We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Salina Thompson, Pmp. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Salina below.
Alright, Salina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Savvy Empire Consulting stands out from other small business consulting agencies through its unique blend of expertise, innovation, and focus on client empowerment. Here’s what sets us apart:
1. AI-Driven Solutions with a Human Touch
We seamlessly integrate generative AI and automation with personalized strategies to deliver measurable results.
Unlike many agencies that offer cookie-cutter solutions, we tailor every recommendation to align with the client’s unique needs, leveraging advanced AI tools to improve efficiency and scalability.
2. Proven Track Record in High-Impact Results
Our team has 6+ years of process improvement experience, working with companies and clients worth $600M+. We use industry-led resources to deliver the client’s vision, establish expert communication, and provide 100% satisfactory service. We provide systemized solutions and empower clients with systems-dependent models and industry best practices to sustain long-term success. Our Delegate and Elevate SavvyCEO service package is designed to educate leaders while optimizing their operational efficiency.
3. Commitment to the Small Business Community
As a company established to empower minority small business owners, we emphasize inclusivity, equity, and tailored support. Each year, we devote 100 hours of pro bono consulting to non-profits and minority-owned businesses, aiming to enhance project management education and optimize systems. Our thorough understanding of the operational challenges faced by small businesses enables us to deliver solutions that align perfectly with their unique needs
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Sure, I did not start off as a Savvy CEO. In 2018, I landed a full-time position in local government, marking a milestone in my career journey. This job came with valuable benefits like medical coverage, life insurance, and a retirement plan, which I was thrilled about as a single mother raising two young children. However, my excitement was tempered by the financial reality of being the sole provider for my family while also shouldering daycare costs.
Within the same month, I realized the need for a second income stream to manage expenses like rent and tuition. This led me to start driving for Uber and Lyft, although arranging weekend childcare added another layer of complexity. It became clear that this setup was not sustainable in the long run, prompting me to seek a work-from-home opportunity. After researching virtual support roles, I discovered the demand for proofreaders in the legal sector who ensure accuracy and consistency in documentation for legal proceedings.
Equipped with a paralegal certificate, I initially hesitated about pursuing legal-related work due to concerns about monotony. However, my quest for remote employment continued, leading me to an online program known as the Horkey Handbook (now Fully Booked VA). This training opened my eyes to the possibilities of working as a virtual assistant. Within six months of completing the course, I was able to transition away from driving for ride-sharing services and triple my previous income.
Through this journey, I gained valuable insights into the significance of contracts, time management tools, and establishing clear work agreements before undertaking any tasks. The unexpected transition from a full-time job and side gig to a thriving business venture highlighted the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of career evolution.
WHO WE ARE:
Savvy Empire Consulting is a boutique Operations & Project Management consulting firm that focuses on a total quality management approach for small to medium size business owners. We solve manual operations and create systemized savvy success
WHY SAVVY
What sets Savvy Empire Consulting, LLC apart is my unique background as a virtual assistant, deeply rooted in operational efficiency. As a VA, I had to rapidly master new technologies, seamlessly integrate them into systems, and then train team members on their use. While I never saw myself as particularly tech-savvy, my diverse experience—from startup business consulting to high-ticket client business consulting—has honed my ability to quickly absorb, transform, and delegate information with ease and precision.
MOST PROUD OF:
I’m incredibly proud of my journey, marked by consistent learning and self-trust. In 2018, as a single parent, I navigated financial strains from high daycare costs and extracurricular activities for two children, all while holding a full-time government job. Rather than seeing myself as a struggling single mother, I leveraged strong co-parenting relationships and channeled my situation into creating a business that helps others achieve their goals.
What I am most proud of is my “this is it” moment in 2018. Back then, making money from home wasn’t as mainstream as it is today, yet I took the initiative to research and develop ways to do just that. This resilience and resourcefulness are at the core of Savvy Empire Consulting. If there’s a way to make something happen, I’ll find it, figure it out, and execute it, no matter what.
HOW SAVVY DID IT
Getting to where I am today with Savvy Empire Consulting, LLC has been a journey of dedication, hard work, and constant learning. A few weeks ago, I did a video discussing how everyone wants to scale their business, but few talk about the hard work involved in pushing it to higher levels of profit. The work can be subjective depending on the industry, but it always boils down to planning for your success.
Any advice for managing a team?
The #1 Advice I can give any leader is to have strategic communication channels and encourage open feedback.
Here are
1. Communicate Effectively
Set Clear Expectations: Ensure team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and deadlines.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, feedback, and concerns.
Regular Check-ins: Hold one-on-one and team meetings to track progress, celebrate wins, and address challenges.
Use the Right Tools: Leverage communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams and project management software to keep everyone aligned.
2. Recognize and Reward Achievements
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments publicly to boost morale.
Offer Personalized Rewards: Tailor recognition to the preferences of your team, such as bonuses, gift cards, or time off.
Show Gratitude: A simple “thank you” or personalized note goes a long way in making team members feel valued.
3. Foster Collaboration and Inclusion
Promote Team Bonding: Organize virtual or in-person activities like happy hours, games, or brainstorming sessions to strengthen relationships.
Encourage Participation: Ensure everyone has a voice in meetings and decision-making processes.
Mentorship Opportunities: Pair experienced team members with newer ones to share knowledge and build camaraderie.
4. Provide Growth Opportunities
Offer Training: Invest in professional development, such as workshops, certifications, or online courses.
Create Career Paths: Even for contractors, showing how they can grow within your team boosts commitment.
Empower Ownership: Give team members autonomy in their roles and trust them to deliver.
5. Maintain Work-Life Balance
Be Flexible: Accommodate different working styles and time zones, especially for contractors.
Respect Boundaries: Avoid expecting responses outside of agreed-upon working hours.
Encourage Breaks: Promote mental health by encouraging downtime and recognizing signs of burnout.
6. Solicit Feedback and Act On It
Conduct Surveys or One-on-Ones: Regularly ask for feedback on workflows, communication, and morale.
Make Changes Visible: Show your team that you value their input by implementing changes and highlighting improvements.
7. Lead by Example
Demonstrate the attitude and work ethic you expect from your team. Your leadership style will set the tone for morale and productivity.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
One of my favorite reads is “Blue Ocean Strategy” by Kim & Mauborgne. It emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box, studying your industry, and creating new value while avoiding typical competitive patterns. To truly set your business apart, you must be willing to research your competition and challenge them with innovative strategies that elevate your value without compromising quality.
In simple terms, ask yourself: What in your industry can be eliminated? What can be reduced to meet the industry standard? What can be raised above the industry standard? And what factors can be created that your industry has never offered? These questions guide you in developing a unique value proposition.
This part of the journey is never easy for anyone. I still have much to learn and accomplish in the next five years, but I believe that with the right mindset and discipline, navigating higher levels of success becomes more manageable. It’s about embracing the process, continuously learning, and pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve greatness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savvyempireconsulting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyempireconsulting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyEmpireConsults
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salina-thompson-pmp%C2%AE-89635b84/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyEmpire
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@savvy_empire
Image Credits
Savvy Empire Consulting