We were lucky to catch up with Keshia Cannady recently and have shared our conversation below.
Keshia, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
I am first to say I am nothing without my subscribers and those customers that purchase my books. I am often offering free services through my website. I volunteer throughout my community and with local churches. I also send unexpected giveaways and blessings through email to subscribers and on my social media sites. You must show gratitude to those holding you up on your platform. Giving back and being accessible is something many supporters look forward to from those they help support.
Keshia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I crave to strengthen others. As an author and transformational speaker, I want to share the events that were so essential in bleak moments and joyful celebrations. The most important attributes anyone can learn. The thing that sets me apart from other speakers and speakers is that I am transparent and unpolished. People find it easy to open up and talk to me. I don’t know any other way to be. Being dressed up and overly refined doesn’t show anyone who you are. Only who you present to them. I offer my scars, vulnerabilities, and strengths. I am no better than the next person. Being an author allows me to reach a broader range of people. My daily messages all me to go beyond my books. Volunteering in the community will enable me to not only show others how it is done but not to forget to do it as well.
I want the world to know that Alston Shropshire is all about healing and helping, if nothing more. If my looking at myself and showing my wounds will allow you to think about yours and talk to God about them, then I have done my part.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele will sound different from the standard answers you get from most professionals. The reason I say this is my strategy not only for my clientele but for my business is prayer. I pray that God sends me the clients, subscribers, opportunities, and customers. I do that before looking at the reports or reaching out to business associates. It is my strategy because, through Christ, all things are possible. You will be in a favorable situation when God sends your clients and opportunities to and for you. I fully believe this. My grandmother always told me prayer was the answer to everything: reports, trends, and analytics change. God never does.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My journey began in a hospital bed, with my heart only functioning at 15%. My journey continued throughout having heart surgery and receiving a pacemaker. My journey continued while undergoing infusion treatment for six months after having an infection. My journey continued after having my heart stop and almost dying. My journey included being a caregiver for a special needs son who is now taking chemo treatment while being a caregiver to another son who is a retired veteran. During all these events and hospital stays, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Concentration in Family and Children’s Services. I continued my journey by writing two books. I obtained my Master’s in Business Administration. I allowed nothing to stop me because I allowed God to fuel me. Some may call it resilience; I call it God being the center of your life and following His purpose. Life happens; you must pray and keep moving forward, hoping you are teaching others not to give up. Is that resilience, you tell me?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alstonshropshire.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alstonshropshire/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alstonshropshire
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alston-shropshire-099848219/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlstonShropshir
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOvSnvpHfR0jezrK6yMsTMQ
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/alston.shropshire.1/
Image Credits
Keshia Cannady and Crystal of Coco Creative