Jamie Means, MSPH is the founder and senior consultant of JMM Consulting Agency, a healthcare consulting and recruiting agency located in Nashville, TN. Ms. Means has 5+ years of experience working with companies and organizations to help them build their workforce and reshape their internal activities regarding equity-focused practices. She is currently working on her doctorate in business administration degree at Trevecca Nazarene University; Ms. Means uses her background in chemistry, public health, and business to educate health professionals on how to transform healthcare through an equity lens. Through this company, she hopes to improve physician shortages in rural and underserved communities in hopes that they may one-day advance closer toward achieving better health outcomes.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I was born and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina in a single-parent household with my mother. I always had an interest in the healthcare field but was not sure of what I wanted to do until my senior year in college when I started my business. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have always wanted to improve the health outcomes of disadvantaged individuals.

What inspired you to start your business?

I wanted the chance to create opportunities for myself and use my educational background in public health to help transform the healthcare industry through an equity lens.

Where is your business based?

My business is based in Nashville, Tennessee

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I started my business by doing research on the market and on the best software needed for recruiters. Also, I started developing and obtaining the company documents and procedures to ensure that we are compliant with state and federal laws. Last, I began building the company’s brand and talent network.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The most effective way of raising awareness for my business has been using social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. It has helped me connect and engage with industry leaders and potential clients.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was securing partnerships with companies due to the company being so new, I had to prove to them that I could deliver results. I have overcome them through working in partnership with smaller companies who have a similar need and who were once in my position.

How do you stay focused?

What helps me stay focused is reflecting on the mission of the company and thinking about the improved health outcomes of communities that will result from the work that is being done.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

The way that I differentiate my business from my competitors is my focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. My ability to identify talent that is versatile and culturally competent makes for better placements in populations with diverse patients/clients.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

The most effective marketing strategy to grow my business would be networking on LinkedIn and attending virtual events with leaders in my industry. This method has allowed me to collaborate with companies who are doing the work that I am doing on a larger scale.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Never give up on the vision that you have for your business. Regardless of how many changes you must make to your business model, business type, location, and any other factors, just do it. It does not matter, as long as you are working toward your goals.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app is LinkedIn, it helps me stay connected with leaders in my field and stay in the know about potential career opportunities for my clients. My favorite blog (podcast) is Side Hustle Pro because it covers relevant entrepreneurial topics.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My favorite business tool is Canva. It helps me create and schedule graphics for my emails, events, and social media pages in general.

Who is your business role model? Why?

My business role model is Kandi Burris-Tucker. She is the epitome of being a self-starter and from watching her, I have learned a lot about starting and growing a business as well as investing. Also, her ability to balance entrepreneurship, motherhood, and marriage is something that I respect and admire.

How do you balance work and life?

I balance work and life by making sure that I carve out time in my daily schedule to take a break or do something exciting with my daughter. As an entrepreneur, I think that it is important to take time off for yourself and get out of working in your business for a moment to truly appreciate it in the long run.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

My favorite way to decompress is to have a foot and body massage at the spa. I also enjoy going to the salt spa and meditating because it helps me focus and relax. Both of the activities mentioned allowing me to relax and take a break from the daily grind and hustle.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Over the next six months, you can expect to see the rollout of my new course that is workforce development-oriented focusing on helping organizations improve their recruiting practices, rebuild their workforce, and engage with their patients/clients with equity in mind.

How can our readers connect with you?

Readers can connect with me on social media and on my website using the links below:

o Website Link: https://www.jmmconsultingagency.com/

o LinkedIn Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemmeans/

o Twitter Profile Link: https://twitter.com/thecareerbawse

o Instagram Profile Link: https://www.instagram.com/thecareerbawse/