Meet Natasha Walstra | Personal Branding & Sales Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natasha Walstra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After leaving Forbes Books, I embarked on a journey with a clear goal: to offer better support to the leaders I serve who are making an impact. I realized that simply being a visible leader is crucial for growing a business or driving positive social change. However, I also recognized a significant shift in the business landscape. Writing a book once set you apart, but now, it’s not enough. It doesn’t matter how great your book is; without an engaged audience or community, no one will ever know about it.

This realization was my turning point. My experience leveraging personal branding and sales over the past decade made it clear that blending these two areas is so impactful for business growth, but most people don’t know how to do this. So, I focused on teaching leaders how to use personal branding not just as a self-promotion tool, but as a strategic element for business growth – specifically utilizing LinkedIn.

I also noticed that many leaders have big-picture strategies and missions but often struggle to translate these into effective business development. That’s why I developed a program tailored to address this gap. It’s more than just training; it’s about providing accountability and tackling mindset challenges like imposter syndrome.

The concept of ‘nearbound’ really resonated with me – leveraging your network, word-of-mouth, and referrals. I realized that for a successful nearbound strategy, which I believe is the future of business, it’s essential to demonstrate your expertise in a manner that not only attracts clients but also encourages them to refer you. This is the essence of my sales approach and the core of my coaching philosophy.

The phrase ‘Your network is your net worth’ has evolved from a catchy saying to a fundamental business truth. Recognizing this, my focus has been on helping clients build a robust nearbound strategy, laying the foundation for business survival and growth.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In my business, I specealize in helping business owners and sales professionals increase revenue through effective personal branding and social selling strategies on LinkedIn. I firmly believe that personal branding isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially for those looking to expand their business or make a positive social impact. Being a visible leader is key in today’s market, and that’s where I come in.

My approach ensures that all the activities my clients engage in are directly aligned with their business objectives. This alignment keeps them motivated as they start to see real results. The return on investment here goes beyond direct financial gains – it includes building valuable referral partnerships and sparking meaningful conversations with key players like private equity firms.

Launching my business wasn’t initially on my agenda, but unexpected circumstances accelerated my start. Without a safety net, I was thrust into a position where I had to ‘fly the plane while building it.’ This challenge was daunting, but it ignited a fire within me. That urgency and pressure didn’t just build my business; it built my confidence too. Looking back, this intense start laid a strong foundation for my business and taught me invaluable lessons. It showed me the power of resilience and the importance of aligning personal branding with business goals – not just for survival, but for real, impactful growth.

I recently did a reflection on lessons I’ve learned so far on my entrepreneurial journey (10 lessons in 3 months):

1. Branding Can Wait: Landed 8 clients without even a company name. Focus on your offer first.
2. Embrace Scarcity in the Pipeline: It’s normal, but always remember to work on your business, not just in it.
3. No Regular Paycheck? Terrifying, Yet Liberating: You’re in control of your income now.
4. Set Boundaries for Work-Life Balance: Work hours can slip away. Schedule self-care and family time.
5. Passion is Magnetic: Love what you do, and your enthusiasm will excite clients and prospects alike.
6. Perfection Isn’t Necessary, Honesty Is: Be open to pivoting and communicate clearly.
7. A Supportive Partner Makes a Difference: Confidence in business is boosted with loved ones’ support.
8. Listen to Your Clients: They might redefine your services in ways you hadn’t imagined.
9. There’s No Perfect Time to Start: I began unexpectedly and it’s been an incredible journey.
10. Content Creation is Crucial: None of this would have happened if I hadn’t started creating content on LinkedIn. None of it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start by syncing their arrival with the First Friday Art & Wine Walk in downtown Charleston. Imagine strolling through art galleries with doors wide open, sipping on free wine, and soaking in the latest exhibits – it’s a sophisticated and fun experience!

Before hitting the galleries, we’d drop by Chubby Fish to put our names down for a 7:30 dinner slot. It’s a no-reservation gem, but trust me, their food is worth the wait and makes the perfect post-gallery treat.

Saturday would be all about exploring Charleston’s rich history. We’d wander the Battery, dive into the city’s past, and sneak peeks at hidden gardens like Mrs. Whaley’s Garden at 58 Church St. For lunch, it’s Lewis’s BBQ. Their brisket is so good, it convinced me to move to South Carolina!

Later, we’d cross over to Mt. Pleasant, take a leisurely walk under the Ravenel Bridge, and catch a stunning sunset – the best view in town.

Sunday is for beach and pups. We’d head to Sullivan’s Island early morning, where my dog can run and swim freely with other pups. It’s like a paradise for dogs!

For a light snack, we’d pop into Poe’s Tavern, a place steeped in literary history where Edgar Allan Poe himself used to write. Then, we’d indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Langdon’s. And if our sweet tooth kicks in, we’ll make a second trip to Sullivan’s for Bearded Cat’s ice cream!

This week-long adventure offers a taste of Charleston’s vibrant culture, history, and culinary delights – it’s the best way to experience the charm of this city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dee Kerr, is not only my former manager and mentor but has also become one of my best friends. Dee was the first person in my professional journey who truly believed in me. She didn’t just teach me the skills I needed; she taught me to believe in myself. Her leadership style wasn’t just about instructions; it was about setting an exemplary model that I aspired to emulate. I owe a significant part of my professional achievements and personal growth to her support and guidance. I wouldn’t be where I am today, both in my career and in life, without her incredible influence!

Website: www.nearpointstrategies.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha_at_nearpoint

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndwalstra/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nata_walstra