Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Kennedy.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in the inner city of Detroit, MI, I never quite established what I wanted to be when I grew up. Just like every other person, my dream profession changed multiple times from a ballerina to an astronaut. I did not have a chance to learn more or meet anyone in my dream professions. After receiving my high school diploma, I attended Grand Valley State University again not having the slightest idea what I wanted to study. Once I chose a field of study and graduated, it was difficult to find a stable position in my field. I filled various positions for stability as I did not have direct experience. After working countless roles, I finally found a position as Career Counselor that I truly enjoyed. Being employed as a Career Counselor/Coach for years at a number of educational institutions, I learned the gaps in career preparation for recent grads as well as the working class who are looking to advance. Yearning to fill those gaps, I started my business Connections Career Planning & Services (CCPS) that helps individuals find their careers through professional development services.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building my business has definitely been a struggle as I did not know where to start. I joined a local business program, SpringGR to help me get started and build my brand. Once I completed the program, being able to build my clientele during a pandemic was another struggle. From working when employers were shut down and setting myself apart from my competition, I had to get creative. To set myself apart, I became a certified Resume Writer as well as a Certified Career Coach to become an expert and gain more knowledge. I also worked with family and close friends to sample my strategies as well as provide custom templates for my resumes. For all new clients, I provided certain services at a discounted price to build clientele as I know the best way to gain more clients is through referrals. With my established relationships with various employers in the area, I was able to reconnect and learn what they are looking for in candidates for their open positions.
As you know, we’re big fans of Connections Career Planning & Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
CCPS is a professional firm that connects individuals to their ideal careers through professional development services such as resume writing, one-on-one mentoring/career coaching, job search strategies, professional workshops, and much more. My clients range from college students to senior-level professionals. As a Certified Resume Writer and Career Coach, I provide an expertise that other career developers may not have along with custom resume designs that will allow the candidate to stand out. My services are tailored to my clients to assist them in establishing and growing in their careers. I’m most proud of my diligence and follow-through with all of the people I work with. Knowing that my services have helped them reach their professional goals is always a proud moment of mine. I also provide all my services at affordable prices. Moving forward, I plan to provide other additional services such as payment plans, job application assistance and a professional mentoring program.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During this Covid-19 crisis, I learned to always prepared and have a plan B. When I started my business right before the pandemic, my goal was to provide services in-person to all of my clients. I found office space to work from that had a conference room so I can conduct my professional workshops. To continue with business, I transition all of my services to a virtual space. I met with my clients and conducted my professional workshops through Zoom. I also learned how to work with individuals who may have struggled financially who also needed my help to secure a position
Pricing:
- Resumes: $50 – $900(per page)
- Career Coaching $100 – $400 (monthly)
- LinkedIn: $60 – $100
- Professional Workshops: $150 – $500
- Job Search/Application Assistance: $100
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@ConnectionsCareerPS.com
- Website: https://connectionscareerps.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=connections%20career%20planning%20%26%20services
