From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship: Birdia Chambers’ Blueprint for Business Growth
/Birdia Chambers is a seasoned entrepreneur and digital strategist with over 20 years of experience in corporate America. Drawing upon her extensive background in technology, project management, and compliance, she embarked on her journey as founder and CEO of Epic Transformation—a business dedicated to helping individuals and organizations harness the power of social media for growth. Birdia's passion lies in customizing strategies, providing consultation, and delivering training sessions that empower her clients to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. With a strong emphasis on saving time and simplifying social media, Birdia is committed to driving epic transformations and helping businesses thrive.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
My background is rooted in 20+ years in corporate America. Throughout my career, I explored various roles in technology, business, project management, compliance, and the regulatory environment. These diverse experiences allowed me to develop a deep understanding of different aspects of the corporate world.
During the last decade of my corporate journey, I was at the forefront of leading digital strategy for both B2B and B2C markets. It was during this time that I developed a passion for social media, recognizing its significance as a constantly evolving technology. I became well-versed in understanding the regulatory and legal requirements surrounding social media in various industries, which can be tricky to navigate.
In 2019, I made the decision to venture into entrepreneurship and launched my own business, Epic Transformation. I aimed to assist individuals and organizations in incorporating social media into their online presence. I also provided strategy and consulting services to help clients develop customized strategies that align with their unique goals and challenges.
My business has evolved and grown based on both my personal interests and the needs of my clients. While initially focusing on strategy and consulting, I expanded to offer training sessions, workshops, and content development services. This includes creating custom-designed graphics, crafting engaging captions, and editing videos that align with the client's brand and resonate with their target audience.
Additionally, I offer social media management services, taking control of client accounts and building a community of followers. This saves them time and allows them to focus on their core business, while my team and I handle content creation, sharing, and engagement on their behalf. The overarching mission of my business is to help clients grow their businesses through the effective use of social media, with a focus on saving time and making social media more accessible and understandable.
What inspired you to start your business?
After spending 20 years in corporate America, I developed a love for technology and the challenges it presents. Technology is dynamic and ever-changing, and I found that staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments was incredibly interesting to me. Throughout my corporate journey, I moved from tech to business, project management, and compliance. During the last 10 years, I was responsible for digital strategy in both B2B and B2C markets, which is where my passion for social media emerged. Social media, for me, represents technology and constant change.
When I decided to start my own business, I knew I could incorporate my extensive experience into it. I possessed the skills from a project management perspective, and had developed a deep understanding of the regulatory and legal requirements for social media in various industries, teaching technology usage, and helping businesses incorporate social media into their marketing strategies. I wanted to assist individuals and organizations in planning, identifying timelines, and translating them into actionable steps.
Where is your business based?
My business is based in New Jersey, but it operates online, serving both domestic and global clients.
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
The first step was having an idea and transforming it into a plan and vision. An idea is just the beginning; it needs to grow and expand. I took the time to define what I wanted my business to be, focusing on my purpose and passion. To solidify this vision, I even put pen to paper, which helped me establish a clear direction. The name of my business, Epic Transformation, was chosen deliberately to convey to clients that working with me would result in significant and impactful changes.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
The most effective ways of raising awareness for my business have been social media and word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients. I leverage platforms like LinkedIn to network, engage in speaking events, and attend conferences. These avenues help me connect with potential clients and establish a strong presence for my business.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
Transitioning from being a woman in corporate America to being an entrepreneur presented significant challenges. The unknowns, uncertainties, and risks involved made the journey quite daunting. The instability of entrepreneurship can be overwhelming. To overcome these challenges, I stayed focused on my vision and committed to it. I didn't let the risks or uncertainties deter me from pursuing my goals. It was important to resist the temptation to pivot or deviate from my original vision. As a woman in male-dominated fields, I had to confront obstacles such as being spoken over or feeling dismissed. But I constantly reminded myself of what I wanted and the importance of using my voice. Having the courage to speak up and be comfortable with being uncomfortable was crucial.
How do you stay focused?
I maintain focus through effective time management. Planning my days and weeks in advance helps me stay on track. I color code my calendar to easily understand and organize my schedule at a glance. While organization is vital, it's also important to remain flexible as plans can change unexpectedly.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
My business differentiates itself through a combination of skill set, experience, and approach. I take the time to get to know my clients, and I am selective about whom I choose to work with to ensure a good fit. Strategy development is a key aspect where not every client initially recognizes the need for it. By building relationships and customizing my approach to their specific needs and challenges, I can tailor solutions that align with their mission, goals, and business. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for every industry or client. I strive to provide a personalized and customized approach, setting my business apart from the competition.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
Social media has been the most effective marketing strategy for growing my business. It allows me to reach a wider audience quickly and efficiently. I view social media as a complement to traditional forms of marketing such as print. Social media amplifies visibility, helps generate leads, and enables me to build relationships with potential clients.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
My best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs is to be disciplined. As an entrepreneur, no one will tell you what to do or how to manage your time. It's essential to be self-motivated and plan your day effectively. While learning from other entrepreneurs is valuable, you ultimately have to take ownership of your work and stay committed to your goals.
What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
I find inspiration in the book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. This book resonates with me because it emphasizes the power of positivity and the ability to manifest our own destinies. It highlights the importance of mindset and the role of positive thinking, especially during challenging times. I firmly believe that our outlook and mindset can significantly influence our journey and the outcomes we achieve.
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
Canva is my favorite business tool. It is a versatile app that helps with graphic design, particularly for social media graphics and presentations. Small businesses often have budget constraints that make hiring graphic designers challenging. Canva provides an efficient and cost-effective solution, allowing entrepreneurs to create professional-looking designs on their own.
Another tool I find valuable is Trello. It serves as a project management tool, helping me track deliverables and action items. It keeps me organized and ensures that tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Who is your business role model? Why?
Warren Buffett is my ultimate business role model. He epitomizes success in the business world. As an expert investor, he possesses valuable insights on how to handle business operations and manage finances effectively. I admire his wisdom and experience, particularly when it comes to assessing risks intelligently. Buffett's ability to take calculated risks, which many individuals may shy away from, sets him apart. His diverse interests and investments contribute to his overall success and he serves as a constant source of inspiration and a role model for navigating the business landscape.
How do you balance work and life?
Balancing work and life as an entrepreneur can be challenging, especially when work can easily spill into personal life. While I do have an office outside of my home, I embrace the integration of work and life rather than striving for a strict separation. I believe that work and life can never be mutually exclusive, especially for women who often juggle multiple roles. Effective time management is key, and I make an effort to manage my time efficiently to accommodate both personal and professional responsibilities.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
To decompress, I engage in various activities, primarily meditating and working out - particularly strength training. Setting goals at the gym, such as lifting weights, provides a sense of achievement and helps me release stress. While I'm not an avid reader, I listen to audiobooks during my workouts to expand my knowledge and make the most of my time. I also love action movies!
What do you have planned for the next six months?
I currently have speaking engagements, events, and conferences scheduled for the second half of the year. Additionally, I will be onboarding several new B2B clients. Expansion and growth are also on the horizon, including the addition of new employees to support the increasing demands of the business.
How can our readers connect with you?
A: Readers can connect with me through various social media platforms. I am active on LinkedIn, where they can find me at @birdiachambers. I can also be reached on Instagram (@birdia_chambers), Twitter (@birdiachambers), YouTube, and TikTok. I encourage readers to connect with me on their preferred platform and engage in conversations about social media, business, and entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
Email: birdia@birdiachambers.com
Phone: 732-308-5474