We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shayla Boyd-Gill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shayla below.

Hi Shayla, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

While I help service-based female entrepreneurs across various industries, a consistent challenge I’ve noticed, particularly for those around the $250K revenue mark, is what I call the “$250K Crisis.” On the surface, it may seem that reaching this revenue is a testament to success, but it often comes with overlooked pitfalls that threaten profitability.

The primary challenge is neglect in three core areas: marketing, sales, and team.

Marketing: Many entrepreneurs haven’t developed an elevated message that truly resonates with their target audience. They might have a strategy but lack the persistence to test and refine it to obtain meaningful data. A prime example is Sonya, an executive coach I once worked with. She relied heavily on annual events and leads from talks but missed out on reaching out to past clients and fine-tuning her marketing message to stand out.

Sales: A lack of clarity in the sales process often prevents growth. Entrepreneurs sometimes neglect to hone their core offers, have ambiguous pricing structures, or don’t simplify the buying experience for their clients. This is where Sonya faced challenges as well, undervaluing her expertise and not streamlining her sales strategy.

Team: The thought of expanding often comes with its own fears. Entrepreneurs might hesitate to invest in a team, unsure if they’re “ready” or concerned about leading effectively. They might remain a solo act for too long, stunting their growth potential.

Sonya’s story is a testament to this. Although making $150,000 per year, she felt trapped at her revenue level, apprehensive about how to scale without burning out. By addressing her challenges in marketing, sales, and team structure, she could redefine her business approach, growing her revenue significantly.

It’s vital to recognize and navigate these challenges to maintain profitability while scaling. The $250K Crisis, while a sign of accomplishment, is also a call to introspection and action for sustainable growth.

Shayla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Shayla Boyd-Gill, a seasoned sales strategist, business coach, mom of 6, and the proud owner of SBG International LLC. My journey into the world of business coaching has been an organic and transformative one.

I began my entrepreneurial journey over two decades ago in the birthing industry as a doula and childbirth educator. My dedication and expertise quickly positioned me as a leader in the industry, owning one of the most successful birthing businesses in my area. This success wasn’t just about assisting in childbirth but also about guiding and educating expectant mothers.

Recognizing the skills and the passion I had, I transitioned from the birthing industry into coaching, primarily because I saw a glaring gap. As I had guided birthing clients, I began teaching birth workers how to grow their businesses. And then, I even helped former birthing clients kickstart their entrepreneurial dreams, providing them an option not to return to traditional employment post-childbirth.

As my coaching journey unfolded, I realized there was a ‘messy middle’ in the entrepreneurial world—women who had hit the six-figure mark but found scaling further challenging. That’s when I decided to focus on these six-figure female entrepreneurs, understanding that this segment often lacked the effective support they needed to catapult into the seven-figure realm.

At SBG International LLC, we offer a suite of Luxe Your Business® services designed to elevate these entrepreneurs. From private intensives and workshops to our exclusive Luxe CEO Inner Circle, we aim to provide a holistic growth experience. In addition, I extend my expertise to organizations, offering training, keynotes, and speaking engagements.

What sets me apart? Perhaps, it’s my background in the birthing industry, where patience, guidance, and trust play pivotal roles. Or maybe it’s my diverse experience, from my leadership roles in the Real Diaper Industry Association to my academic background with a Construction Engineering Technology degree from Florida A&M University.

But I believe it’s my mission that truly distinguishes me: to challenge and change the stats. Only 1.9% of women entrepreneurs scale to become million-dollar business owners. I’m here to change that.

I want potential clients and followers to understand one thing about my brand: we are committed to breaking barriers. We want to empower women entrepreneurs not just to succeed, but to redefine success.

What am I most proud of? It’s the tangible transformations. From the awards I’ve received, like the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund Forty Under 40, to the countless success stories of women who’ve scaled and thrived with our guidance.

In essence, my brand and work are about empowerment, growth, and changing narratives. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a six-figure businesswoman looking to scale, I’m here to guide you through every step of the way. So, let’s rewrite your success story together!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Fostering brand loyalty and maintaining a connection with my clients is pivotal to the work I do. I’ve developed a unique approach known as the 7 Luxe Touchpoints™, which are the cornerstone of my client relationship strategy:

High-quality
Every interaction and service I provide is of the highest caliber. Whether it’s a coaching session, a workshop, or any of our exclusive offerings, my clients can always expect unparalleled quality.

Experience
I don’t just offer services; I curate experiences. From the initial onboarding to the follow-up sessions, I ensure that every step of the client journey is memorable, enriching, and transformative.

Pricing
My pricing strategy is transparent, fair, and reflects the premium value I bring to the table. Clients appreciate the clarity and the worth they receive, which bolsters their trust in my brand.

Access
Accessibility is crucial for a high-touch client. I provide various touchpoints, from virtual sessions and direct communication channels to regular check-ins, ensuring my clients always feel connected and supported.

Timing
Timing is everything. I respect my clients’ time, ensuring prompt responses, punctuality in meetings, and delivering results within the promised timelines.

Gifts
Everyone loves a pleasant surprise! I believe in the power of gifting to enhance client relationships. Whether it’s a thoughtful token of appreciation, a resource, or a surprise bonus session, these gestures strengthen our bond.

Exclusive
My clients enjoy exclusive access to certain resources, events, and offerings. This exclusivity not only makes them feel valued but also enhances their connection to the brand.

By integrating these 7 Luxe Touchpoints™ into my interactions, I’ve been able to cultivate a strong sense of loyalty among my clients. It’s about more than just business; it’s about building lasting relationships, fostering trust, and ensuring that every client feels like a valued Luxe Queen.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that past mistakes define future potential. The backstory to this is a deeply personal and transformative phase in my entrepreneurial journey.

In 2010, I faced one of the toughest challenges in my professional life: I had to file for bankruptcy. This wasn’t just the outcome of external circumstances but also a reflection of my money mindset at that time. Despite generating significant revenue, my spending habits matched my earnings. As they say, if you make $100K and spend $100K, you’re essentially broke. The aftermath of this was not just financial but emotional and psychological. I wore my mistake as a badge of shame, allowing it to shadow my achievements for years to come.

However, the turning point arrived when I began working with a mentor. Among the many pearls of wisdom she imparted, one statement particularly resonated with me: I was treating myself like a liability. While I had learned and grown from my past errors, achieving considerable success, I was still holding myself back, anchored to that mistake.

It was her encouragement and perspective that shifted my mindset. She instilled in me the idea to treat myself like an asset, focusing on my strengths, experiences, and the value I bring. This didn’t just transform my personal outlook but also revolutionized the way I approached business.

So, the most crucial lesson I unlearned was letting past missteps dictate my worth and future trajectory. In doing so, I discovered the immense power of self-worth and the incredible growth that comes when we embrace ourselves as valuable assets.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://shaylaboydgill.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayla.boydgill/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaylaboydgill
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaylaboydgill/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaylaBoydGill
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shaylaboydgill

Image Credits
Kea Dupree Photography BluDiamond Event Management