We were lucky to catch up with Denise Murray recently and have shared our conversation below.
Denise, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Early in your career, how did you think through the decision of whether to start your own firm or join an established firm?
When I starting out in business, I started on my own.
I made the choice to start a business on my own because I was tired of relying on other corporations to employee and pay me.
Looking back, I think I made the best choice I could have ever made.
I moved from Philadelphia to Georgia in September 2008.
The first job I found was with a temporary agency working for a company that shared the same schedule as the schools. What that means is, that when school was out I was off. Christmas came and I went home to be with family since I was going to be off for 2 weeks. When it was almost time for me to return, I received a call stating that the job ended. I said to myself, if I would have known this I would have never went home for the holidays spending unnecessary money. However, it was over and there was never I could do but come home and started looking for another job.
I found a job after a month working for a mortgage company. I worked there for a year. The company then had a meeting stating that they were sailing the company and closing the call center in 3 months. They stated if we stay during the process, we would receive a severance package. I knew I had bills so I couldn’t take this risk of not having an income so I began looking and coming up with a plan B.
It was around tax season, I made the decision to take a tax course and start working with a tax company. By doing this I forfeited the severance package but at the time I didn’t care as long as I was going to have a steady paycheck. After completing the course I found out I was only going to make minimum wage and I wouldn’t get my commissions on the taxes I prepared until after tax season. After I did the math, I said that will not work for me so I went back on the job search.
I found my third job working temp to perm with a law firm. I was so happy with this position because I made good money, great benefits and even greater bonuses, plus I became permanent after 90 days. I was with the company for 5 years until we had a meeting stating they were downsizing and closing the call center. They advised we would get a severance package, unemployment and help with looking for work as long as we stay until the end. This time I had learned my lesson so I just stayed but when the doors closed I used that time to go back to school and obtain my Degree in Accounting. I even looked for intern work just to get my foot in the door but only part time work so I could still focus on school.
I found an intern position working for an accounting firm. They loved my work so they actually paid me to be an intern and then hired me after finishing school. Being with that company is when I learned a lot about business because they handled more corporate accounts, rather than personal. After two years of working with this company they then sold the business to another company. The best thing that happened with this sale is that things stayed the same so I continued to work for them. I then made the decision to start my own business. However, I couldn’t really market it because it would be a conflict of interest so the majority of my clients were family, friends and referrals. During this time a girl that knew me from someone else was on my facebook page. She was asking me if I wanted to make money with travel since she see that I was posting my family gatherings on there so I then went to meeting and got signed up to start a travel business. Now I didn’t work it as a business but I just use the perks and made thousands on my own travel on the side. After two more years they sold the company to the company I had to say no to because of the low pay and late commissions.
Now I was stressing to look for another job. I found another job. The manager was very knowledgeable but she looked down on everyone and talked to people like they were nothing. It took me one hour and thirty minutes to two hours to get there and to get home. I would work there and come home and still work since I was in payroll and there were people who worked the late shift. I worked late hours at this job with no raises and went the extra mile on getting things done but it was never really appreciated. I realized that I needed to do something else but I was stuck on leaving because of the benefits and job security. I use to come home and complain about it to my man and he would tell me to quit. He said start having more faith in yourself and stop being scared. I finally took that leap of faith December 2021.
I am so glad I made that decision because not only did I double my income in the first year but I also saw a lady in the travel business that left her job due to residuals with travel so that made me start taking that business more serious as well and I have helped over 80 people start their own business. So I will never regret the choice I made with starting my own business. Not just in reference to the layoffs but the fact that I because more present in my daughters life. No more missing events at school. I was there for it all the way to college.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into the financial industry because I was always the child that liked math so I have worked in that field for a very long time.
What sets me apart from others is that I help my clients with many financial needs but with a personal touch. I do not just help financially but I help people become entrepreneurs and walk them through the entire process.
I am most proud that I met a lady by the name of Brandy James who connected me with the Rise of the One percent for business growth because I went from making $10k to $80k in my business with in a few months. I am also happy to have a supportive man and family. My family supports me but my mom will tell everyone she talks to about my business.
The main thing I want potential clients to know about my business is that I don’t just process work, I teach. I want to make sure my clients not only get their work done but they understand what they have and what they are looking at.
I process corporate taxes, personal taxes, sales tax, payroll, bookkeeping, and help clients get their businesses set up along with getting ready for business credit.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson that I had to unlearn is that I was taught to go to school and get a job. I realize now that if you are not going to be a doctor, lawyer or accountant you can just go to a trade school. Don’t spend all that money on college and then you owe more than you make. Invest in yourself because you are your greatest investment. You can always make money and hire your family to create generational wealth.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What helped me build my reputation within my market is when I was connected with the Rise of the One Percent. I knew how to set up a business and work my business but I had very low knowledge of marketing on social media. In the beginning I was trying to do paid ads and boosting post. I never knew how to build clients organically or how to make funnels or landing pages etc. The Rise of the One Percent taught me how to do all these things. Having the knowledge to do things for your business yourself is the best thing you can ever imagine because not knowing can have you relying on others and that is a method to disaster.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ubellc.net/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ubellc_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ubellc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-business-experience-llc/
- Other: Nextdoor https://nextdoor.com/pages/unique-business-experience-llc-ladera-ranch-ca/?recommend=1 TikTok www.tiktok.com/@ubellc
Image Credits
Photos: Rise Media Agency