Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike James. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Mike, thanks for joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
That first paid client… woooh! It is always important to show up wholly and authentically in anything that you do. Before starting my life coaching business, I was a personal trainer. Most of my clients knew my passion for helping people and for the youth. That is exactly what connected me to my first client for my new business. A former training client of mine reached out to me, because she thought I could really help a young man that needed a positive figure in his life. That was exciting to know that a connection from years prior could lead to a new connection for my business years later.
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?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people find Joy in life and become their best self. When I was a personal trainer I would always ponder how I could help people beyond the physical. What I realized is that many people don’t achieve their physical goals because they haven’t quite yet tapped into the mental limitations and mindset to do so. That was a powerful discovery for me that led me to becoming a life coach. It makes me proud to know that I can help the whole person. They can achieve great things in all aspects of life once they begin to peel back the layers of the blocks. Ultimately they can become Capable, Competent, Confident, Conscious, and Courageous to achieve greatness! I am the 5Cs coach, that’s what I do for my clients.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn the belief that everyone who reaches out to you has your best interest for your business in mind. You can’t not let the vultures take over your journey. Mike, what does that mean? When I first started my business, I was so excited to get an email or a direct message from someone telling me they could take my business to the next level, or that “they love what I’m doing, and would love to help me grow.” Shout out to my mentor, Dan Olexa, for enlightening me to the vultures. I am not talking about people who genuinely support your business or want to help you on your journey. I’m talking about the people who say they love what you’re doing, yet they have never interacted with you before or don’t even follow or support you. There are people out there that can help you grow and scale your business. However there are also those out there that take advantage of your “newness.” So be aware of those people and the bots that come just to prey on your lack of experience as an entrepreneur.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I’m still building my audience. I only have a small following, but my goal is to add value on a consistent basis. That is the best tip anyone could ever give you. Find out how you can be persistent and consistent in social media spaces. There are many out there that would tell you the perfect number of times to post per day or week. However, you have to ask yourself is that something you can keep up with. If you are not consistent in how you show up for your audience, you will lose them. One of the best decisions I made was when I hired my social media content creator. Don’t be afraid to get help as you grow. So shout out to Sherie Billingsley, @thebrownbosscom, for all the amazing work that she does.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coachmikejames.com
- Instagram: @coachmikejames
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachMikeJames
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmikejames/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/coachmikejames
- Yelp: P&Z Life Coaching
- Other: Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/birmingham-al/p-z-life-coaching