Today we’d like to introduce you to Risha Ferdinand.
Hi Risha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My career started off in accounting back in 2006. Because of my work ethic, my Chief Financial Officer took me under her wings to work with her, in her private accounting practice. That was the start of my entrepreneurial journey. From 2011 to 2020, I have been working as an outsourced accountant for small to medium-sized businesses. But something was different. I did more than prepare financial statements. I was able to translate the financial reporting language into business language for my clients to understand. I would give my clients strategies to improve the way they operated their companies and saw each business succeed as a result.
In Jan 2018, I walked away from my corporate job and into my registered business, Strategic Business Management Agency. No more side-hustle for me! I retired from corporate with sufficient accounting clients on retainer to help me live a comfortable life.
At that point, I was able to expand my services. I introduced business consultancy services to grow any organization. I would tear apart the organization structure, identify areas for improvement then formulated a strategic plan to grow businesses.
The more I saw my clients’ businesses grow the more I disliked preparing financial statements.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I took that opportunity to stop offering accountancy services and place greater emphasis on offering strategic management services.
My debut into the international space was through my Global Summit that year. I had celebrity speakers speak about all things women.
In 2021, I hosted season one of my TV Talk Show, Direc-Her Business, which was aired on Roku TV.
Somehow, I was able to marry my love for numbers and business strategy to conceptualize a tailored strategic plan for business growth.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey was not an easy road. It cost my sleep, family time, and a healthy lifestyle.
Being from the Caribbean, I felt as though no one would want to hire me to be their Business Coach/Strategist. I disliked hosting Live Training and Webinars because of my accent. I felt insecure!
However, that came to a sudden end because I knew I had a solution that was in demand and a sister needed money to pay her bills.
I spent many nights creating content for social media and clients. I worked with my clients as a team member to help them implement the strategies I gave them. I was more than an accountability partner!
The reward was seeing my clients’ businesses grow in sales, profits, and efficiency.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Strategic Business Management Agency presently offers business consultancy and management services to established Boutique Owners.
We help businesses create an organizational structure that is built to last. Store owners that want to formalize the way they do business and increase efficiency and profits, are the ones who reach out to us.
In order for growth strategies to be conceptualized, we conduct a detailed business audit. We look at the systems and processes to place a stock order, engage with shoppers, update the website, account for cash, and to manage financial reports, among many other things.
After the audit is done, based on the findings, then I create the strategies to grow the business.
Growth means different things in each boutique. Growth takes the form of increased sales, profits, visibility, efficiency, engagement, physical storefront, etc.
We work specifically with established boutiques because these entrepreneurs lack the cohesiveness that pulls all moving pieces together in their business. Our clientele knows marketing is beyond having a glitter logo and engaging in FB groups. They are aware of all that is required to take them over $100k in profits but they need someone to come in and streamline operations so that they can pass that $100k in profits.
Operating an online boutique requires the same level of work as with a storefront. Neither is easier than the other. However, with a tailored growth strategy, goals can be achieved.
Because of my accounting background, I use numerical data to guide my recommendations. Historical data tells the story that the business owner failed to disclose. With accurate data, I can set realistic budgets, targets, and timelines for my clients.
My clients get success because of my process. My process addresses the entire business and positions the brand for longevity.
If a boutique owner believes that marketing is the only answer to their problem, then I know that business is not my clientele.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I sit with my clients as a team member to give them that level of support they need. When they win, I win.
Pricing:
- 1,500 for my group coaching program
- 3,000 for my 1:1 Board Meeting Program
- 25,000 for my Corporate Board Meeting Program
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/sbmaltd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rishaferdinand_sbmaltd/
