Tell us your name and a little about yourself.
I’m Jamila Bannister, a Personal Branding Coach and Strategist, so I help people discover and leverage the best version of themselves into dollars. I’m also an author as I recently released my first book, a LinkedIn DM master, and someone who believes wholeheartedly in living life to the fullest and being happy. I love a good martini while throwing my head back and laughing heartily!
What exactly does your company do?
My company works with entrepreneurs and professionals to help them improve their visibility and credibility so they can become a trusted and respected thought leader.
This includes helping them truly understand and own their identity and their unique selling proposition so we can build a profitable brand and around it.
We do this by using visual branding, helping them build up their digital assets, and using social media content to build visibility and brand authority.
We also provide PR and media support if they have a major event and need coverage.
Finally, I teach people how to communicate so they can network with purpose, build a relationship as well as initiate and control conversations so they can close deals and make more money.
What were the biggest challenges you have faced, and how did you overcome them?
Among the biggest challenges I faced so far, I’d say building a business with no job and no consistent income. I honestly am not sure how I have made it through some situations. Thank God for my family and my ability to build relationships and earn people’s trust and negotiate well. Networking played such a huge role in growing my brand and business, and that’s why it’s such an important part of the training I offer to clients.
What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
I wish I’d gotten two very important pieces of advice. The first is to never be afraid to set your boundaries. I think sometimes people, especially us women, can be scared to speak up and say what we don’t like and people get away with walking all over us. I was definitely that timid young woman. Fortunately, I’m definitely not anymore. The second is to be more mindful and conscious when it comes to managing money. I had high paying jobs, but my money mindset really wasn’t where it should have been. I think I didn’t respect money, so I spent it wildly thinking, ” I’ll make more” until I wasn’t. Now, I’m much more aware and respectful of money. My mindset is always about how to mine and multiply dollars. As an entrepreneur, it’s key to your survival and growth to think that way. I still like to have a good time, but it’s done much more consciously now.
Who are your biggest influences and people you admire, and why?
My family, for sure. I’ve never been one to look too far or look to a celebrity to emulate. My mom and dad have always been by my side in everything I do. They influence me because they are among the first people I think about when it comes to making an impact on my work and my life. I do it for me, but they are shareholders in my well-being and success, so I also do it for them.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?
Again my family, including my brother and sister. Most recently, though, my mentor has been super instrumental in helping to crystallize things for me. I always knew I had a lot to offer, but some of the knots and bolts of business that you won’t find in a book or in a class are what she showed me, and I’m eternally grateful.
What do you see as your greatest success in life?
To be honest, I haven’t achieved it yet. It’s worrying less about day-to-day and truly live in the moment. To be able to take a few days off without worrying about what happens after.
How can people follow your journey? Please list your social media URLs
Connect with me on LinkedIn by searching Jamila Bannister or on Instagram @jbbranding
