We recently connected with Chesarae Woodson and have shared our conversation below.
Chesarae , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
Having an activity company specifically for seniors where we do in home activities sounds like a great and innovative idea, right? Well, in theory it’s a great idea, but in the health care industry and in any other for-profit organizations, they want to know how this innovative idea will benefit them financially.
Being the first to do anything is always harder than usual because you have to not just convince other companies it’s a good idea but how is it going to make them money. That’s the biggest hurdle that Grace Activity Company has to overcome. Making someone see the vision for the first time. Once you overcome that it’s still difficult, but proving to them and yourself that what you are doing can actually work is when you start to be more confident in what you are doing.
Confidence and consistency are the key ingredients to every successful company. Sometimes, that’s all you have to hold on to when it comes to a new company. Making sure you show up when the profit isn’t there. Making sure your heart is just as much in it when you first stepped out on faith and still in it just as much when you hear the 100 no’s because it just takes one yes to change your life and the life of your business forever. Like I always say, if you’re doing what you are called to do, money is always secondary. Doing your part to change the world should always come first.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Chesarae Woodson, and I am the owner and operator of Grace Activity Company. We specialize in providing in-home personalized activities for seniors by our certified activity professionals. I’m proud that Grace Activities gets to touch the lives of seniors and remind them that growing old does not have to be challenging.
Staying active and engaged gives our seniors a sense of purpose. We have found that seniors who don’t remain active, may potentially suffer from loneliness, depression, and isolation which can cause more health issues down the line. The activities that we provide ensure that our senior community are still active physically, mentally and spiritually. We work hard to let them know that it’s ok to walk into your golden years with your head held high.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective way to grow your business is in my opinion customer service. I am in the service business so making people feel comfortable and at peace is very important. Giving each and every person the time and respect that they deserve goes a long way in the health care business. There is already a bad stigma when it comes to health care and actually having a great level of care and respect for their seniors is the upmost importance to Grace Activity Company. So going above and beyond (within reason) sets Grace Activity apart from the others. I like to say we are the Chic-fil-a of the health care industry.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Having your own business definitely teaches you humility and patience. Sometimes there are weeks you don’t have any new clients. Having to do follow-ups, after follow-ups, after follow-ups with nothing to show for it can get pretty tedious and discouraging. Don’t get me started on the cold calls! Staying calm after having people hanging up on you, people cursing at you, and having people blow you off can be pretty tough when starting your own business. Reason being is because you are everything when starting your own business. You are sales department, marketing department, accounting department; you are everything. So having too much pride can be a bad thing sometimes. That’s the biggest thing I to unlearn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graceactivitycompanyco.com
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- Facebook: graceactivitycompany
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