Starting a service-based business can be both exciting and overwhelming. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the journey to transform their calling into expertise requires intentionality, strategy, and resilience. In this interview with Maya, an expert in business coaching and branding, she shares actionable tips and insights for building a business that stands out while staying true to your unique purpose.

Clarifying Your Expertise

Many people struggle with the transition from calling to expertise, but Maya offers a straightforward approach. She encourages entrepreneurs to reflect on their unique skills, experiences, and strengths. Begin by answering these three key questions:

1. What have I overcome in life?
2. What are people constantly asking for my help with?
3. What do I enjoy teaching or sharing with others?

Answering these questions can help you uncover the areas where you can provide the most value to others. Your business becomes more than just a service—it becomes an extension of who you are and the solutions you’re uniquely equipped to offer.

Building a Strong Foundation

When building a business, especially a service-based one, your mindset matters. Maya highlights the importance of aligning your business with your beliefs, values, and goals. Your mindset will determine how you approach challenges, set goals, and interact with your clients.

A critical part of building a solid foundation is understanding your ideal client. Who are they? What problems are they trying to solve? What are their fears, desires, and pain points? When you understand your audience deeply, you can create services and content that resonate with them.

The Power of Messaging and Marketing

One of the most impactful tools in your entrepreneurial toolkit is your messaging. Maya emphasizes that your messaging should focus on the transformation you can provide. Instead of simply stating the features of your services, speak to the results your clients can expect.

For instance, if you’re offering business coaching, your messaging should highlight how clients can gain clarity, grow their revenue, or find work-life balance—not just the number of coaching sessions you offer. The focus should always be on answering the question: What’s in it for them?

Choosing the Right Platforms for Content Creation

When starting a business, selecting the right platforms for content creation is critical. Maya recommends being present on social media, but the choice of platform should depend on where your ideal clients spend most of their time.

Ask yourself: Where is my ideal client searching for answers? Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube, ensure you’re showing up with content that addresses their questions. Maya explains that content creation is simply answering questions your audience is already asking.

For example:

• If clients are searching for “How to grow my Instagram,” create a blog post or video titled “How to Grow Your Instagram in 2024.”
• If they’re asking, “How can I charge high ticket?” create a guide or video titled “5 Reasons You Should Be Charging High Ticket in 2024.”

Additionally, consider leveraging blogging and YouTube for search engine optimization (SEO). Blogs and videos can help your ideal clients discover your business when searching online.

Email Lists vs. Social Media: Do You Need Both?

Many entrepreneurs wonder whether to prioritize social media or email marketing. Maya’s advice is clear: it’s not an either-or situation. Social media helps you attract your ideal clients, while email lists allow you to nurture and build relationships with them over time.

The goal is to use social media as a tool to grow your email list. Once you have clients on your list, you can send them valuable content, build trust, and eventually convert them into paying customers.

Overcoming Procrastination: Your Next Step

If you’ve been procrastinating about starting your business, Maya has one immediate action step for you: download her free “Build Your Online Brand Checklist.”

This 25-part checklist covers everything you need to launch your brand from scratch, including clarifying your messaging, crafting email strategies, and setting up your social media platforms.

You can access the checklist at builttoimpact.com/BYOb. It’s the perfect resource to help you take that first actionable step toward building your online brand.

Final Thoughts

Turning your calling into a thriving service-based business takes time, effort, and a commitment to continuous growth. By clarifying your expertise, focusing on transformation, choosing the right platforms, and staying consistent with your messaging, you can build a business that not only serves your clients but also fulfills your purpose.

As Maya reminds us, success begins with taking action. Start today, and let your calling lead you to impact and profitability.