Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Echols
Hi Brandi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am the Founder and CEO of Diamond Mind by Brandi M. Echols LLC. Prior to owning a brand, I fell in love with helping people, which is where I have seen a great deal of success. The Diamond Mind brand has opened many doors that have become the umbrella of businesses I now own. We officially became a brand in the Summer of 2013. Diamond Mind Ministries and Diamond Mind Business Group became the face of the brand because I was actively serving in both prior to a name ever being established. Diamond Mind Ministries Corporation is where I am a Pastor serving in 5-Fold Ministry leading God’s people through teachings of the Word of God through social media and in person through revivals and Bible Studies. Diamond Mind Business Group is where I am a professional business plan writer and developer who trains, mentors, and coach leaders on every level of business with a key focus in Advanced Customer Service and Sales.
The initial introduction to becoming a lover of people began in 1999 while working for Sears in Atlanta, Georgia at Northlake Mall. It was at Sears when I began to learn how to value Customer Service. The basics of growing substantially as a person were all developed by helping customers. Afterwards, I was promoted to the In-Store Marketing Team that was responsible for signs, plan-o-grams, zone-o-grams, inventory, reading and diagramming blueprints for our overall store layout, amongst many other job tasks that taught me the metrics to building a business from the ground up. Therefore, it was then that I have taken on the motto “Building from the Ground Up”. This motto has represented my life personally, professionally, and ministerially. I even preached a sermon series surrounding this very motto. What we go through in life usually teaches us much about the sayings we keep close to our hearts. Thankful for a foundation which has molded me in every area of my life. Many mistakes were made, and I have learned how to overcome many adverse situations. Additionally, there have been countless life lessons because of this one job that led me soar into other great opportunities. I went from working to serving.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As we know, there is no success in anything without a journey that teaches us how to walk through our trials. Non-committal support was the primary challenge I faced because many people will say they are there to help you and it isn’t factual. We cannot control how people move or think. What we can control is learning from what we will and will not permit to control us. Sometimes in growing from the bottom up, we find nay-sayers on the journey, dream killers, and we may even be self-sabotaging our own journey’s. When I tell you, I have failed at leading so many times, that I sat myself down to revisit the problems so I could uproot what had been problematic in building a more solid foundation. It was then at that moment that I realized I became the problem because I was looking at everybody else but myself. When God calls you to something, follow His way because He will never steer you in the wrong direction. Learning humility began in how I structured my life in business and ministry. Taking the necessary steps to build effectively starts with self-evaluation.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What do you specialize in?
My area of expertise is in Business Development. As a Business Developer, I am responsible for managing the overall business structure from an operational standpoint. These are my specialties: Business Plan Writing, Elevator Speeches, Role Play, Train, Mentor, Coach, Resume Formatting, Sponsorship Packaging, Build Curriculum, Business Etiquette, Professional Biography, ensuring effective Executive Boards, Team Building, Advanced Customer Service, and Sales.
What are you most proud of?
I’m grateful for identifying my potential and setting higher expectations, which made me realize my strengths in business development.
What sets you apart from others?
Having the ability to write business plans no matter the business model. Along with training in the areas of Advanced Customer Service and Sales from a Business Developers point of view.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Some lessons I have learned are:
– To always pray no matter what.
– To refrain from forcing your passion onto someone else.
– Work harder than a regular 9am-5pm.
– Plan ahead.
– Be prepared for sudden changes.
– Stop procrastinating.
– Be teachable.
– Never stop learning.
– Read material that will keep you educated in the areas you are growing in.
– Be patient and never rush a good thing.
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