Jameka Anderson- Classy Connections

Happy Tuesday #Jontourage,
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Welcome back to the “Classy Gent Chronicles”, where staying classy is the only way to be. We are back with another “Classy Connections” edition, where I will be interviewing some amazing entrepreneurs. Today for our spotlight, meet Jameka. She is the proud owner of Anderson Advisory Services.  Let’s learn more about Jameka:

Tell us a little about yourself.

You know, this is the most difficult question for me to answer sometimes lol. I’m Jameka!

I currently work for the Federal Government as a Contracting Officer (I purchase things with rules and regulations). I am the owner of Anderson Advisory Services. I’m the Chief Financial Officer of The GIFTED Network. 

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Frostburg State University.
I received my Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global College.

Last but not least, I am a pet parent to my sweet dog, Minx.

Walk us through a typical day for you.

A typical day is waking up for prayer and devotion, getting myself ready in the morning, tending to my dog, and then working my full-time job (either teleworking or in the office). I’m involved in various organizations at the moment so some of my time is spent on those activities or attempting to rest depending on the day. Somewhere in between there, I make time for my business. (I’m getting better with time management - don’t judge me LOL)

How did your entrepreneurial journey begin?

I began my journey in 2017 on the way home from work. I prayed to God while I was in the car seeking guidance on what impact I should be making in the world. I expressed and thought about how I had obtained knowledge from school and in the world, so I needed a way to pour out what I know by helping others. Businesses intrigue me because there is a wide variety of what we can do. However, behind the scene functions are the same. I saw an influx of businesses popping up, and a lot of them seemed like trends versus something that could be impactful in the long run.

I desire to help people build wealth so that they can leave something for the generations after them. So helping them type out those ideas on paper to clearly articulate their visions and projected success was the way to do it in the form of business plans.

How does your brand stand out compared to others in your industry?

My brand desires to connect with the individual to build relationships. Business plans sound intimidating when you don’t know what you’re doing. So, I promise and deliver on the human interaction which tends to lessen the anxiety surrounded by completing a business plan. I also offer a spiritual component. I am not shy about my faith, which could seem to limit clientele, but it hasn’t thus far. If my clients are open to it, I pray with them and provide them scriptures while they are in business with me.

You have helped many people develop business plans, what is a common thing you notice among entrepreneurs just starting out?

One common thing I’ve noticed is that many of them simply just want to help others. None of the clients I’ve worked (so far) have been money hungry. This is important because you have to recognize yourself as a servant regardless of you being a CEO. You aren’t impactful if your business isn’t meeting a need, whether it’s a product or a service.

Why is it important that everyone have a strong business plan?

Business plans help you to articulate where you currently are, and where you plan to go. Also, in the event that you are looking to receive investments, you will have something on paper with tons of research to present to someone to show why you are worth investing in.

The tagline of my business is derived from the scripture Habakkuk 2:2. He was a prophet that God spoke to regarding writing the vision down and making it plain so that others would be able to follow it. When you are going into a venture, you need to have something well thought out, so that you are reminded of what you’re doing, who you’re doing it for, how much your project needs (time, energy, assistance, funding) when you plan on starting, where you’re operating, and last by not least your WHY. You have to stress your why!

There are millions of business ideas in the world. What is your process for learning about a specific brand/topic in order to feel comfortable advising your client? For example, how does a meeting with a client who wants to open a dance studio look different than a client who wants to sell grills?

Two-part questions, I love them! During our consultation, I ask if the client has done research or not about their industry. I also do my own when it comes to completing the plan. I also don’t shy away from saying “I don’t know” and asking them questions since they are the expert. 

The meetings for different industries are the same, to be honest. Regardless of what you are selling (product or service) the formulation of the plan still has to answer the questions that I mentioned in the question above. The most important thing for me is to have my clients communicate the story behind what they want to do and why they want to do it. Once we have that established, the rest of the work becomes easy.

How do you feel your business coaching style has evolved since you first started this journey?

It’s evolved by going virtual. At first, I would actually meet up with people to have face-to-cafe interaction, which caused me to waste time and resources. I now take all the consultations on the phone. This seems to work great for previous clients, and I may implement video calls at some point. 

You have worked with many business owners over the course of your life. What are the top three traits for a business owner to be successful?

Patience! Patience! Patience! Did I say patience?! No, but seriously.

All business owners have to be patient, open-minded, and risky.

Patience gives us the space to give ourselves and others grace. It’s so easy to become disappointed when things aren’t moving fast enough or if we aren’t earning revenue as quickly as we should. Also, life just happens. So we have to be ok and patient on the journey.

Being open-minded helps us to take off our lense and see things from others points of view. As an advisor, I have to be willing to learn and find other ways to get things done. It also opens the door for wisdom from others.

There are good risks and bad risks, the trick is knowing which ones work for you. Becoming an entrepreneur is FULL of risks, whether you are part-time or full-time. But you cannot do your own ventures without taking some type of risk.


Where do you see yourself in five years?

In 5 years, I see myself operating in my other business ventures in addition to Anderson Advisory Services. I may or may not be in another degree program for a Doctorate (crazy right?). I will most likely still be in the government for full-time work. I will be operating more on the ministry side. I’m sure I will have speaking engagements at seminars, and things of that nature.

Personal life, I’m sure I’ll be married with a child or two by then lol

Who/What do you look to for inspiration?

God first and foremost. Reading the Bible helps me to be inspired, and reminded of God’s plan for me. 
I’m also inspired by various people including but not limited to family, friends, my leaders, pastors, and other business owners. It’s hard to name just one without naming others lol

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to breakthrough in your industry?
My advice would be to study your market, and seek wisdom from others before you get started. You will find that there are some mistakes you don’t have to make if you ask critical questions before you get started.

Outside of your work, what are your other hobbies/passions?
I love to read. I used to hate it because in school I was more of a math person (I still am). However, reading has become an awesome hobby for me. I also love to bake. Baking is significant because my great-grandma taught me and it’s a way for me to remember her now that she has passed on. It’s definitely been helping since we’ve been on quarantine due to Corona. *sigh*

Do you have any upcoming projects?
Yes! I am working on an online interview segment titled “All About Business” that will consist of me interviewing business owners on all multiple things. I hope to start in April, just need some other supplies first. Stay tuned!

How can the #Jontourage/followers stay in touch with you?
Feel free to check out my website: www.andersonadvisoryservices.com

Email: [email protected]

Social Media:
Personal - Twitter/IG: @Jameka__A; Facebook: Jameka Anderson
Business - Twitter/IG/Facebook: @andersonadvscs
I’ll warn you, I’m not as active with posting - but I will be soon. I’m always available for private messages!
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Moral of the story:  It is important to remember that “Faith Without Works Is Dead” ~James 2:26.  Thank you, Jameka, for being an inspiration to everyone you come in contact with.  If you know of an amazing entrepreneur who you believe should be featured, please contact me so that we can connect.
Remember, in order to live out your dreams, you have to think it, feel it, live it!  If you know of an amazing entrepreneur who you believe should be featured, please contact me here so that we can connect  https://www.authorjon.com/work-with-jonathan.html.  ​ Until next time, stay classy...
  
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