Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aurscanta Mounger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Aurscanta (R-Son-ta), appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
I started my business, NGK Consulting, in July 2020, right in the heart of the pandemic. At that time, I was in a corporate position that I genuinely enjoyed, although COVID had complicated things. The idea of starting my own business had been on my mind for quite some time. The decision to start my business came about unexpectedly during a car ride back home from Chicago. I noticed someone in need of my services via twitter, and even though I didn’t have all the pieces in place, I decided to engage with the potential client. This opportunity pushed me to quickly prepare and get everything ready. It was during that car ride that I came up with the name NGK Consulting, which has a double meaning: the first initials of my children’s names from oldest to youngest and “Navigating Gainful Knowledge”.
Looking back, I now realize that I was in a pivotal space in life, both personally and professionally, although I hadn’t fully grasp it at the time. If I could change anything about my experience, I would definitely have started my business sooner. Being proactive rather than reactive is generally the best approach for me. However, I believe that everything happens for a reason, and if anything had been different, I might not have come up with the same business concept.
Although I wish I had started my business earlier, I believe that the timing and circumstances ultimately shaped the unique path I took. I am grateful for the journey and the opportunities it has presented, and I remain committed to navigating gainful knowledge for my clients through NGK Consulting.
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?
My name is Sonta, I am the owner of NGK Consulting, and I am a Brand Strategist. What that means to me, being a brand strategist means working closely with clients to understand their target audience, brand position, and brand goals. I then establish a strategic plan and work closely with the client to execute these strategies, ultimately leading to brand growth and loyalty. This is what I love to do, whether in the corporate or entertainment world. These days, I have the opportunity to wear many hats, working in the nonprofit sector and the entertainment industry with independent artists.
My journey into this field was a result of seeking a way to connect my professional career with my passion. In the past, my professional career and education were completely separate from my true calling. Once, I found myself at this pivotal point in life I realized the importance of aligning my work with my passion.
At NGK Consulting, I offer a range of services, including contract services (part-time), artist development and management, and strategic planning. This encompasses various aspects such as product, service, album, and single rollouts, marketing campaigns, and resource navigation.
As a strategist, I empower my clients to solve their problems and reach their goals. I strongly believe in the power of conversation and encourage my clients to take accountability for their goals while strategically organizing their processes to ensure successful execution.
What sets me apart from others is my genuine passion for what I do and my joy in sharing my gifts with others. I take pride in working with underdogs and individuals starting from the bottom. Witnessing their transformation and seeing them achieve their dreams through coaching and guidance is incredibly fulfilling. I am proud of the impact I have made on the journeys of many individuals, and I am excited to continue guiding and supporting clients as they navigate their own paths to success.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
NGK Consulting was established during a significant turning point in my life. With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, I always had the desire to help people, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. Over the past decade, I explored various positions in non-profit organizations, the court system, juvenile administration and detention, mental health, and foster care. While I found satisfaction in assisting those populations, I still felt a personal void. The demanding nature of these jobs didn’t leave much time for self-reflection, and I continued searching for my true calling. The pandemic, provided an unexpected opportunity for introspection. It coincided with the completion of my master’s degree in business administration and leadership. It was during this period that I found myself at a crossroads, equipped with all the knowledge and experience I had accumulated thus far. It was a moment where I had to decide to follow my heart and have faith in what truly resonated with me. Although this space was uncomfortable and uncertain, it was within this transformative space that NGK Consulting began to take shape.
Recognizing that my passion lay in brand strategy and helping individuals and businesses navigate their journeys to success, I embraced the opportunity to pivot. I channeled my education, experience, and the desire to make a meaningful impact into establishing NGK Consulting. This was a bold move that allowed me to align my personal fulfillment with my professional aspirations.
So, the merging of the pandemic, my diverse background, and the completion of my master’s degree served as catalysts for my pivot. It was during this pivotal moment that I found the courage to listen to my heart and create NGK Consulting, where I can now empower individuals and businesses to reach their full potential through strategic brand guidance.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Certainly! I want to be completely transparent about my experience with building an audience on social media. In all honesty, I have never made it a priority to actively build an audience or curate content specifically for that purpose. Instead, I have always focused on being genuine and authentic in my posts, sharing what I wanted and letting it naturally attract those who resonate with me and my message. I firmly believe that your social media presence should be a direct reflection of who you are. However, from a professional standpoint, I always advise my clients to approach their social media strategy differently. For building a social media presence, here are some general tips:
• Stay true to your brand: Ensure that the content you share aligns with your brand identity. Consistency is key, and your posts should reflect the values, tone, and aesthetics that represent your brand.
• Post consistently: Regular posting is essential for maintaining visibility and engaging your audience. Aim to post at least three times a week, or even up to three times a day, depending on your engagement levels and platform preferences.
• Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, messages, and interactions from your followers. Engaging with your audience helps build a sense of community and strengthens the connection between you and your followers.
• Utilize both page and stories: Take advantage of all the features offered by social media platforms. Post on your main page, but also utilize features like Instagram Stories or Facebook Stories to provide additional content and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
• Consistency across platforms: If you are a music artist or have a presence on multiple platforms, maintain consistency across all of them. Ensure that your audience knows where to find your music and where they can engage with you. Consistency helps create a cohesive brand image and fosters trust.
Remember, consistency is the most important factor when building a social media presence. Social media platforms have algorithms that favor active engagement, so it’s crucial to consistently interact with the platform and your audience. Although my personal approach may not align with traditional strategies, these general tips can be beneficial for those starting to build their social media presence.
Ultimately, finding a balance between authenticity and strategic brand building is key. Be true to yourself and your brand while leveraging the tools and strategies that can enhance your social media presence.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rebranding Aug 23
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngkconsultings/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurscanta-mounger-6ba8187a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amounger
Image Credits
ShotbyJuma