We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shakira Releford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakira, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

In 2021, I just completed my master’s degree while working as an education director for a nonprofit in Iowa. I had been working with a business coach who taught me the importance of branding myself and building confidence in my knowledge and wisdom in grant writing, nonprofit consultancy, and behavior analysis. While working a regular 9-to-5 job, I was also building my podcast to be the primary platform for my consulting business.

I loved my job and didn’t plan on leaving, but I prayed for an opportunity to use the skills. I have been learning from my coaching and applying those skills to someone else’s business.

One day, I received an email from a woman named Tina. She was emailing me about a potential internship opportunity at the nonprofit I was working. With excitement, I emailed her right away to schedule a brunch date and discuss how I could help her with her internship. A few days later, we met up and connected so well. We talked for hours that day.

Tina shared with me about her amazing family and her expertise in marriage coaching. Although she didn’t have a business, Tina didn’t know that I was mapping out her entire business plan as she shared her aspirations and areas of concern. I gasped really loud and said with confidence, “You don’t need this internship. You need to start a coaching business”. Tina looked puzzled and nervous as she stared at me for what seemed like an eternity before finally saying, “I do”? I expressed my excitement about her new business venture by saying, “Yep, and I can assist you in making it a reality.” I was so nervous.

I pitched her my on-the-fly coaching model and explained each step of my process. Tina said she’d think about it and talk it over with her hubby. She accepted my offer within a few days. We worked collaboratively through every step that I had learned along my journey and she was now a highly successful marriage coach!

Thinking about this story always reminds me of the seamless process of securing my first client. I smile, knowing that Tina has seen success in her business and has grown so much.

I’m proud of the work we have done together and the work I get to continue to do with all my clients. Whenever doubt creeps in, I remind myself that I have the knowledge and wisdom needed to help bring clarity to other aspiring business owners. I love inspiring other people to follow their dreams and become a person of influence because their gift matters in this world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Shakira Releford is a professor in Social & Behavioral Sciences. Her expertise comes from 12 years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), public health professional, trauma-informed specialist, Restorative Yoga Practioner, and educator. She shares her lived experience living with OCD to inspire others to reduce their anxiety and walk in confidence in their purpose.

Shakira also provides nonprofit consultancy for smaller nonprofits and social enterprises. She has worked with a team of highly skilled nonprofit professionals to support minority-operated businesses and nonprofits to achieve over $10M in funding over the last several years.

Shakira advocates for neurodivergent youth and young adults to achieve their dreams so they will believe success is possible for everyone.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I made a lot of pivots in my life, but the most memorable one was nearly 2 years ago when the “dream job” I thought I wanted never came to pass. After I received my master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, I spent the next two years studying for the board exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

I took the board exams six times, hoping to see the “Congratulations, you passed!” message! But I didn’t pass. While this was happening, I had just launched my nonprofit organization, the Connecting Youth Achievement Center, with the intention of becoming a BCBA and operating my own autism clinic. However, things took an unexpected turn.

I reached the end of my two-year window, but I didn’t get the four letters I felt were owed to me. At this stage of my life, my husband, daughter, and I relocated to Indiana (our hometown) to be closer to family. I was overwhelmed by anxiety and depression for a few months. My sense of purpose disappeared when my identity relied on those four letters. I was talking to my accountability partner from Celebrate Recovery one night and expressing my strong desire to work in higher education and teach future leaders how to be influential in their fields. My husband and I had the same desires, and he motivated me to apply as an adjunct at one of my alma maters.

Although I was reluctant, I took the leap and applied for an adjunct position at my alma mater. A few weeks later, I received a call from the department of social behavioral sciences, requesting to interview me as an adjunct for psychology classes. I felt a rush of excitement as my long-awaited dream became a reality. In one year, I transitioned from adjunct to full-time Faculty professor. The job I once thought was my dream didn’t give me a sense of purpose. I thought working in higher education and gaining credibility required the “BCBA” path, but God had different plans.

My life experiences have shaped me into who I am, not just a few letters on a piece of paper. The opportunity to shape my students into influential individuals in their respective fields is a greater reward to me than any academic qualification.

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

I learned how to study the art of storytelling. As a Grant writer, most of the applications I work on is about sharing a mission around a narrative that funders can relate to and want to fund. The same principles that I apply with grant writing I also apply with marketing and growing an active social media presence.

My three favorite strategies of success when it comes to building an audience on social media is number one, knowing who you want to speak to. Creating a fictitious persona/avatar of the ideal funder, ideal donor, or ideal customer is what will help others who are not familiar with your business’ Mission or vision to really get connected to you and your mission on a personal level.

Number two, always remember that you are competing for attention. Every post has to be eye-catching or have the ability to captivate your audience’s attention. My favorite things to include are words of wisdom, statistics, and one or two sentences that highlight our consumer’s lived experiences.

Lastly, Post often! It’s easy for entrepreneurs to assume that everyone will see your post when you post one or two times, but the reality is that because we are competing for attention, having a post here or there doesn’t gain the traction you are expecting to receive. Make your post your platform and post frequently and consistently.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakira-releford/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lifeonpurpose89?si=RkB3DUIoRfHjx3nQ
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-unplugged/id1578182795