Tracee Seals is a serial-entrepreneur who promotes awareness for cancer, risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. She runs a successful teaching series focusing on men’s and women’s health. And to top it all off, she is a business consultant for 501c3 companies. Read our interview with the lovely Tracee below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I always had a flair for consulting as well as motivating individuals in their own business ventures. As an educator, I felt that I could combine the two crafts together. The possibilities to consult in the for-profit education sector for curriculum development and compliance. Also on the non-profit side to consult individuals on the necessary functions to run a non-profit organization.
Tell us about your business.
One of my businesses I do is consulting and compliance for 501c3 companies. The other business is my speaking platform for health awareness. Along with my speaking platform, I sell health and wellness products. I am also licensed in my state as a Community Health Promotora. Which means I am instrumental in organizing health related expos and/or events to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and patients.
Where is your business based?
Houston, Texas, Harris County.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I had individuals that wanted to partner with me so I started from there. Also through word of mouth I had the opportunity to move to the East Coast for 5 years to work, so I gained a lot of experience there. That has helped me on the educational compliance side of my business.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I actually got a Brand Manager. I am not a social media person. So he helped me learn how to identify my target audience. Since I have a speaking platform, whenever I am invited to speak, I also get a vendor table to promote myself and sell my health and wellness products.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Starting off with limited income and self-investing in to my business.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I just strategized as the money came in where I would distribute it. Got a cheaper car. Made lifestyle changes until the businesses picked up. I also became involved with different organizations so I could network. I paid for ads on Facebook so individuals could actually find out more about me.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I am a praying, meditating and spiritual being. If it does not work for me at first, then I keep going. “We never plan to fail; we just fail to plan” is something I live by.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
A lot of my work I do at a discounted rate. Once they see what I can do, then the referrals come in as well as the repeat clientele.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I have received is to, “Know your worth”. I have a vast amount of knowledge and I do not mind sharing it, but I have been taken advantage of because of how big my heart is.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
The advice that I would give others is to trust the process. It will be hard at first, you will tread in uncharted territory, but don’t give up – remember why you set out to start it and run your race at your own stride.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Right now my favorite business tool is social media, then networking events, and lastly trade shows/vendor events.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @traceespeaks @team_tracee
Twitter @TraceeSpeaks
Facebook @traceesealsspeaks
Website www.totallifechanges.com/traceesealsspeaks
Hashtags #advocate #femalebusinessowner #traceespeaks #mentoringmatters #speakingmatters #motivator #changlinglives
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Be Obsessed or Be Average” by Grant Cardone.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
What I am currently looking for in my business with the health and wellness products are tools on how to consistently increase, sell volume, or maximize on the clientele.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I am trying to focus on getting my name out there in the avenue of health and wellness by being invited to functions where I will actual get paid for coming out to speak.
Rocio Duncan says
Funny!
Tracee Seals says
Hi, Rocio I am glad that you enjoyed the article.