We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robert Rodriguez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Robert, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
I received my first client in 2016. I was in the process of working on my business and had plans to start receiving revenue by January of 2017. At the time I was working on branding, volunteering, marketing and spreading the word. All while building up the business for free. My focus was on establishing a foundation and a network, creating content and getting the clerical duties and staff in order.
The hard work paid off and I received my first official check in October of 2016 almost 3 months ahead of time. The referral came from volunteering in the community and doing the work for free, I then got a phone call and asked how much I charge and haven’t looked back since then.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Robert Rodriguez, I am a below the knee amputee, I got into the education and entertainment field by a switch of mindset.
Ive overcame many trials and tribulations in my life that felt like setbacks, as I was in the process of becoming a father I had a sense of urgency to push my trajectory further to support my family.
Within that process I found myself in a world where I was able to embrace my disability and turn it into my super power.
From that point on I was able to create a platform for myself as a national Business Development Manager, create my own Motivational Speaking Company, become a USA Athlete, Actor, Model and much more!
I am most proud of my resilience , my hard work , and focus on what I can control which has allowed me to pivot, adapt and succeed.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
My business funding starting by doing the job for free. I used what I had around me to create a platform. I cleaned up my old computer and changed the battery so I could use it for business.
I borrowed my uncles tripod and camera until I could save up for my own, I began reaching out to contacts for merchandise support and donations.
I then saved the funds I could until I was able to receive my first payment and used all the money going forward to put back into the business.
As I was smart and strategic with my finances I saw results within the first year and was able to expand from there.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience is important to me and a core message in my mission.
Once covid and the pandemic arrived, I immediately lost 20,000 in business. I needed to regroup, refocus and repurpose.
I decided to do online motivation, as well as structured groups and promotion through social media which allowed my business to keep momentum through such a tough time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Robertanthony.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertanthony.speaker/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertAnthony.speaker
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rodriguez-3600549a
- Twitter: https://x.com/RA5ive/status/1870228267984126286
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@limbpossible8963/addons
Image Credits
Creative Studio Works Photography