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

Hi Lajonte , thanks for joining us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

I personally wanted to speak on this subject because it seems to be a subject I see alot on social media. 5 years ago when I started my business as a t-shirt maker I was so big on family and friend support. It really bothered me if I didn’t see my close friends and family purchase or share my work. It really bothered me when I seen someone who was in the same industry getting more support. Its funny now. Honestly, back then I looked at things way different then I do now. I realized you can seek support from those who are not for you. If someone wants to support you it will come naturally. Im very big on support. I take pride in sharing business owners accomplishments, products and services. So with that I learned “thats me” I cant keep looking for me in other people. Then I realized there was always the same people sharing my post, purchasing my products, tagging my business and so much. Thats my support. I didnt have to ask them. That was genuine. At that moment I realized I did have support and those were the people I needed to focus on. That was my target audience. So I stopped asking family and friends for support and started showing love to the people who did. I have grown an amazing support system just being me. Genuine and taking pride in my business and making my customers happy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my business as a T-shirt maker. I guess you can say Im one of those people who likes to explore. I don’t like to stick to one thing. Shortly after making T-shirt for a few years I opened a boutique in my area. I absolutely enjoyed having my boutique but the pandemic played a big part in me closing down. Even-though it didn’t affect sales it affected time in product availability and shipping. It made things so hard to keep items in stock or get more inventory. Through it all I continued to keep it going for 2 years. Now im on a new journey. Im a licensed Life Insurance agent, a Notary, Tax preparer and currently studying to be a Real Estate agent. I am finally at a stage in business where im happy. I enjoy what I do and I love waking up each morning ready to offer my service to those in my area. I never had a business where I questioned if this was what I really wanted to do. I feel I have so much support from others because Im genuine. I dont do this for the money, even-though making the money is what takes care of my family. I enjoy helping others. These days so many people are dying at a young age, older age, sickness and hate and what makes it worst is watching families ask the community for help to bury their loved ones. Its one thing to lose someone but to have no idea how to send them away properly is even more hurtful. I want to help families make sure they have the protection they need. While also knowing they can leave money behind for their loved ones. When talking to families they are so uneducated on the importance of life insurance it gives me joy when I educate them and they are happy & feel more confident having someone explain everything to them. My business has grown so much over the years, even as I transitioned to a different profession.

I serve all Texas residents. I want my clients and potential clients to know that I’m here. Im here beyond making a sale, beyond offering products and services. Educate them with so much knowledge that they will never be unsure or unprotected. As I see fit I will make it my job to be there for them every step of the way. My goal is to help my clients , support my clients, educate my clients and provide my clients with services that will benefit their families for years to come.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social media. Social media plays a big role in running a business. Everyone is on social media. Everyone goes to social media looking for services and products. Its one of the biggest platforms to grow your business. Im constantly advertising and marketing my business daily. Asking for referrals from current clients and reaching out to my followers to see if my services would be fit for them.

Social media can also hurt your business. You must watch how you present yourself to the public and customers. Everything you do is in the public eye. It also affects if a customer or client will choose your business over another company.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

This has been my most recent experience. As stated I have been in the T-shirt/clothing business for years. Now going into a more financial business its so different. I was extremely nervous about starting my new business ventures. Why would someone go to a boutique owner for Life Insurance and Notary, etc. ? Well they did. I advertised my new service and the clients has been signing up daily ever since. I always feel like I’m doing to much and I always second guess myself. Sometime I feel im posting my business too much. Why? I don’t know. I guess I never want to annoy my followers or push them away because Im always posting my business. Thats just one thing I’m still working on. Marketing has never failed me. The more I market the more clients and business I gain. It has been amazing and I wouldnt stop. I will say. Post post post. Talk about your business, advertise your business. Even if no one acknowledge it. Someone will. Just trust the process.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Lajontekirkendoll_
• Facebook: Lajonte Deshaun
• Twitter: Jonikirkendoll
• Youtube: Jayy Kayy