We recently connected with Christian J. Williams and have shared our conversation below.

Christian J., thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Please tell us about starting your own firm and if you’d do anything different knowing what you know now.

The early days of starting CJW Consulting Group required a tremendous leap of faith. I typically am a very risk averse person, so starting this business required me to step far out of my comfort zone. The key challenge in starting my business initially, was time management. I was working a corporate job in procurement/supply chain and dedicated time to my clientele after work. My days were very busy and sometimes I wouldn’t conclude until 10p. By that time, it was time to prepare for bed so that I could get up and do it all over again. I was exhausted, but I needed to establish a clientele. Eventually, I resigned from my 9-5 and made a way for myself.

If I could do it all over again, I think that I would have launched my website sooner, just to streamline my booking process. I initially just started off with an Instagram page. Although I had an LLC, EIN, etc., However, I didn’t have a formal website. Also, I wouldn’t underestimate what people would be willing to pay me. Although it took time to build a clientele, I was undercharging for a while because I was afraid that people wouldn’t be willing to pay more. After receiving several positive client testimonials, I began to fully understand my value and worth,

If a young professional is trying to start their own firm, I would encourage them to follow their dreams. However, they should truly understand what they are getting into if this will be their primary source of income. Do NOT just run out and quit your job, especially in this economy and especially for minorities. Multiple streams of incomes are ideal. I believe that this generation lives in a world in which entrepreneurship can be overly glorified. Of course, entrepreneurship and small businesses are the backbone/at the heart of our economy, However, just because you have a good idea doesn’t necessarily mean that you should go into business. You have to truly be prepared for the ups and downs, and ebbs and flows. Starting your own business can come with a lot of financial variances. One month, you could have the best month that you’ve ever had. Then the next month could be the worst that you’ve ever had. You have to really make sure that you have a safety net and a plan.

Christian J., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I run a full-scale professional development consulting business, where I help people with their resume revamps, cover letter writing, LinkedIn optimization, personal statements for graduate school, salary negotiations, etc. I have helped clients across every major career field, including but not limited to healthcare (clinical and administrative), supply chain, information technology, education, accounting and finance (A&F), human resources, project management, etc. What I am most proud of is generating $7M+ in reported salary increases over the last 7.5 years, average ~$26,000 per client,

The best way to be successful in business is the willingness to provide a product or service that others do not want to do. I have been pivotal in helping clients to highlight their transferrable skills to transition into new careers, secure elevated employment and increase their earning potential.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I believe the most effective way of growing my clientele has been through digital marketing – specifically the testimonials.
When I create testimonials, I use my clients’ headshots along with their text summarizing their experience and how I helped them. Then I post this onto Linkedin and tag them. Once they reshare/comment/like the graphic, it usually results in an influx of prospective clients from their network to request to follow me and/or inquire about my services.

This method is helpful because it validates the quality of my service and most people like to utilize services that someone who they personally know can vouch for.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I make a conscious effort to follow-up with clients after I provide a service. I want to make sure that they are satisfied and experiencing increased interview traction. This follow-up allows me to also capture data (i.e., time to secure an interview and average salary increase) and secure testimonials from clients. Furthermore, because of my strong relationship building skills, several clients have become friends over the years. I’ve been invited to weddings, baby showers, social events, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cjwconsultinggroup.com
• Instagram: @CJWConsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjwlmsmba/