Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ariel Shaw. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ariel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is relative. There are so many ways to measure success. The majority of Americans view success in relation to monetary value and materialism. But success is so much more than that. Do not get me wrong, materials are great, but does it hold the same value if you sacrificed your entire child’s childhood to make it happen? I can only speak on success from what I view as important. I set my own goals based on what I would like to achieve before I move on to the next mountain. One must be self-motivated and not looking at outside factors or people for constant validation or motivation. Some of the people most closest to you will be the last to see your potential or the full picture because of their proximity. That should not sway you, you must stay motivated and focused. As I said, success is relative. For me success is being able to achieve the business and personal goals that I have deemed necessary for fulfillment in my life. Some of those goals may have a monetary value, but most are not. I am building a legacy. I am creating and polishing my brand as a community leader, social entrepreneur and a bold woman that while working – also ensures she puts her family first. So what do I think to be successful- first identifying what success means to you and having the grit and resilience necessary to make it happen.

Ariel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a small business and women in business advocate. As a business and political consultant in my personal business, I have assisted countless businesses start and expand, as well as assist many with their political aspirations. I founded Southern Crescent Women in Business to further assist women owned businesses and women in business be successful in their own businesses with the tenants of education, support, empowerment, and funding. We span across multiple counties and will be taking this beyond the state of Georgia. Under this organization, we have many programs that also reach to young females, through our stem extension program and our Young Women of Excellence. Through Southern Crescent Women in Business, we have funded 4 women owned businesses, we have created a Women’s Business Center, we have created a CoHort for Female Entrepreneurs, we have formed a formal alliance with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and more. We have received Commendations, Recognitions and Proclamations from the U.S. Congress, the Georgia Governor, the Georgia State Senate, our local governments and more. Southern Crescent Women in Business will continue to be a force to assist women owned businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I recently posted that you must serve, before you lead. Most may not understand this concept, but it is one that has guided me and I believe is extremely critical when becoming a leader in your market and your community. One cannot truly understand the ins and outs of being in charge and being a leader without first ‘genuinely’ sitting at the foot of someone in that space. What I find, is those who have the hardest time are those who lack humility and refuse to serve. This concept is n not lost upon those who truly understand servant leadership. Most are not going to respect one who will not get in the mud with them. When you gain respect and trust, your reputation in your marketplace and community will grow.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Brand loyalty is something that all businesses should strive for. For small businesses, follow up and customer service typically hurts their brand. One must have a balance of technology, marketing and a great staff to foster brand loyalty. We have multiple ways to continue to not only grow our brand but also foster brand loyalty- and it includes the use of communication and marketing. We have multiple platforms that we use to directly connect with our clients to include texting, emailing, Facebook groups and more. We ensure that we provide branded items to our members and we encourage the use of them- whether that’s our new magazine, our golf t-shirt or more. We connect with our clients on an emotional level through various opportunities. We create products, trainings and networks opportunities with our clients in mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.scwibga.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southerncrescentwomen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southerncrescentwomen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scwibga
• Twitter: @WomenHenry
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernCrescentWomenInBusinessMediaNetwork