We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terri Ford. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terri below.
Terri, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
A Leap of Faith: My Journey from Banking to Entrepreneurship
How One Life-Changing Risk Redefined My Purpose
The Comfortable Routine
For thirty-five years, my life unfolded behind the polished glass doors of a bustling commercial bank in downtown Macon, Georgia. When I first walked in as a fresh-faced college graduate, eager and slightly intimidated by the marble floors and the steady hum of business, I never imagined I would one day be the vice president and branch manager. My days were filled with numbers, ledgers, loan approvals, and helping community clients realize their dreams—buying homes, opening businesses, sending children to college.
Banking was more than a career; it was a calling. I had built relationships that spanned generations, watched families grow, and guided people through financial storms and sunny days alike. The bank became my second home, and my colleagues, an extended family. But as the years rolled by, a quiet restlessness began to stir within me—a longing for something more, something that belonged to me alone.
The Turning Point
Retirement came with a congratulatory cake, heartfelt speeches, and deciding what’s next. Yet, as I packed away my office, a mix of pride and anxiety flooded my thoughts. What now? I was used to being needed, to making decisions that mattered. The prospect of idle days seemed suffocating. I craved purpose, challenge, and, above all, the chance to create something of my own.
It was during a few weeks of quietness and contemplating thoughts that the seed of an idea took root. Over decades, I had watched small businesses struggle to access the right financial advice and services. I had watched families confused by complex mortgage terms and retirees unsure how to protect their life savings. I realized I was uniquely positioned—with practical experience, a deep understanding of local needs, and a network built over a lifetime—to serve people in a new way.
The Life-Changing Risk
Starting a financial services business was not a decision I made lightly. My friends and family questioned my sanity. “Why not just relax? You’ve earned it,” they said. But for me, stepping out on faith felt not just right but necessary. I knew the risks: the financial uncertainty, the endless hours, the possibility of failure. But I also knew that my years as a banker had equipped me with more than technical knowledge. I understood the heartbeat of the community and the value of trust.
I poured over business plans, attended workshops, and refreshed my knowledge through online courses. My educational journey never really ended; it simply evolved from classrooms to boardrooms and now, to entrepreneurship. I reached out to mentors, dusted off old contacts, and began building the foundation of my company.
Building from Experience
Life had taught me resilience and adaptability. I knew that success wasn’t guaranteed, but neither was regret. I leveraged my reputation for integrity and my understanding of both the pitfalls and potential in the industry. I hired a small but passionate team—many of whom were former colleagues who believed in my vision.
The first few years was grueling. There were late nights, missed weekends, and moments when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. But there were also small victories: the first client who trusted me, the first bookkeeping & payroll client, the positive testimonials. Each milestone reaffirmed my belief that this leap of faith was not just about financial success, but about leaving a legacy of service and empowerment.
Conclusion: The Power of Faith and Experience
Looking back, stepping out on faith to start my own financial services business after a lifetime in commercial banking was the greatest risk I’ve ever taken—and the most rewarding. It was a journey fueled by the life lessons gathered over decades, the business acumen honed through experience, and an unwavering belief that it’s never too late to chase a new dream. My story is proof that an African American young lady, beginning retirement isn’t the end of purpose; sometimes, it’s the beginning of a legacy. A legacy with many firsts: first in my family to own a business, first African American to purchase and lease out commercial office space in the historic district of downtown Macon.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Supporting Small Business Entrepreneurs: Solutions for Bookkeeping, Payroll, and Office Space Needs
Empowering Visionaries to Launch and Grow Their Businesses
Starting a business is a journey fueled by passion, vision, and countless challenges. For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those beginning with nothing but a great idea, navigating the practicalities of running a business can feel overwhelming. My mission is to support small business owners at every step by providing essential services—bookkeeping, payroll management, and office space solutions—so they can focus on what matters most: growing their business.
Bookkeeping: Turning Numbers Into Clarity
One of the most common hurdles for new entrepreneurs is managing finances. Keeping track of expenses, revenue, and cash flow can quickly become confusing, leading to costly mistakes or missed opportunities. I offer comprehensive bookkeeping services that simplify the financial side of business. With accurate records, regular reporting, and expert guidance, entrepreneurs gain clarity and confidence to make informed decisions and stay compliant with tax regulations.
Payroll Services: Streamlining Employee Management
As businesses grow and begin hiring, payroll becomes a critical responsibility. Handling paychecks, withholdings, and tax filings can be complex and time-consuming. I provide reliable payroll solutions that ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, every time. My services help entrepreneurs avoid compliance issues and penalties, while also freeing up valuable time and energy to focus on core business activities.
Office Space Solutions: Creating a Professional Home Base
Many entrepreneurs start their businesses from their kitchen tables or coffee shops, but as the business grows, a professional workspace becomes essential. I connect small business owners with flexible office space options—from coworking desks to private offices—that fit their needs and budgets. These solutions provide the infrastructure entrepreneurs need to meet clients, collaborate with teams, and establish a credible business presence.
Supporting Visionaries from Day One
Whether you’re in the early stages of launching your business or ready to expand, my goal is to remove obstacles and provide practical solutions. By handling bookkeeping, payroll, and office space needs, I help entrepreneurs turn their vision into reality—empowering them to build sustainable and successful businesses with confidence.
Every successful business starts with a dream, but it takes the right support to bring that dream to life. My comprehensive services are designed to address the unique challenges faced by small business owners, allowing them to focus on their passion and grow their ventures. Together, we transform ideas into a thriving enterprise.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Effective strategies for growing my clientele combines understanding my target market, leveraging marketing tools, nurturing relationships, and consistently delivering value. This is one of the hardest areas for me is marketing. I’m listing a couple of marketing strategies I consistently use and have to tweak constantly:
1. Understand My Target Audience
Knowing and identifying my ideal customer. Develop detailed buyer personas that include demographics and understanding who my desired clients are enables me to tailor my services and marketing messages to their specific needs.
2. Building and Optimizing An Online Presence Is Key
• Professional Website: Ensure I revamp my website ongoing and ensuring it’s user-friendly, and that it clearly communicates my value proposition.
• Active Social Media: Engage with my audience on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram, depending on where your target clients spend their time.
3. Network and Build Relationships
• Attend events, conferences, and networking meetups to connect with potential clients and partners.
• Join professional organizations and online communities relevant to my business industry.
• Ask for introductions and referrals from my existing network and clients. This has worked the best for me.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that it’s okay to try new ways of doing business. I had to realize that the key to growth
In the fast-paced world of business, clinging to the same methods and routines can often times hold businesses back. These are the same lessons I have to communicate to my clientele. While tradition and established processes have their place, the most successful businesses understand the need to periodically unlearn old ways of doing things. This means letting go of habits and practices that may have worked in the past but are no longer effective in today’s rapidly changing environment. When working with clients I have tell them my story and how it helped me to grow.
Trying new ideas and adopting fresh approaches open the door to unexpected opportunities and improvements. I’ve found that it’s an uncomfortable feeling stepping out of a comfort zone, but embracing new ways of doing business is often necessary for growth and competitive advantage. Success in business rarely comes from doing things perfectly the first time. More often, it results from a process of trial and error—testing out ideas, learning from mistakes, and refining approaches. This process allows my company the ability to discover what works best for my unique challenges and goals. Accepting that not every new initiative will succeed on the first try encourages a culture of resilience and continuous improvement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twfsolutions.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twford77
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twford77
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-ford
