Tiara Jones is a woman on a mission to get you FIRED UP about your future. She is a career coach that desires to help you turn your dream job into a reality. Tiara enjoys all things career development – from resumes to mock interviews. Her clients love her shining personality and the professionalism with which she manages her business.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
The inspiration to start FIRED UP was first kindled during my high school years. My mother was out of work for a number of years and was having a hard time getting back into the job market. I saw how discouraging applying for job after job could be, and I wanted to learn more about helping people successfully navigate the job market. I read almost everything I could learn about career development and was granted the opportunity to put that knowledge to use in college working a number of years in the university’s career development office. In my own life, my first job out of college was not a great match, and I found myself navigating the waters of the job market once again. I got firsthand experience dealing with application after application, email after email, and rejection after rejection, until I got the job of my dreams working at a nonprofit doing workforce development. I assist clients daily in furthering their education and reaching career goals. But I had the desire to help even more people through creating my own business.
Tell us about your business.
FIRED UP Career Coaching & Consulting is designed to make the career of your dreams a reality and get you FIRED UP about your future! This is done through providing various services including: goal setting, resume and cover letter design, and mock interview services. I seek to meet clients wherever they are, whether that is with looking for their first job, trying to reinvent themselves after a layoff, going up for a promotion, or anywhere in between.
Where is your business based?
My business is based out of Detroit, Michigan.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Being surrounded by entrepreneurs really gave me the push I needed. I thought about starting my business often, but struggled with “imposter syndrome”. I just had to believe in myself and my capabilities and jump!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media has definitely been a game changer. It has allowed me to connect with potential clients I could never possibly reach offline.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I think my biggest challenge has been figuring out what “works”. I have so many ideas floating around in my head. Something can go well internally, but not play out the way I anticipate.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I overcome these challenges through trial and error and research. There is a lot of information available that can save you a lot of time and energy, but some things you have to discover through making good, old fashioned mistakes.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I keep motivated by reminding myself why I do what I do. I don’t run my business for my benefit, but for the benefit of my clients. The majority of our waking hours are spent at work, so work can be a major contributor to our happiness or a major stressor. I want to help others feel fulfilled and be proud of the work they do, and that motivates me when things in business may not be optimal.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I distinguish myself through my unique lens. As a millennial, and a young woman of color, I see the world though a unique way. I have fresh and bold ideas. I have energy and optimism, and I bring that to my clients.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I ever received was to, “Jump”. My mentor said you’ll always be learning, and there will always be things you’ll have to tweak and adjust, so learn while earning.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
I would encourage other entrepreneurs to know their strengths, and not be afraid to seek help in their areas of weakness. It may cost a little extra money, but it can save a lot of time, which is invaluable.
- Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. – Les Brown
- If you are not satisfied with your current job, find another one.
- I am here to make the job of your dreams a reality.
- Get FIRED UP about your future.
- When you do what you love, you love what you do.
- What sparked the flame that got her FIRED UP. Or how she turned a flame into FIRED UP.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
My favorite business resource is technology. All of my services can be offered long distance with the help of the internet, phones, etc., so I could not live without technology.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am looking for help with how to turn followers into customers.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I am looking to continue helping clients achieve goals and career success one client at a time.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @FiredUpCCC
Facebook www.facebook.com/firedupccc
Email FiredUpCCC@gmail.com