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

Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

My first high-ticket client came because I worked my network.

I made my first few dollars on gig economy sites. And that was amazing because it proved that I could make money. But it wasn’t until I started charging thousands of dollars that I could see myself running a real business and not a side gig.

And that first client came because I reached out to my network. I told everyone I knew that I was running a marketing business and that if they knew someone, to please refer them.

I posted on my personal Facebook page. I posted on LinkedIn. I emailed people in the different organizations I was in. I told the people at church.

And it was because of that outreach that I got that first high-ticket client. Someone I went to church with for years. And not only that, the came back multiple times.

And this is the case for most businesses. Your first clients won’t be strangers most of the time. It will be people you know or people very close to you. And what’s so great about using your network is that they already know you. There is already a level of trust, and it makes the sale a bit easier.

That’s what my client said. She said that because she had been watching me for a while because she knew how I interacted with people, she knew she could trust me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Danielle R. Harris, a marketing and messaging consultant with over a decade of experience in the field. My journey into marketing began during a time when social media platforms like Facebook were just emerging as business tools. I studied marketing with a minor in video production at Grand Valley State University and later earned my MBA and Master of Science in Marketing from Walsh College in Michigan. Back then, marketing was evolving rapidly, and I learned to navigate the changing landscape by grounding myself in fundamental principles.

My career kicked off in the concrete industry, where I quickly rose through the ranks from intern to leading international marketing efforts for a 100+-year-old company. Despite marketing a seemingly unglamorous product, I successfully crafted engaging campaigns and strategies, demonstrating my ability to generate interest and reach diverse audiences.

In 2019, I made the leap to entrepreneurship and founded my consulting business. My focus? Helping women-led businesses attract and retain dream clients through effective storytelling and marketing strategies. Leveraging my extensive background in marketing, I assist my clients in developing personalized marketing plans, creating signature frameworks, crafting compelling keynote talks, and launching successful group programs.

My unique approach combines a deep understanding of marketing fundamentals with a passion for storytelling, enabling my clients to build authentic connections with their target audience and achieve sustainable growth. Through my one-on-one program, The Blueprint, I provide tailored guidance and support, empowering my clients to confidently navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape and achieve their business goals.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to my clients’ success. Whether through networking events, social media, or email marketing, I employ a holistic approach to help my clients establish a strong online presence and attract their ideal clients.

More than anything, I want the people I work with to know that their stories and their experiences can help them to grow their business.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My side hustle eventually evolved into my full-time business and career. It all began in 2019 when I had the idea to leverage my expertise in marketing to help others on a more personal level. While still working full-time in the corporate world, I started offering social media services for $100 on side gig sites. And that alone was exciting. I was making money outside of my job. But I knew that I wanted to leave my job and make it a career. And $100 a month wasn’t going to cut it.

One of the key milestones in scaling up my business was landing my first high-ticket client. This was a result of me using my network. Reaching out to everyone I knew and telling them I have a marketing business that helps coaches and service providers refine their messaging and attract their dream clients through storytelling.

Because of my network, and expanding my network, my business grew. Networking and sharing my message not only provided a significant boost in revenue but also gave me the confidence to pursue my consulting business more aggressively.

In 2021 I left my corporate job and decided to grow my business. That was also when I launched my flagship one-on-one marketing and messaging program, The Blueprint. This program allowed me to work with clients on a deeper level and provide them with comprehensive strategies tailored to coaches and service providers who want better marketing to fill their programs.

As I continued to refine my services and expand my client base, I focused on building a strong online presence through social media, networking, and email marketing. I also invested time and resources in further developing my skills and staying updated on the latest marketing trends and strategies.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve helped numerous clients achieve their marketing goals and build successful businesses of their own.

Throughout this journey, key factors that contributed to the growth of my business included maintaining a strong focus on delivering value to my clients, building meaningful relationships within my industry, and continuously refining my offerings based on feedback and market demand.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There are three books that really helped me on my journey as a business owner. The first is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz.

That book taught me how I should think about cash flow, paying myself, and making sure I was always building a profitable business.

The second book is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

When I was still growing my business on the side, this book helped me to stay motivated. It helped me to realize that while I don’t always know the timing of when things will happen, I can trust that it will happen. It gave me a sense of hope when being full-time in my business felt so far away.

The third book is Grit by Angela Duckworth.

This is a book I read multiple times in a month. Building a business is a long game. There are times you want to quit. There are times when you compare yourself to others and believe they are simply more talented and more capable of building a business than you are. Grit reminds us that it isn’t about natural born talent, it isn’t about being the smartest. It is about the effort you’re willing to put in over the long haul. About grit. Not only that, but you can build and grow your grit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drharrisconsulting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.r.harris/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556830281800
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerharris/
• Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/danielle-r-harris

Image Credits
Christina Jones Photo https://www.instagram.com/christinajonesphoto/