Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian J. Williams.
Hi Christian J., we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Fun fact – starting my business was a complete accident. I actually used to help people with their resumes for fun. I know – weird right? But if someone mentioned to me that they were having trouble gaining interview traction, I’d say, “let me see your resume”. I’d propose the changes and then a few months later, my friends would tell me that they landed a new role.
I didn’t think much of it until one day, a few of my friends said that I should start charging people for this service. I said, “nobody is going to pay me to do this”. Well, I didn’t know just how wrong I was. I resigned from my corporate role in April 2019 and was self-employed until December 2023 until I reentered the corporate arena again.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think overall, my entrepreneurship journey has been pretty amazing. But of course, it comes with its own struggles. My business has been pretty successful for several reasons. One being that I hold personalized, one-on-one consultations. Secondly, one of the best ways to succeed in business is to perform a service that people do not want to do. I’m sure that you’ve never heard of anyone who being “excited” to write their resume. It’s usually a cumbersome and time-consuming task. So, the fact that I perform a service that people do not want to do themselves and can provide proven results allows me to be pretty successful.
However, on the flip side, one thing to know about entrepreneurship and owning your own business is there will typically be ebbs and flows. You could have a month where you make $10,000 and the next month could only be $1,000…or $0. You really have to be prepared for the variability and volatility of business. Additionally, I have to always think of new ways to market and post new content to expand my business/brand.
I used to say that I didn’t want to be an entrepreneur because “my bills aren’t variable, so my income shouldn’t be either”. So, it’s always comical to think that I ended up on the entrepreneurship pathway.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I launched my business in October 2018, and it is a professional development/consulting firm. I provide help with resume writing, career transitions, LinkedIn optimization, personal statements for graduate school, etc. What sets me apart from others is my one-on-one approach. With me, you aren’t just another client. I treat my clients like family, and I am truly invested in seeing their career progression. I’ve had clients in every industry imaginable and worked with senior leaders ranging from Directors and VPs to CEOs.
I am most proud that my brand is recognized as a leader in the Metro Detroit area for these services. CJW Consulting Group was founded by me and has serviced 2,000+ clients. In fact, my average client secures a salary increase of ~$26,000.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Honesty. I think that I have done so well in my business because I am honest and forthcoming. I’ve had clients book with me and I’ve told them that transparently, their existing resume didn’t need much. I recommended that they should try what they have and reach back out if it doesn’t work. Many people would’ve kept the appointment to make the money, but I didn’t feel that this would be genuine or moral.
I also let people know up front that just because I perform this service, does not mean that I can guarantee a new job. There are so many factors including the current state of the job market, your experience, region, etc. However, if you take my advice, the statistics are in your favor.
Also, I think that being flexible and adaptable is key to business and success. Life is change. The only constant in life is change. So, it is important to try new business techniques, strategies and create new services to ensure long-term success.
Pricing:
- Resume Revamp – Starting at $325
- Interview Prep – Starting at $175
- Personal Statement – Starting at $325
- Resume Revamp + LinkedIn Optimization – Starting at $500
- Salary Negotiation Session – Starting at $175
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cjwconsultinggroup.com
- Instagram: @CJWConsulting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CJWConsultingDetroit/
