Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alfreda Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alfreda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?
Oprah Winfrey and Angela Davis
Alfreda, 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’m a small-town girl with big passion. I’m from Monroe, GA; a country town about 50 minutes east of Atlanta. I’m a lawyer. I own my practice. I’ve been practicing for 16 years.
I got my license in 2007, right before our historical recession. There were no jobs. I had just bought my first home and a new BMW. I was not losing my new blessings, so I had to grind it out. I had to drive state to state to find work. At one time, I had a 6.5 hr commute to work. I made that commute several times a week because I had just started my business and had Court back here in Georgia.
I was fearless. I took my first family law case the week after I was sworn in. That fearlessness is what has kept me successful for 16 years while other much larger companies are dissolving. But, I didn’t want to put all those miles on my new BMW, so I drove my old faithful Honda Accord. I had had it since I graduated college. It had been shot and wrecked, so it rained inside. So, I was driving the Honda to North Carolina, Mississippi, SC, and North Georgia with grocery bags on my feet to keep them dry. Lol!
Anyway, that experience was very humbling. It was exactly what it needed. Looking back now, I don’t know where I got all the energy, but God is able. I’m so blessed now, that I don’t have to go to such lengths for work. I had to exercise discipline, focus, and perseverance to get through that recession as a new attorney.
I knew I wanted to become a lawyer one day, many years ago when my mom had a traffic ticket. She consulted with a local lawyer from Monroe, Georgia. He was very poised and knowledgeable. My mother was fixated on his instruction. His demeanor was confident, humble, and compassionate. At that moment, I said, I want to be in his shoes, not my mother’s. I love my mother to death, she is the wind beneath my wings, but at that moment, I did not want to be in her shoes.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Being a real person. Being able to relate to my clients and being sincere. My sincerity and trustworthiness cannot be faked. Clients feel this when we speak. Ppl want to know that they are important and that you care. The word will travel and ppl will come to you. Word of mouth is powerful. I have been successful without the need to do any marketing.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth. A good reputation is what you need in most industries. You can’t please everyone; even Jesus couldn’t, and he is perfect, but I strive to anyway. The money doesn’t motivate me. It’s an incentive, I won’t lie. But, what motivates me is getting things completed and putting smiles on my client’s faces.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alwilliamsandassociates.com
- Instagram: ms.ladylawyer
- Facebook: Alfreda Williams
Image Credits
The Consulting Firm