Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tamara Allen, Founder of Speaking Out! Media, LLC., located in Norcross, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Let's see...some call me "Jackie-of-all-trades. I am the founder and owner of Speaking Out! Media, LLC, Certified Life & Career Coach, Author, Public Speaker, confidant...a friend. My customers are anyone who needs assistance getting to the next level in life - career transitioners, down-on-their-luck, veterans, students, small business owners, and more.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up, my family attended a church that welcomed a lot of people that society would reject. I saw how punitive the world could be, leaving individuals struggling to find a thriving wage and resources to help pull them out of poverty. Being a first-generation college student, I experienced the challenges that came with trying to complete a degree while supporting myself. Every obstacle I overcame and saw others push through, I carried those lessons and skills with me. As I grew professionally, I felt the need to reach back and help others who were either like me or someone I knew. I started to be a vocal advocate for those who did not have a voice, as well as provide quality programming and services to help them to navigate a complex world. That's when I started Speaking Out! Media in 2005.
Speaking Out! Media, LLC is a brand management company that specializes in helping self-starters to build out their professional image and achieve specific goals.
Under its umbrella were/are nonprofit initiatives like Under Sister Circle Alliance, B.R.I.D.G.E. Innovation Project, and RE: Brand. My brand, T. Allen Speaks™, provides programming to empower and enlighten people through life lessons (Coaching the Coach Life Series on Facebook) and hot topics (Speaking Out! Saturdays on YouTube and The Speaking Out! cast on all podcasting platforms).
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is connecting with clients who are succeeding in their professional lives due to the collaborative work we do on a weekly basis. What touches my heart the most are the job-readiness workshops I do for nonprofit organizations like the Atlanta Public Libraries. Additionally, I am the Senior Manager for Business Solutions with a nonprofit organization called Per Scholas (Atlanta), where I help individuals, sometimes from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, to find employment after completing free training in the technological field. "Do what you love and never work a day in your life." I am fortunate to receive a salary for doing what I love: helping others.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is sustaining clientele. Consulting can be a feast or famine industry, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Begin with a detailed plan and network.
- Surround yourself with the right people.
- Have patience with yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tallenspeaks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tallenspeaks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallenspeaks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tallenspeaks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tallenspeaks/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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