We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ajia Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ajia below.
Ajia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?
I know it may sound cliche, but it’s VALUE. Not monetary value. But value beyond what my customer has purchased when hiring me. Whether it’s additional shots of those special, “off guard”, smiles or an unexpected complimentary video as an added free bonus. It’s the value in what I can deliver. Value is me going above and beyond what’s expected in my profession. Value is the customer seeing me deliver what I have to offer and referring me to share that with more people. My business is strictly word of mouth from the value I present and that’s been the best thing I have seen from my clients, and the best thing I can reciprocate to them to show my appreciation.
Ajia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
How I got into this industry?
I picked up a camera and wanted to learn more about it. I took college courses to learn about the camera, with the intent on producing video edits for personal use. However, the more I obtained knowledge about the camera, the more I began utilizing the features and sharing my knowledge. The more I produced, the better the quality of my production. And with that the attraction from others inevitably followed. This of course, directed me to a now absolute driven and ambitious career focus in freelance photography and videography. Fast forward to present day, I now (alongside my business partner Jodi- Kay Edwards) have established an agency, “Behind The Scenes”, to attract others with the same drive and passion in production, media, and also branding and marketing. For those who may not know much about our multimedia marketing niche. It essentially is an agency where we help individuals create, establish, and grow their brand or image by way of various media sources. An example could be professional photos for an influencer, or a professional video/audio film produced for an inspiring actor/actress. Or perhaps even a video short film for an aspiring director. We provide many, many services from assisting in establishing a brand and marketing it on media platforms to wedding photography and videography for special moments. We strive to give results to our clients. What, “Behind The Scenes Agency”, does is assists and supports individuals (through media) striving for their greatest potential in whatever industry they may be in. However, it isn’t just the media aspect that I (and Jodi-Kay Edwards) stand behind. We also encourage and support our clients by strategically and systematically creating a “plan of action” in how they can achieve their goals.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
The best advice I can give for managing a team and maintaining high morale is a 3-pillar process.
Pillar #1- (Strong Communication) without transparent, understanding and direct communication amongst a team, it can dissolve the purpose of having a team.
Pillar #2- Having CLEAR objectives and goals for the team itself, as well as the individuals. (Establishing clarity in what is expected).
Pillar #3- Building TRUST within that team. Consistently encouraging, brainstorming and problem solving together and coming to an agreed solution/decision.
I believe having these 3 important pillars in a team process is what leads to success and effective management, engagement, and accomplishment for any business or company.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
How I built my audience on social media? Well, honestly by staying true to myself, maintaining consistency, and reciprocating gratification. Initially when beginning my career, as with many entrepreneurs, I was faced with many doubters. I would create posts to get my name and services out to the public, family, and friends. Naturally, I had some negative feedback and no one willing to share my content. I would go as far as saying that I found myself a little discouraged and reflecting on self-doubt.
However, despite it all, I maintained consistency and believed in myself. I continued posting what I knew would add value and joy to those that would appreciate it. Eventually, the negatives become overwhelming positives and with that notoriety amongst my community. Overtime my audience/ community grew to reflect the quality of my services and began sharing my posts.
Which inevitably resulted in building a network of like-minded. positive individuals and a large audience to share my business to. I am grateful that I stayed consistent and shared that with those who valued my work.
So, if there is any valuable advice, I can give to others about building their social media audience, it would be to stay consistent, stay true to your craft, and always, always reciprocate gratitude amongst those who appreciate what you’re doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://behindthescenesagency.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackson_visuals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackson.visuals.5/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKkeYhRijNo-8FjE6iHc3zQ
Image Credits
Jodi Kay Edwards
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