We were lucky to catch up with Agatha Marshall recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Agatha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My name is Agatha Marshall, and I am a mother of three. I would like to point out that I have been managing people for the past 17 years. Some may argue that managing children is not considered management, but I disagree. As a parent, I have overseen my children’s education, ensuring that their homework is complete and even assisting with creating projects. Managing a family is like managing a small organization.
Aside from my experience as a parent, I have over 25 years of experience in project management and consultation services. I have worked in various sectors, including non-profit organizations where I managed a conference that hosted 3,500 women from all over the world. I have also implemented processes and procedures for startup companies and mega-churches. Furthermore, I have traveled globally, consulting with communities and organizations to help implement necessary resources.
Agatha, 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?
J.A.K.S. Management Inc initially started as a record label but later transformed into a multifaceted consultation business under new leadership. The company offers a range of services, including project management, business consulting, content creation, social media strategy, customer success management, and more.
As a single mother of three, I had to supplement my income after separating from my ex-husband. However, transitioning to a business consultation service wasn’t easy, as the market was crowded with people claiming to be experts. To stand out, I initially offered my knowledge for free, hoping to help those who couldn’t afford high-end consulting firms. But I soon realized that giving away my expertise wasn’t sustainable.
What truly sets my company apart is the purpose behind my passion. With a background in operations management, customer service, media consulting, and advising, I understand the challenges that come with starting a business. From taking a business from the ground up to becoming a multimillion-dollar company, I know the true grit and grind required to get there. As a mom and a business owner, I bring a unique perspective that helps my clients navigate their way to success.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Have you ever experienced loss? It can come in many forms, from losing a favorite pencil to losing a beloved pet or a close family member. I’ve experienced all three. Losing my favorite pencil may not have been a significant loss, but it was still something I enjoyed using. Losing my first pet dog, Bo, was heartbreaking. Someone poisoned him, and it was devastating. But the loss that impacted me the most was that of my grandmother, who was the backbone of my existence. She supported me through everything I ever wanted to do in life.
Despite these losses, I’ve managed to keep going. As someone once told me, “You’re like a mechanic, always ensuring everyone else’s car is taken care of and not your own.” It’s an apt analogy, but I’m learning to take care of myself as well. And I remind myself that the storm eventually runs out of rain. These affirmations are what keep me going.
Right now, it’s 1:00 am, and the house is quiet. It’s the only time I have to map out my goals, go over my to-do list for the next day, and plan my next course of action. I’m able to work on projects assigned to me without any distractions. I can post more on social media accounts I manage, plan for the next week, and work on my own projects. In a few hours, my children will be up, and I’ll be back to being a mom. But this quiet time is what pushes me to keep going. One day, it will all be worth it, and I’ll be able to rest. That’s what I hold onto.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When clients come to me for consultation, their first question is usually “How can I let people know about my business or service?” My first response is to ask if they have a presence on social media, and more often than not, the answer is “NO.” I then explain that customers, clients, and companies won’t just magically appear and that having a presence on social media is a must. It’s the free way to market who you are and what you offer.
I believe in organic growth and advise against buying or selling followers. Not only is it unnatural, but it won’t show the true potential of what you can offer. Social media is now saturated with fake profiles and bots, which don’t count as real engagement or business opportunities. Therefore, it’s important to focus on natural growth and staying true to yourself. Keep track of the algorithm, but don’t compromise your authenticity. Going viral overnight is rare, and followers don’t necessarily equate to success. It’s more about being visible and reaching your target audience.
Another important aspect is staying on brand. While it’s okay to explore trending topics, it’s important to tie them into your brand and who you are. I never post anything that doesn’t align with my personal brand, no matter how popular it may be. I want people to see the creativity of my content and the relatability of who I am. As the face of my brand, I aim to make people feel safe and comfortable doing business with me. People have recognized me in public and I always tell them that they may have come across a post, but then we dive into their goals in life and I offer my services. My gift is helping people find their purpose and bringing their vision to life through their businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jaksmanage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaksmanage/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agathamarshall31/