. Share your vision for the future and how your equity ownership can align with their long-term goals. Explain how this partnership will foster a deeper commitment, as you'll have skin in the game and a vested interest in the company's success.

4️⃣ Start small, aim big: Consider proposing a phased approach to equity ownership. Begin by acquiring a smaller percentage initially, allowing you to demonstrate your value and build trust over time. As you continue to deliver exceptional results, you can negotiate additional equity and further solidify your position as a key player.

Remember, a low-pressure approach doesn't mean taking a passive stance. Be assertive, yet respectful, in conveying your desire for equity ownership. Showcase your enthusiasm for the business and your commitment to its long-term success.

Has anyone successfully transitioned from consultation to equity ownership? I'd love to hear your experiences and any additional tips you have! Share them in the comments below. Let's engage in a vibrant discussion and inspire others on their path to ownership success. 👇😊

#OwnershipSuccess #ConsultationToEquity #CareerGrowth

⬇️ I’ve got less clients than 12 months ago.

⬇️ I’ve got less team members than 2 years ago.

I’ve never been happier 😊

For the past year I’ve embarked on a process of making my business smaller (shock, horror!😱)

I’ve reduced the number and type of clients we support.

I’ve reduced my team.

🔴 Growth isn’t always the goal - it never was mine, I just got pulled along in the current of social media.

🔴 Growth won’t necessarily make you #happy - it definitely didn’t for me!

🔴 Growth is over-rated - it’s not all it may seem, I promise.

I followed the crowd on social media. Believing I needed #growth to become happy.

It’s all a #BigFatLie

Keep your own goal in mind.

I set up Effective Accounting Solutions Limited in 2008 so I could start a family. I wanted to work flexibly around future children.

But I followed the crowd, got totally caught in the hustle culture. Worked long hours, grew the business to a size I never even considered, never mind dreamed of or wanted.

In doing so, the business actually PREVENTED me from starting a family. But I was so caught up in it, I didn’t see it. I just thought it still wasn’t big enough. I worked harder, took on more clients, more team members. I became more and more unhappy. It wasn’t what I wanted or what I thought it would be.

Covid hit and I realised I wasn’t getting any younger ⏰. I wanted to start a family. We welcomed Ollie on 10 January 2022 and since then I have made huge changes to ensure I make the life I wanted and the life I wanted to give him.

If you are growing and happy - great.

If you are growing but unhappy, I can assure you growing more isn’t the answer.

#EmbraceLess

#NamasteAF 🌻✨

🌟 Attention Busy Dads! 🌟

Are you tired of the daily grind, struggling to make ends meet, and sacrificing precious time with your family? 😓

As a fellow dad and digital business owner, I understand the struggle all too well.

But guess what?

You don’t have to settle for this anymore! 💪

Introducing a game-changing opportunity tailored just for you: my step-by-step business mentorship program.

Here’s how I can help you reclaim your time, freedom, and financial stability while prioritizing your family:

1. **Step-by-Step Training:** Say goodbye to guesswork! I’ll guide you through every stage of building and scaling your online business, from setting up to expanding your reach, all in easy-to-follow steps. 📈

2. **Coach and Mentor Access:** Need advice or support? I’m here for you. Gain direct access to personalized coaching and mentorship sessions to address your unique challenges and goals. 🤝

3. **Cost-Effective Solution:** Forget about expensive brick-and-mortar ventures. My program offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional businesses, saving you money and headaches in the long run. 💰

4. **Proven Business Model System:** Why reinvent the wheel? Benefit from a tried-and-tested business model system that has helped countless dads like yourself achieve success without sacrificing family time. 🚀

It’s time to take control of your destiny and create the life you’ve always dreamed of for you and your loved ones. Don’t let another day slip by. Join me on this transformative journey and let’s build a thriving business together, one that affords you the time and freedom to cherish every moment with your family. 🌟

Ready to make a change?

Let’s chat!

Drop a comment or send me a message to get started. Your family deserves the best, and I’m here to help you make it happen. 🌟

#DadsOnAMission #FamilyFirst #BusinessFreedom #mayers_consulting 🌟

Very impactful advice from Victoria Tollossa, MBA! How you present yourself makes all the difference.

A well-known quote by Maya Angelou says “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

And when I asked Victoria "Do you then inspire others with what you do or just inform them about what you do?" She says it has to be both. People have to know enough about what you do by your answer, but how you express yourself matters. Your answer can make the difference between you becoming someone that people remember, or simply another disinterested party and/or unmemorable conversation.

Check out her post for great tips below!

#coachingtips #inspirationalleadership #personaldevelopment

Q3 starts in the next few days. During summer, you've had time to re-charge. Now, the operational side of your business needs an update as well. Hitting your new business goals effortlessly. In offer to do that, you need the right business systems and automations.

Why?

Your potential leads are back from summer vacation, AND READY to hit their goals for the rest of 2023. Money is burning in their hands, wanting to be spent. Revenue that will go to someone else if your business hasn't the right operational systems in place. Leaving you empty-handed.

When you don't have the right operational systems and automations in place..

⎯ manually onboarding 10+ new clients will be a time-consuming process - you'll feel stressed and tired

⎯ you'll have less time to focus on your marketing and sales - attracting less potential leads and clients

⎯ attracting fewer clients means less revenue - giving you more financial stress

⎯ clients will not feel supported, things fall through the cracks, and clients will not re-sign their contracts with you - giving you both overall & financial stress

Without a custom business operational system in place, Q3 and Q4 will not be your best months financially, emotionally and physically. You'll need to work your face off, have less time to spend with family and loved ones, and to really take care of yourself. More important, you're not taking full advantage of the revenue opportunities.

The Embodied SHE.EO creates that system for you with the use of my unique SHE.EO Framework. Building a custom operational business system for you that will help you with scaling your business effortlessly. On top of that, your team will be trained for a whole month about the system that has been built. The power of done-for-you.

After the next 3 months, you'll have your best months financially, emotionally, and physically. Making more money, while you're working fewer hours. Your team will function at their peak. And, you'll have more time to spend with family and loved ones. Really taking care of yourself.

It's a one-time investment for a business full of massive sales & growth.

Are you ready for the sign-up? Comment 'SCALING' to apply.

#femaleleadership #femaleentrepreneur #femalepower #businesswomen #femalebusinessowner

What are you re-subscribing to?

All of the "New Year, New Me" wouldn't be complete without your inbox flooded with emails from vendors you patroned once upon a time, asking you to re-subscribe.

I had three in my inbox before 7am this morning.

The New Year sentiment often focuses on what you are going to give up - sugar, carbs, coffee (as if!), complaining, shopping, etc, but rarely what you will go back to.

Sometimes it's worth revisiting, especially for entrepreneurs.

Small business owners have to be their own cheerleader and auditor. They celebrate their wins, while simultaneously evaluating what they could have done better or more efficiently.

No matter how much you love entrepreneurship, this eventually takes a toll.

Add in other life stressors - family, health, relationships - and suddenly you are staring at January 1 on the calendar wondering what you are doing there or what the new year means to you.

It's time to re-subscribe to yourself by better aligning with your business purpose.

How can you do this? There are many ways, but three to start:

1. Help a new small business owner in your field. I receive messages from many young attorneys curious about starting their own practice. Some are at firms, some are still in school, and some have already made the leap. Each time I do, it reminds me of what I faced when I first started. The grind, fear, passion, and endurance it took to get where I wanted to. It also makes me more grateful for how much I've grown since then.

2. Volunteer in local organizations that promote your industry. While you may get a client, customer, or even employee out of it, don't go into it with that mindset. Surrounding yourself with people who are passionate about your industry, without it being your business directly, allows you to appreciate what you do in a different light.

3. Take some time away. This is the hardest thing for a business owner to do, and something I candidly still struggle with. However, every time I take a couple days away from my business, I am that much more refreshed and energized to get back at it when I return. You don't have to take a fancy vacation - something as simple as a long weekend off at home will do.

While there's nothing against re-subscribing to the newsletter or podcast in your inbox and notifications or making another purchase from that vendor with the amazing January sale, the best return on investment will come when you re-subscribe to yourself.

#newyear #newyearnewgoals #businessattorney #smallbusiness #business #mindsetmatters #businessadvice