We recently connected with Jessica Campos and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

Thank you for this question; it’s one that sparks deep reflection and offers a chance to share lessons that could hopefully inspire and guide fellow entrepreneurs. Reflecting on my journey of establishing a marketing agency—a path that spanned over a decade—I recognize pivotal moments and decisions that, if approached differently from the outset, could have expedited my success and efficiency.

Here’s how I would navigate my entrepreneurial venture today, leveraging the insights gained through experience:

Aim Higher: Early on, I limited my vision to achieving six-figure revenues, which seemed sufficient at the time. However, this goal, while ambitious, inadvertently confined me to a solopreneur mindset, slowing my momentum. Today, I would set my sights on larger, more audacious goals to drive me beyond the solopreneur trap and towards building a scalable enterprise.

Evolve Beyond Solopreneurship: Embracing entrepreneurship demands a departure from working as a solitary entity. Designing a scalable business model from the start is crucial. Without a formal business education, I now understand the importance of dedicating time to master strategic business modeling to ensure the venture is investment-ready from an early stage.

Master Marketing: Initially, I viewed marketing predominantly as a creative pursuit. Over time, I learned that effective marketing is fundamentally about generating leads and sales. The aesthetics, while important, should not overshadow the core goal of marketing: to attract and convert prospects by clearly communicating the value and solutions offered.

Avoid Premature Debt: Launching a service-based business with borrowed capital before validating the business concept is a common pitfall. I advocate for a lean start, adjusting personal expenditures to minimize initial costs while proving the concept through early client engagements.

Stay True to Your Values: Flexibility in business strategies is necessary, but it should never come at the cost of compromising personal and corporate values. Integrity and authenticity in business practices foster faster growth by preserving energy and trust.

Network Actively: Success is not solely achieved online. Personal interactions and networking are invaluable for growth, offering opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and support.

Build Meaningful Relationships: The art of cultivating friendships and winning over people is indispensable in business. It’s about building a community, not just a customer base.

Cultivate a Strong Brand and Narrative: A professional brand supported by a compelling story distinguishes a business in a crowded market. It’s essential to share enough to connect authentically with the audience without compromising professionalism for social media engagement.

Invest in Strategic Networks: Access to the right circles can catapult a business forward. Investment in networking is not just financial but also involves time and effort in nurturing these connections.

Lead Through Innovation, Not Imitation: Rather than focusing excessively on industry leaders for inspiration, concentrate on creating unparalleled value for your clients. Exceptional service delivery transforms clients into advocates, positioning you as a leader in your domain.

In retrospect, these insights crystallize into a roadmap for building a robust, value-driven enterprise from the ground up. My hope is that sharing these reflections can light the way for fellow entrepreneurs, helping them navigate their own paths with greater foresight and efficiency.

Jessica, 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?

In the heart of Austin, Texas, I’ve nurtured a movement that’s grown beyond my wildest dreams—a community called HeyATX, now 11,000 strong. As the founder of The Greatness Agency, I’ve had the privilege of leading this vibrant community, attracting partnerships with brands eager to leverage the power of genuine connection to grow and thrive. At HeyATX, we do more than host events; we create experiences that forge lasting bonds and celebrate the spirit of collaboration.

The Essence of The Greatness Agency

I lead The Greatness Agency with a vision to transform the way brands connect with their audiences. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about creating moments and movements that resonate deeply with people. This vision has shaped every project, every event, and every strategy we’ve developed, turning The Greatness Agency into a catalyst for meaningful brand evolution and community engagement.

My Story: From Poverty to Empowerment

My journey to where I am today wasn’t paved with gold; it was crafted from struggles, dreams, and a relentless drive to overcome.

I’m a proud Puerto Rican. I moved to the Mainland at age 30. I phased many barriers including the language, culture, and business protocols that were totally different. But I was determined to focus on the dream instead of the obstacles.

Growing up in poverty, I discovered the incredible power of connection—how to listen, empathize, and understand people on a level that transcends words. This ability wasn’t just a survival tactic; it became the foundation of my career, first as a lawyer and now as a marketer.

Every challenge I faced taught me more about resilience, empathy, and the undeniable strength that lies in genuine human connections. These lessons have been my guide, enabling me to resonate with clients and their audiences, creating marketing strategies that don’t just speak to people but speak for them.

Looking Ahead: A Vision Beyond Marketing
As I look to the future, my aim for The Greatness Agency and HeyATX is to go beyond the conventional bounds of marketing and community building. It’s about creating a legacy where individuals and businesses alike can discover their voice, carve out their niche, and achieve greatness on their own terms. It’s a testament to the belief that no matter where you come from, your past doesn’t have to dictate your future.

I want the world to understand that from adversity can come leadership that changes narratives—not just for oneself but for a community, for an industry. My life is a testament to the power of believing in that connection, in the potential within each of us to rise, to lead, and to empower.

Join Us on This Journey
This journey of mine is more than a personal success story; it’s an open invitation to anyone who believes in the power of change, connection, and community. At The Greatness Agency and HeyATX, we’re building not just brands, but a brighter, more connected future for everyone involved.

So, to anyone looking to make a real impact, to grow, and to find a community that celebrates bold moves and authentic connections, I say: Let’s create something great together.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Adding Value Through Service

At the heart of my success and the reputation I’ve built within my market is a simple, yet powerful principle: adding value through service. This approach has been instrumental in not only growing my network but also in establishing a strong, positive presence in my industry. Here’s how I’ve integrated this philosophy into my professional life:

Volunteering: By volunteering my time and expertise, I’ve been able to support causes and initiatives close to my heart. This has not only helped those in need but has also allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations, broadening my network and impact.

Supporting Others: Offering my support, whether through mentorship, advice, or by sharing resources, has enabled me to build genuine relationships. I believe in the power of community and the importance of lifting others as we climb. This commitment to support has often led to reciprocal opportunities and collaborations.

Taking Time to Connect: I’ve made it a priority to truly get to know the people within my industry and community. Understanding their needs, challenges, and aspirations allows me to tailor my contributions and services in a way that’s genuinely helpful and impactful.

Giving Back: Beyond volunteering, I actively look for ways to give back to the community that has supported my growth. Whether it’s through free workshops, speaking engagements, or charitable contributions, I believe in the importance of reciprocity and the positive cycle of generosity.

The Impact

This ethos of service and giving back has been central to building my reputation. It’s shown that success is not just about what you achieve for yourself but also about what you do for others. By adding value without the immediate expectation of return, I’ve been able to create a network of trust, support, and mutual respect. This approach has not only differentiated me from competitors but has also established me as a leader who values community and positive impact above all else.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Authentic Social Media and Social Selling: My Approach to Client Growth

The cornerstone of expanding my clientele has been an authentic approach to social media, intertwined with the principles of social selling. This strategy is not about aggressive sales tactics; rather, it’s about forging genuine connections that transcend the digital space. Here’s how I’ve made this work:

Connecting Offline to Online
The initial step in my strategy involves connecting with individuals in the offline world—through networking events, conferences, or casual meet-ups. These real-world interactions lay a strong foundation for a relationship based on genuine understanding and interest. When these connections are taken online, they carry a sense of authenticity and depth that is rare in the digital realm. This transition from offline to online interactions is seamless yet impactful, allowing me to nurture these connections with care and personalized attention.

The Magic of Storytelling
Once these connections move online, my focus shifts to sharing stories rather than pushing sales. Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool; it allows me to share my journey, the lessons learned, and the values that drive my business. This approach does more than just sell a product or service; it invites my audience into a narrative where they can see the real impact of what I offer. Through stories, I share experiences, successes, challenges, and insights, making my social media presence a source of value and inspiration rather than just a marketing platform.

The Unfolding Magic
The magic unfolds as these stories resonate with my audience, turning followers into clients. By prioritizing authenticity and genuine connections, I’ve found that people are more inclined to engage, share, and eventually, convert. This organic growth is sustainable and self-perpetuating; happy clients share their experiences, further amplifying my reach and attracting new clientele through the most powerful endorsement there is: personal recommendation.

Why This Strategy Works
Trust and Credibility: Authentic connections and storytelling build trust and establish my credibility, making potential clients more open to what I offer.
Emotional Engagement: Stories evoke emotions, making my brand memorable and creating a deeper connection with my audience.
Value-Driven Approach: By focusing on providing value rather than just selling, I position myself as a thought leader and trusted advisor in my field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coachjessicacampos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicacamposofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicacamposofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamcampos/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57WfOgRKmcR_CNzddsLqyA

Image Credits
Primary headshot: Felicia Reed Team headshot: Lucero Valle