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

Hi Mica L, thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I had the chance to start my business journey all over again, the first thing I’d change is not going at it alone for so long. I’d actively seek out mentors and engage with others who have successfully built their businesses. There’s immense value in learning from those who’ve already navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship.

When I first started Anders Genealogical Services, I operated financially just like I did in my personal life: no credit cards, no lines of credit, purely self-funded. This approach, while cautious and comfortable, had its limitations. A friend of mine, who’s not only a successful business owner but also has a finance background, opened my eyes to the importance of leveraging finances wisely in business. Unlike personal finances, in business, sometimes you need to invest beyond your immediate earnings to grow.

This advice was a game changer for me. It also meant I could have hired help sooner, from a bookkeeper to a virtual assistant, or even a research assistant. This realization helped me understand that I don’t have to shoulder every responsibility alone. Smart financial strategies could accelerate growth and reduce the burden of handling every aspect of the business single-handedly.

In retrospect, embracing these lessons earlier would have not only sped up my business’s growth but also allowed me to expand my services more efficiently, ultimately serving my clients better and enriching the stories we uncover together.

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

I’m Mica L. Anders, an artistic placemaker and professional genealogist. My work blends the history, art, and community storytelling. My journey began in graduate school, where I was pursuing an MFA in visual art and simultaneously exploring family history research. This dual interest led to the creation of Anders Genealogical Services, focused on bringing to light forgotten stories in family and community histories.

Our approach at Anders Genealogical Services goes beyond mapping family trees. We aim to unearth the personal narratives and experiences that have shaped our clients’ pasts. This unique combination of genealogical research and storytelling sets us apart.

In addition to my work with individual clients, I collaborate with museums and community organizations. Together, we research and create exhibits that highlight the histories of underrepresented communities, enriching the local narrative and deepening our understanding of shared heritage.

With over 15 years in the field, I specialize in African American genealogy, anti-racist genealogy, and the stories of Midwestern families. My art background enriches this work, allowing me to present these histories in engaging ways. A significant milestone in my career was receiving a history fellowship from the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery. This enabled me to conduct in-depth research on early African Americans in Southeast Minnesota during the 1800s. I later received the Minnesota Genealogical Society’s Pioneer Award for my continued research on this topic.

As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, my goal is more than tracing lineages; it’s about reconnecting individuals with their history and celebrating the legacies of their ancestors.

For those interested in exploring their family’s past or learning more about community histories, Anders Genealogical Services offers a unique journey into reclaiming and celebrating our rich, diverse heritage.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a social media audience for Anders Genealogical Services has been an evolving journey, intertwined with my background in graphic design and my understanding of the power of storytelling. Initially, the challenge was twofold: identifying who my audience was and deciding what kind of content I wanted to share. The branding, which I had professionally developed, was crucial. It set the tone – consistent, warm, and inviting – a reflection of the service and experience I aim to provide.

The breakthrough came when I realized the potential of using storytelling on social media. Stories have always been at the heart of my work, so it made sense to extend this approach online. I began sharing various narratives: successes and challenges faced by clients, tips for genealogical research, highlights of others’ excellent work in the field, and my personal experiences in overcoming genealogical puzzles.

Recently, I’ve shifted towards creating a more interactive experience. By sharing the puzzles and challenges I encounter in genealogy, I invite my audience to ponder and discuss potential solutions. This not only engages them but also fosters a sense of community and shared learning.

For those starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to find your unique voice and use it consistently. Understand who your audience is and what you want to share with them. Are you educating, inspiring, entertaining, or all of the above? Use your content to tell stories that resonate and encourage interaction. Remember, social media is not just a platform for broadcasting; it’s a space for building and nurturing a community.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

This past year has been a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in running a business like Anders Genealogical Services. I faced a series of medical challenges and unexpected personal and professional hurdles, each impacting my ability to fully engage with my work. These moments were not just challenging; they were eye-opening.

One of the toughest aspects was managing the expectations and deadlines for both my team of contractors and my clients. Being at the helm, it’s often easy to fall into the trap of thinking I have to handle everything on my own. But this period taught me the importance of reaching out, being transparent, and having honest conversations about my capacity and the situation.

What stood out during this time was the power of the relationships I’ve built. My team and my clients showed an incredible level of understanding and support. They knew that despite the setbacks, their interests and projects were always a priority for me. This experience reinforced that in business, it’s not just about the services you offer; it’s also about the trust and rapport you build with your clients and your team.

I learned a crucial lesson: the importance of not going it alone and the value of open communication. These ‘near-death’ moments for the business turned into opportunities for growth and deeper connections. They reminded me that every challenge is a chance to strengthen the foundation of your business and the relationships that sustain it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.andersgenealogicalservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andersgenealogicalservices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersGenealogicalServices
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-genealogical-services