We were lucky to catch up with Christian Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christian , thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your firm earns is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
Actually, one of my official first clients was a former coworker and friend by the name of Tifa Owe. Prior to launching the business, I would help clients with their professional development needs for free. When I told her that I was toying with the idea of launching a business, she cash apped me $100 and said that she planned to be my first paying customer. Although she didn’t need me at the time, she knew that she would eventually.
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
I began my career in supply chain management in 2015 post-MBA graduation. I soon realized that this wasn’t my career path for me. I eventually discovered a side/passion project that I was good at: writing résumés. I was always a strong writer and excelled in academic essays and research papers in high school and college. In fact, I actually scored highest in the English and Reading on the ACT.
I started my business in October 2018 and it was just a “side hustle” at the time. I became more and more dissatisfied with my 9-5 and realized just how miserable that I was. In April 2019, I decided that I had enough and resigned and decided that I would solely focus on my business.
My business initially only focused on résumés and cover letters. Since its inception, I have expanded the scope to include personal statements, salary negotiations, interview preparation, LinkedIn revamps, biographies, etc.
A few of the largest problems that I solve for my clients include but are not limited to:
1) articulating their professional competencies and accomplishments on to paper
2) instilling confidence in my clients that was previously lacking
3) helping minorities and women advance their careers and close the earning gap
4) and helping gain employment at Fortune 500 companies that previously overlooked them
One of my most common quotes is that, “Oftentimes, it’s not that people aren’t qualified for roles. It’s that they can’t show that they are.” And that’s where I come in handy!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One thing I had to unlearn was thinking that you have to have your life completely figured out at any point in time. Society teaches us that we should know what we want to do career wise/professionally at the age of 18. We should go to college, select a major, and work in that field until we retire. I think today’s society has proven this to be not only difficult but somewhat unrealistic for many.
So many of us, regardless of age, are still “figuring it out”. In fact, I recently heard a quote that said something to the effect of everyone is still figuring it out because it’s a lifelong process. While it’s always good to have a plan, it is important to be adaptable when things don’t go exactly according to the plan. I never thought that I would resign from my 9-5 to focus on a business full-time. However, this is where my career led me and I’m making the best of it!
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I keep in contact with clients by sending out direct e-mail communications using a CRM platform. On a more personal basis, I also will text and e-mail clients to follow-up with them on their progress directly if I have not heard from them within a month or two after their consultations. I want my clients to know that I remember them and that this is not just a transactional service, but a customized one. This business was started to help people achieve their goals and I am here to do just that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cjwconsultinggroup.com
- Instagram: @cjwconsulting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CJWConsultingDetroit
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cjwconsultinggroupllc/