We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nedra Ali. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nedra below.
Nedra, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
After 15 years of working as a data analyst for a large insurance company, I decided to start my own business. I loved the challenge of building reporting and systems, so I decided to put my skills to use and help entrepreneurs build their digital presence.
At first, I just created websites for them, but soon realized that they also needed a social media presence. So I began researching the best ways to use social media for businesses. And that’s when the magic happened. I really enjoyed learning about all the different social media platforms and seeing how they could help businesses grow.
Now, I have several clients from all kinds of businesses, and it’s been so rewarding seeing them succeed online. It’s amazing how much impact a good digital presence can have on a business!
I was so excited when I told my husband that I wanted to start my own business. I knew it would be a lot of work, but I was willing to put in the hours. Plus, we could use the extra income. In March, I found out that I was pregnant with our third child. My husband and I were shocked – we thought we were done having kids! But this just gave me more motivation to make my business a success.
I worked hard over the next few months, and by December I had secured five clients and had my baby. It wasn’t easy – there were a lot of late nights and early mornings – but it was worth it. When I returned to work on March 1, 202, I handed in my notice at work and started my own business. A couple of weeks later the pandemic hit and we were on lockdown. I began working with my church digital team to get all of our sermons online, became a home school teacher, and worked on my business. It’s been a little challenging getting used to being self-employed, but it’s definitely been worth it.
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?
Simplistic Innovationz is a social media management and coaching company that helps businesses with their online presence. We produce quality videos, edit them professionally, and create digital products that help our clients showcase their vision. Our services are tailored to each client’s individual needs, ensuring that their unique voice comes through loud and clear. Whether you’re just getting started with social media or you’re looking to take your online presence to the next level, we can help you achieve your goals.
I’ve always been interested in all things digital. When I was younger, I would often be found tinkering with the family computer or camcorder. However, it wasn’t until later in my career that I realized my true passion was helping others achieve their goals online. Whether it’s setting up a new website, launching an e-course, or simply managing their social media accounts, I love seeing my clients succeed in the digital world.
That’s why they call me The Digital Sistah. Because when it comes to anything and everything digital, I’m your go-to girl!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Word of mouth and referrals helped me build my reputation. I get more clients because they can see my work and my clients refer a lot of their colleagues. I have always been a behind-the-scenes person. I let my work speak for myself. I am now starting to branch out and advertise and show myself on social media. I am also getting more speaking engagements and interviews. I am now starting to see the value in being out there and showing myself to the world. I am still a behind-the-scenes person but I am now also an out-in-the-open person.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Most people think that to build a social media presence, you need to show off everything you’ve got and be perfect all the time. But I’m here to tell you that that’s not the case! I started out by just showing myself on social media – imperfections and all. And you know what? People loved it! They appreciated seeing someone who was real and relatable.
I also stopped looking at what everyone else was doing, and started being myself. I quickly learned that people wanted to be educated and also know your personality. So I started sharing my story and experiences as a mom entrepreneur, and that helped me grow my following exponentially.
Nowadays, I’m known as the crazy fun person who just wants to see businesses succeed. And that’s because I am! If you’re thinking about building your social media presence, don’t be afraid to show your true colors. People will appreciate it, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly your tribe will grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.simplisticinnovationz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedigitalsistah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplisticInnovationz/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedra-ali-0a7baa52/
- Other: I am a true tiktoker! @thedigitalsistah @justnedra40
Image Credits
All done by Simplistic Innovationz!