We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heaven Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heaven below.

Heaven, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I came up with “Elevate Network” by being inspired with my own problems.

I got into a car accident October 22nd, and within this time frame I had so much time to reflect and think on things that mattered the most. So originally I came up with the idea of coming out with a documentary film for the city of Detroit, but once I found a solid team, we had meetings and discussed my vision. We realized it was deeper than just a movie. And it was bigger than just our city. We wanted MORE and to be global, so we decided to make l Elevate long term.

So now we decided to come out with our own Network dedicated to all creatives around the world. We plan to go Global once our show drop this year in April.

Shout out to:
@directedbydiego
@_yallknowrae
@nyachenise
@jmoney12
@carmenmirachian

For helping me build this amazing SHOW!

Heaven, 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 got into Web design / Social media management by posting my OWN Brand!

I couldn’t afford to pay anyone to help me market across different socials, nor build me a website. So I had to do all of these things myself. And of course throughout the process I have learned numerous of things.

The more I posted for myself, the more people were interested in booking these services themselves. I started to get numerous of messages and inquires about me helping them revamp their brand and helping them market on instagram. So I took on a FREE client, for a whole month! Just to test the waters…. This is when I knew I’m aligning with my purpose.

I finally launched Social Media Services and within the first month I gained 5 full time clients. It was the best decision I could’ve ever made. This also turned into me being a Virtual Assistant because companies will reach out and ask me to help them manage their business , because they may not have much time do so. So I bring the structure and planning! Now, the rest is history!

I’m so grateful for all of my clients who have stuck with me over time and who re-new their subscriptions.

And also thank you to those who support my business by reposting and recommending me to your friends, co workers, jobs, etc!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I feel as if just being genuine, open minded, helpful, and understanding with everyone is what’s helping me build my reputation.

I go around the city and meet different creatives all the time. And my first question is “what do you need help with?” This builds partnership between the two of you. Helping others where you see fit at, listening to others, giving out advice. Even offering my own services and making sure I’m being beneficial to each party I meet.

Also when I meet creatives I ALWAYS explain what I do and what’s in store! When people hear the ideas firsthand and then later on see it all turn into reality. It just make people trust you, and not only that it make them become BELIEVERS! Seeing all of your plans turn into reality. This will show consistency and hard work. This will automatically gravitate people to you and grow your respect for your craft.

Lastly, just being myself and posting my everyday life helps. Just showing people you’re a normal person too and that they can still relate to you. Like I said before , building relationships with people is how you will get far! Make your followers , clients , etc, feel like they KNOW you and you can be relatable.

Give them a reason to stay motivated everyday! Because when people see you staying on your grind that’s where the support come in at too. And people know you for being a hard worker! They can’t deny something that’s consistent.

When Building a reputation only you can set the tone , remember that. Focus on what you want to be remembered for and start working on it.

Because for me , this is only the baby steps of my remembrance . I will do more to build my reputation the way I want it.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My advice for managing a team will be . BUILD A BOND! No team will run off just the work itself, you all have to form a relationship, build trust and understanding between the whole team.

I also advise to be FIRM and never walk into a room with your team giving out options and “ideas”, when you approach your team, you should be coming with a PLAN that isn’t adjustable! So it’s ok for you to have an idea but once you present it to your team it is now THE PLAN, remember that. You have to believe in yourself if you want others to follow. Be the leader that you are! Trust your own plans.

Also respecting everyone’s feedback, input, and decisions is KEY. Just because you’re the leader doesn’t mean you don’t have to listen. Making your team feel SEEN AND HEARD will help them do their job better. Giving them reassurance and a clear mind!

Lastly, I say go on team outings.
See for me and my team I try to at least plan something once a month for us to do. It’s important for us to go out and build this type of relationship. This will also help your team gain more trust in you.

Managing a team isn’t easy at ALL! Take it from me, I know. It’ll be some hard times and good times… and the hard times might occur more. But just remember why you started! Remember that purpose. And also remind your team on why they decided to join in the first place. Keep the spark! Keep the momentum!

Don’t let nothing stand in your way, hardships don’t last forever. You can get through anything . ESPECIALLY WITH A GREAT TEAM!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/heavensmith?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DefineElevate

Image Credits
@jmoney12 @restinmidwest @defineelevate