Beverly Walthour is a certified Business & Social Media Strategist for women who work full-time and have an online business (or want to start one). She has over 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur. She is also an award-winning educator and has done extensive training all over the United States. In her spare time, she loves reading, lying on the beach, serving in her church, and spending time with friends and family.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I think I started my own business for some of the same reasons that others do. I really wanted the flexibility in my schedule and the financial freedom. (There are so many businesses that people could go in to. For example, they could easily check out something like this dog daycare franchise, but it’s up to the person for what they would like to invest in. There are so many different businesses that a person could go into. Perhaps its your life long dream to own a bounce house business. If this is the case then you should check out Jungle Jumps to help get your business to thrive). There was one point in time where I was working 1 full-time job and 3 part-time jobs. Yes, the money was excellent, but I was DEAD TIRED. I was not able to enjoy the fruit of my labor because I was always working. I started my first business, an in-home tutoring company, back in 2007. Although I could get clients, I started doubting myself. I let fear drive me back to the security of being a classroom teacher. However, the entrepreneurial bug bit me again, and I began my journey as a Business & Social Media Strategist for women who work full-time and have an online business (or want to start one). In between the time of my tutoring company and my work as a Business & Social Media Strategist, I successfully started two more businesses. Due to my experience as an entrepreneur, people were always asking me how to start their own businesses. With my experience as an educator and trainer, I could break the information down for them in a way that was not only easy for them to understand, but also easy for them to implement the strategies.
Tell us about your business.
I’m very passionate about helping women get their online businesses up and running. Oftentimes our dreams of owning our own business gets put on the back burner to take care of others. We are led to believe that we must choose between our career, family, personal time, and being an entrepreneur. However, I truly believe we can have it all, and I help them take a leap with faith of owning their own online business. They are able to do so without compromising in other areas of their lives. They create their heart-based businesses by being authentic and true to themselves. I help them confidently gain clarity, gain visibility, and gain clients in their online business.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes! I’m offering FREE 30-minute Business Breakthrough calls! During our time together, we will…
- Create a crystal-clear vision for where you want your business to be in the next 3-6 months
- Uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success
- Explore how to overcome your challenges and reach your goals
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Over 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur
- Certified Business & Social Media Strategist
- Over 15 years of experience as an award-winning educator and trainer
- Co-Author of the book: Tying the Knot Between Ministry and the Marketplace
- Contributor to various online publications, including the Huffington Post
- Keynote speaker
Where is your business based?
My business is online so I work with women all over the globe! I’m based in Atlanta, Georgia.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
The first few steps in getting my business up and running involved taking a leap with faith. I know this is my purpose here on earth! Outside of the normal legal and tax things (i.e. business license, business structure, EIN, website, etc.), I spend time each day working on my mindset. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, you must shift from thinking like an employee to thinking like a business owner. My morning routine includes things like reading my Bible, praying, reading professional development books, EFT, and meditating. I also made sure I surrounded myself with other entrepreneurial women. This has been an excellent motivator for me!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
The most effective way of raising awareness of my business and gaining new clients has been building relationships. I’ve done this mainly through social media but also by utilizing in-person networking. By building these relationships, not only have I gained clients, but also been asked to guest post on various online publications, interviewed for a podcast, co-authored a book, and been a keynote speaker, just to name a few things.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge has been time management. When I was working full-time and working on my business, it was difficult at times balancing those things, plus family and personal obligations. Once I went full-time in my business, time management was still an issue. I went from having a very structured day to having almost no structure at all!
How did you overcome these challenges?
The best solution to my time management issue was doing time blocking. At the beginning of each week, I took my Law of Attraction Planner (which I absolutely LOVE), and blocked out time each day for each of my various activities (both business and personal). This system has worked wonders for me in terms of managing my time better. Another one of my challenges was growing my audience. Everyone that builds a business goes through this, so it’s understandable. Even knowing this though, I knew I had to turn this into a positive. In order to do this, I looked into using google analytics reporting tools to help me fully understand what my numbers meant when it came to my business, audience, social media and more. Every online business, or businesses in general need to consider this in order to progress.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
The way I stay motivated during difficult times is to remember my WHY for starting my business. I know it was placed on my heart to start this business for a reason. When I think about those reasons why, they really push me to keep moving forward.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I distinguish myself from my competitors by remaining focused on helping my clients achieve the lifestyle they desire. Instead of focusing on what my “competition” is doing, I try to find ways to collaborate with others. This is such a great way to build each other up.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I’ve received recently is to declutter! Not only in my business but in my personal life. I’ve started the process of getting rid of things that no longer work or are needed in my life. I can’t receive the things I’m believing GOD for, if I’m still holding on to things that no longer serve a purpose in my life. This process allows me to make room for bigger and better things!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
My advice to other entrepreneurs is to do your business your way! You don’t have to compromise who you are and what you value in order to be successful. Don’t be afraid to speak your opinions and thoughts. The more you align your business to your authentic voice and what’s in your heart, the better you will feel and the easier things will flow. Don’t be afraid to be seen and heard. You have an incredible product or service that is needed by others. Take that leap with faith today and do something that will put you and your business in front of your ideal client. If you serve before you sell, your ideal clients will fall all over themselves to buy what you are offering.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
One of my favorite business tools is my Law of Attraction Planner. Yes, I have a calendar on my phone and my computer, but there is nothing like writing down my schedule for the day. This planner also has space for you to document your monthly, weekly, and daily goals. At the end of each month, there is a section for you to do a reflection.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
A good book I’ve read recently was “The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs” by Hal Elrod and Cameron Herold. It’s a great resource for learning how to structure your day so that you are the most productive.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am always in learning mode (I think it’s the teacher in me ?). Right now, I’m really focusing on how to create an effective launch for a group program.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goal for the next few months is to launch a group program. I LOVE working with women in groups, because the energy is always incredible. We have so much fun and they learn so much. To prepare for this, I’m doing market research to see which programs are most needed.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @beverlywalthour
Twitter @beverywalthour
Facebook www.facebook.com/coachbeverlywalthour
Facebook Group Authentic Female Entrepreneurs
Pinterest @beverlywalthour
YouTube @beverlywalthour
Website www.beverlywalthour.com
Email beverly@beverlywalthour.com
Hashtags #womensupportingwomen #womenhelpingwomen #femaleentrepreneurs
I. Hudson says
Excellent read, and even better advice! ?
Beverly Walthour says
Thank you so much. I’m glad you found it helpful!
Boho girl says
I loved! Is a good article and a lot of help for women who want to be independent and have our own business. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, you must shift from thinking like an employee to thinking like a business owner, love this part as a mantra.
Beverly Walthour says
I’m glad you enjoyed my article. It certainly takes a different mindset to be a successful entrepreneur! Let me know if you ever have any questions. Thank you.
Shannon Schindler Redman says
you are EXTRAORDINARY!! Love ya sister!!
Beverly Walthour says
Thank you so much Shannon. I really love what I do 🙂
Estelle Gibson says
Hi Beverly thanks for sharing your expertise. I’m in that stretch period where I still work full-time while building my business, at times it’s a struggle to balance everything!