We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Economy Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Economy below.
Economy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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.
I have worked for several non-profit organizations, providing services for low to moderate income individuals and families. One day, I received a phone call asking if I was interested in conducting a training. I quickly asked, “Are you requesting the organization I work for to conduct the training, or are you asking for my services?” The person on the other end of the phone requested me. At the time, I did not even know who I was speaking with. I had been top recommended by a nationally known trainer in the financial education field. I did not know that phone call would lead to a new career. I had always volunteered and worked for organizations serving individuals and families. My mission since college has been to use my education and life experience to help advance the lives of low-income families. Being passionate about my mission opened the door for me to become a national financial education trainer and financial coach.
I am always thankful when someone who participated in one of my financial education workshops says they are still applying the lessons they learned. Sometimes, people call to tell me that their credit score has increased, and I feel proud of the work they accomplished. Recently, a first-time homeowner thanked me for being her financial coach through her homebuying purchase. I am grateful for that first phone call. You never know who is watching you. Someone recognized my ability, but I had to put the work into action.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I conduct my trainings to ensure they are authentic, relatable, and fun. Yes, fun. Most people want to avoid hearing about mistakes they have made with their finances. So, we discuss real-life scenarios that most people face. There was a time when I only paid bills and never took the time to enjoy life and have fun. I learned that you can be very creative even if you don’t make much money. Plan to take a vacation and buy yourself a nice meal. Just do it within your means. I am always excited when people come back to share how they saved money and had a great time. One of my clients called me because she had just received a new credit card. She was excited and a little nervous at the same time. She had always paid for everything with cash. I suggested she begin paying all her bills with the credit card. Since she had the money, to make sure she paid off the credit card each month when the bill came. It was an airline credit card. Within a couple of months, she had earned enough points to take a flight to surprise her Godson for his baseball tournament in Orlando, FL, for only $12. I could not add more money to her paycheck, but I taught her how to use the resources she already had. This was something she could not have afforded before. Now flying to visit family is a regular opportunity for her.
I invite people to share their own success stories. Their personal story speaks volumes to the benefit of the information that they learned at the workshops. Organization leaders tell me that their clients learned something and had fun making positive changes in their lives.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
My most effective strategy for growing my business is networking. I attend many meetings and conferences. This strategy allows me to be face-to-face with community leaders. During that time, I can have one-on-one conversations and pitch new opportunities for my services. When I am at an event and there is an opportunity to ask a question, I ensure to introduce myself and my services before I ask the question. This act lets everyone in the room know I am there and what I can provide. People will generally come up to me afterward to learn about my business.
