We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alfred Collins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alfred, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Well the process going from idea to execution took some time. I would always bbq and share my meals with family and friends. Being able to cook for the family gatherings throughout the years, was just a sign to start the business. Also catering different church functions was preparing me for what’s to come. Then Collins Brother Catering was formed, with the help of family and friends to help out with events. I believe when we understand that God has blessed us all with gifts and talents to be used for his Glory. Now I can say that I’m in position to launch out into the deep.
Alfred, 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 was raised up along with my brothers and sisters learning how to cook from our parents. I learned how to cook different meals, and would watch my parents in the kitchen and ask them questions. Any industry that one goes into, you must train yourself to be discipline and different. One of the problems I enjoy solving is knowing that I can take away from them worrying and stressing. One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to express myself by doing what I love to do. The money and fame is not the greatest reward that I receive from my clients. It’s the smile on their faces, and the fun you get to see them having at their events, functions. Also when they tell you how thankful they are for you making their day. I look at it this way, I put myself on the line every time i get to serve a client, it’s up to me to make sure they get my very best. I’m blessed to be a blessing.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Well started out by doing it as a side hustle, just making some extra cash on the side. I would always think, what if this can turn into a full time business. I had to study my craft, and I’m still doing just that. Being able to connect with others that’s not only in my industry. One must be able to go outside your norm to reach the audience you’re trying to reach. I’m still working a full time job as of now, but I’m looking to scale back from the 40 hours a week. This will give me more freedom and availability to turn my business into full time.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Before I built my customers on social media, I had to start with family and friends. These are people that I know, and have formed relationships with over time. I think you need that, because these are the people that you can take advice from, and they really want to see you do your best and achieve your dreams. This can help you build up your strengths and learn from your weaknesses at the same time. When the time comes for you to launch out onto social media, one would have established themselves.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Alfred Collins