Christina Alva is a programmer, author and career coach. Christina is the co-author of Beyond the Job Description: How to Succeed in the Workplace and contributes to career events and media outlets as an expert on workplace issues and professionalism. She helps professionals position themselves for success in the workplace.

What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?

I was looking for an additional source of income combined with a way to help others. I have always done a lot of mentoring so I decided to write a book with my sister, writing down all the questions we get asked often and then everything just grew from there.

Tell us about your business.

I am a career coach and author. I help others achieve success in the workplace through resume reviews, interview coaching and career planning.

Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?

Special pricing is currently available for my online course, ‘Creating an Effective Workplace Brand’. The regular price is $97, but for the month of January, the price is only $47. This is a great course for anyone trying to reinvent themselves at work or for those who want to start their work year off strong.

List awards/certifications/accomplishments.

• Masters of Science in Applied Industrial Mathematics
• Co-author of Beyond the Job Description: How to Succeed in the Workplace

Where is your business based?

My business is online and I am located in Maryland.

What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?

The first steps I took to build my brand was through social media, which was a challenge for me because I really didn’t use it much before. Next, I found a mentor, someone with more experience building an online business, so that I could connect with other like-minded people. Then I wrote and published my book, Beyond the Job Description: How to Succeed in the Workplace.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?

To get the word out about my business I attend events and network constantly. I also get involved in different organizations that serve my target audience.

What have been your biggest challenges so far?

One of my biggest challenges has been getting out of my comfort zone and doing live videos on social media. Another one of my challenges has been trying to balance being a single mom, working a full time job, and finding time to build my business. I try to involve my son in my business as much as possible. This way we get to spend time together and in return he learns what it takes to build a business.

How did you overcome these challenges?

I am still overcoming the challenge of doing live videos on social media by staying connected to a group of like-minded people. They hold me accountable to the things I say I am going to do. In regards to time management, I’ve been planning out my days one month at a time and sticking to my plan.

I have had to make many sacrifices, including skipping some outings with my girlfriends and giving up movie night with my son. Every morning I state my daily affirmations to help remind myself why I am doing this. I may deviate from my schedule every once in a while, but I never give up.

How do you keep motivated through difficult times?

In difficult times I stay motivated through my support group, other business owners, authors, and my sister (co-author). I have also found a mentor who is helping me get to my next level. My mentor @ceoazarel, checks in with me and is helping me grow as a business owner.

How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?

I feel I have a unique perspective when it comes to succeeding in the workplace. I have worked in many different industries, including: customer service, retail, IT, and education. Having work experience as an employee, hiring manager, and supervisor gives me an edge, because I know what it’s like to be the new employee trying to climb the corporate ladder. I also know what it is like to have to hire the right person for the job and help develop new employees so that they are ready for promotion.

What is the best advice you have received recently?

You can’t do everything in a single day. Identify your goals and then make incremental progress. Stay consistent executing good habits daily and after time you will see success.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Network, network, network! Get out there and build relationships. You will find like-minded people who will support you and people who can put you in front of your target audience. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things that are out of your comfort zone.

What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?

I look to my network of entrepreneurs and recruiters for expanding on my business ideas and ways to improve upon my current list of services. I follow others on social media who are aligned with my goals. I also read frequently.

What is a good article or book you have read recently?

Recently I read The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen. It emphasizes how habits practiced consistently over time lead to your failure or success. Good habits lead to success and bad habits lead to failure.

What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?

I am currently learning how to build websites. It is challenging, but once I learn this skill it will make life easier because I can update my website on my own time and get creative.

What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?      

My goals for the next few months include doing more speaking events and designing several online classes that will cover the topics in my book at a more detailed level that is hands-on.

What social media outlets do you use? List them below.

Instagram @christinanalva
Facebook www.Facebook.com/ChristinaNAlva
Website www.ChristinaAlva.com
Email info@ChristinaAlva.com