100 Decibels

Category: online business

  • Building a Strong Value Proposition

    Have You Struggled to Clearly Explain Your Value?

    In the early days of my business, I knew I had valuable skills. I was helping Deaf and hearing communities through ASL translation, coaching, and other services. But when it came time to explain what I did and why it mattered, I struggled.

    I tried to be everything to everyone. I thought casting a wide net would help me attract more clients, but instead, it left people confused about what I offered. Potential clients didn’t understand how I could help them, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how to explain it.

    When I finally got serious about clarifying my value proposition, everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t chasing clients—they were coming to me.

    If you’ve ever struggled to define the problem you solve or explain the unique value you bring to the table, keep reading. I’ll share how I clarified my value proposition and how it transformed my business.

    What Is a Value Proposition and Why Does It Matter?

    A value proposition is a simple, clear statement that explains:

    • The problem you solve.
    • Who you solve it for.
    • What makes your solution unique.

    Why is it important? Because a strong value proposition sets you apart in a crowded market. It attracts the right clients and builds trust because people can see exactly how you’ll help them.

    When you can clearly express your value, you stop competing for attention. Your ideal audience knows why they need you—and that’s incredibly powerful.

    How I Clarified My Value Proposition

    The Struggles I Faced Early On

    When I first started, I wanted to help everyone. I offered ASL translation services, interpreting, and coaching, thinking the more I offered, the better my chances of landing clients. But this approach left me overwhelmed and scattered.

    I spent hours on calls with leads who weren’t aligned with my services or goals. These conversations drained my energy and drove down my closing ratio.

    The Turning Point

    The real shift happened when I reflected on my audience. I realized I needed to focus on the people I connected with most: Deaf parents who wanted financial freedom and time for their families.

    I reworked my messaging to focus on their unique struggles—balancing a full-time job, supporting a family, and wanting more from life. I started explaining how my coaching could teach them high-ticket sales skills to build a sustainable income stream.

    The impact was immediate. My leads became more aligned, my conversations more meaningful, and my results more consistent.

    One example stands out. A Deaf dad came to me struggling to make time for his family while growing his income. After working together, he landed a high-ticket client within 30 days. Seeing his success reinforced that I was on the right path.

    How to Build Your Value Proposition

    If you’re ready to clarify your value proposition, here’s how to get started:

    1. Clarify the Problem You Solve

    Ask yourself: What problem are my ideal clients facing, and how can I help them? For me, it was helping Deaf parents achieve financial freedom while balancing family life.

    2. Identify Your Unique Value

    Think about what makes your approach special. My personal experience as a Deaf entrepreneur allows me to connect deeply with my clients because I’ve been where they are.

    3. Communicate It Clearly

    Use simple, direct language. Test your message by sharing it with friends or clients. Refine it until it’s memorable and specific.

    Here’s an example of my refined value proposition:

    “I help Deaf parents achieve financial freedom by teaching them high-ticket sales strategies while balancing family life.”

    Here’s an example of my own value proposition showing how clarity makes a difference:

    Before Value Proposition

    “I help anyone who needs ASL services, translation, or coaching. My goal is to make things accessible, provide support, and help people succeed.”

    Why it’s unclear:

    • Too broad—doesn’t specify who you’re helping or the specific problem you’re solving.
    • Lacks differentiation—doesn’t explain why your approach or services are unique.

    After Value Proposition

    “I help Deaf parents with full-time jobs create extra income streams through high-ticket sales coaching, empowering them to achieve financial, time, and location freedom while spending more quality time with their families. My unique approach blends my lived experience as a Deaf entrepreneur with proven strategies to build sustainable success.”

    Why it works:

    • Clear problem: Addresses the challenge of trading time for dollars and lack of financial freedom.
    • Specific audience: Focuses on Deaf parents with full-time jobs.
    • Unique value: Highlights your lived experience and tailored strategies.

    Personal Lessons Learned

    Letting Go of Trying to Help Everyone

    One of the hardest mindset shifts I had to embrace was being okay with saying no to unqualified leads. At first, it felt counterintuitive—I wanted to help as many people as possible. But I learned that specificity creates trust.

    By narrowing my focus, I was able to connect with clients who truly aligned with my services. These clients were motivated, ready to learn, and open to growth, which made the work more rewarding for both of us.

    Authenticity Attracts the Right Clients

    When I started sharing my journey and speaking directly to my audience’s challenges, I noticed a shift. People began reaching out, saying they resonated with my story. Authenticity has been the key to building trust and lasting connections.

    Cover photo of a live interview with a 7-figure online business mentor.

    Ready to Define Your Value Proposition?

    If you’re feeling stuck, here’s my advice:

    • Take a step back and ask yourself what problem you solve better than anyone else.
    • Think about who you love working with and what makes your approach unique.
    • Don’t be afraid to say no to work that doesn’t align with your goals.

    Building a strong value proposition takes time, but once you have it, it will transform your business.

    Let’s Stay Connected

    Want more insights on building a one-person business? Subscribe for updates and weekly tips. Have questions or need help clarifying your value proposition? Reach out to me via email—I’m more than happy to connect and to see if I can help.

  • Finding Your Niche

    How I Found My Niche as a One-Person Business

    When I first started building my business, I thought I had to speak to everyone. The logic was simple: the more people I could help, the more opportunities I’d have. But in reality, trying to serve everyone meant my messaging was inconsistent, and I couldn’t clearly articulate who I was helping—or how.

    It all clicked for me one day while watching a video from an online course. The lesson was clear: having a niche isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. But when I sat down to figure out my niche, I hit a wall. Who was I helping? How could I position myself? The frustration of trying to connect with everyone but feeling like no one was engaging was overwhelming.

    The turning point came when I started having regular conversations with Deaf folks and paying attention as an active listener. Those conversations were filled with insights. They helped me see the patterns in their challenges and showed me exactly how I could serve them.

    How I Found My Niche

    As a Deaf entrepreneur, I realized my niche was rooted in my own journey and experiences. I knew I could help Deaf dads like myself—those who were tired of trading time for money and wanted to create financial freedom for their families.

    But the journey wasn’t without challenges. For example, I initially had tons of calls with leads who weren’t qualified. It drove my closing ratio down and left me feeling stuck. By reverse-engineering the problem, I uncovered the root cause: I had a branding issue. My messaging wasn’t clear enough to attract the right audience.

    Once I addressed this, everything began to change. I focused on refining my niche and tailoring my content to the specific struggles and goals of my ideal audience. This shift not only improved my engagement but also allowed me to connect with clients like a Deaf dad who closed his first high-ticket client in just 30 days through my coaching.

    Serving a specific group doesn’t exclude others; it simply gives you clarity and focus.

    Tips for Finding Your Niche

    If you’re struggling to define your niche, here are some steps that worked for me:

    • Start with Conversations: Talk to people who resonate with your initial ideas. Listen closely, and you’ll uncover valuable insights.
    • Reflect on Your Journey: Ask yourself, “What challenges have I overcome that I can help others solve?”
    • Be Willing to Adjust: Your niche may not be clear at first. Keep tweaking and refining until it aligns with your audience’s needs and your strengths.
    • Focus on One Group: It’s okay to let go of the fear of leaving people out. Serving a specific group doesn’t exclude others; it simply gives you clarity and focus.

    Lessons Learned Behind the Scenes

    One of the biggest mindset shifts I had to embrace was being okay with saying no to unqualified leads. At first, I wanted to help everyone. But I quickly realized that serving everyone left me stretched too thin and unclear in my messaging.

    Letting go of that fear allowed me to focus on attracting the right clients—the ones who resonated with my message and were ready to take action. This clarity transformed my business and made my work more fulfilling.

    Defining Your Ideal Audience

    To define your audience, start by getting to know the people you’re already working with:

    • What are their common struggles?

    • What motivates them?

    • How can your unique skills solve their challenges?

    For me, it was about connecting authentically with my audience. I paid attention to the common experiences, struggles, and goals we shared. Those connections helped me build a stronger, more focused business.

    Final Thoughts

    Finding your niche is a journey, but it’s worth the effort. It brings clarity, focus, and purpose to your business, helping you attract the right people and make a bigger impact.

    If you’re on this journey and want to stay updated on my progress, subscribe for updates sent to your inbox or email me to connect directly. I’d love to learn your thoughts and help you take the next steps in your business journey.

  • This is the First Step Before Starting an Online Business

    Choosing the Right Type of Brand for Your Online Business Journey

    Welcome to the first step in building a scaleable online business. I’m glad you’re here, and if you’re anything like me—a parent with a full-time job, looking for a way to create something meaningful that offers both freedom and security—you’re in the right place.

    I invite you to join me on this journey as I build my own online business, one step at a time. My mission? To show that creating a successful business is entirely doable with the right approach, mindset, and commitment to the process. Through this series, I’ll share what I’m learning, what’s working, and the challenges I’m overcoming—all with the hope that it inspires you to take action and build something for yourself.

    If you’re ready to start your own journey and build a business alongside me, reach out to me by filling out the form below to get started. The best time to start is today—let’s take that first step together.

    When building your online business, it’s important to consider your branding. Your brand will shape how people perceive you, trust you, and ultimately decide to do business with you. Let’s start with the three types of branding and explore which one suits your journey best.

    What Are the Three Types of Brands?

    The first step in building an online business is deciding what type of brand you want to create. There are three main types to consider:

    1. Personal Brand – A brand built around you as an individual.

    2. Faceless Brand – A brand focused on a niche, product, or mission without showcasing your identity.

    3. Business Brand – A formal company or business entity that operates independently of you.

    Each type has unique strengths and challenges, so let’s break them down to help you determine which one is right for your journey.

    1. Personal Brand

    A personal brand revolves around you. It’s built on your experiences, personality, skills, and values. You’re the face of the brand, which can be highly effective for building trust and connecting with your audience.

    Pros of a Personal Brand:
    • Builds trust quickly—people connect with people.
    • Cost-effective to start with minimal tools (social media, blogs, etc.).
    • Easy to pivot into new industries or niches.
    • Great for high-ticket sales, coaching, or affiliate marketing.
    Cons of a Personal Brand:
    • Requires consistent personal involvement (e.g., videos, social media).
    • Harder to scale—your business relies on you.
    • Risky if you prefer to keep your side hustle discreet.
    Best For:
    • Beginners looking to build trust and sell high-ticket offers.
    • Those comfortable being the face of their business.
    2. Faceless Brand

    A faceless brand operates without tying your identity to the business. It’s built around a specific niche, product, or mission, which allows you to remain behind the scenes.

    Pros of a Faceless Brand:
    • Discreet—you can build it quietly without risking your day job.
    • Highly scaleable—you can outsource and grow without your direct involvement.
    • Long-term viability—faceless brands are easier to sell or pass on.
    • Ideal for content-based businesses (e.g., blogs, YouTube channels, or digital products).
    Cons of a Faceless Brand:
    • Slower to build trust compared to a personal brand.
    • May require upfront investments in branding, marketing, or tools.
    • Longer sales cycle—it takes time to establish credibility.
    Best For:
    • Parents or professionals who prefer privacy.
    • Those interested in creating passive income streams or building a sellable asset.
    3. Business Brand

    A business brand represents a formal company or organization. It’s the most professional and scaleable option, often targeting a broader audience or solving larger problems.

    Pros of a Business Brand:
    • Perceived as professional and credible, especially in B2B markets.
    • Easier to secure partnerships, funding, and brand deals.
    • Highly scaleable—doesn’t depend on your personal involvement.
    • Attractive for acquisition or buyouts.
    Cons of a Business Brand:
    • Requires more time, resources, and upfront investment.
    • Harder to manage while maintaining a 9-to-5 job.
    • Slower trust-building process, especially for beginners.
    Best For:
    • Experienced entrepreneurs ready to scale professionally.
    • Those aiming for large-scale partnerships or corporate opportunities.
    Which Brand Type Is Right for You?

    If you’re new to online business, here’s what I recommend:

    • Start with a Personal Brand if you want to test ideas, build trust quickly, and directly connect with your audience. This is perfect for high-ticket affiliate marketing or coaching.
    • Consider a Faceless Brand if you want to remain discreet or prefer a low-profile approach while building a long-term, scaleable business.
    • Go for a Business Brand if you’re experienced and ready to build something larger that doesn’t rely on you personally.
    Balancing Your Side Hustle with Your Full-Time Job

    One of the most important things to consider when starting your online business is how it aligns with your current life and career:

    • Personal Brand: Builds trust quickly, but it makes you publicly visible. If your employer has strict policies about side hustles, this might not be the best choice.
    • Faceless Brand: Perfect if you want to stay under the radar. It’s ideal for building something sustainable without drawing attention.
    • Business Brand: Highly professional but requires more effort and investment upfront, which could interfere with your job if not managed carefully.
    Tips for Discretion:
    • Work on your side hustle outside of work hours.
    • Use a brand type that aligns with your current skills and keeps your professional life intact.
    • Review your employment contract for any restrictions on outside business activities.

    Trust, Sales Cycles, and Scaleability

    AspectPersonal BrandFaceless BrandBusiness Brand
    Trust FactorHighMediumMedium to High
    Sales Cycle SpeedFastSlowerMedium
    ScaleabilityLimitedHighHigh
    Suited for Beginners?YesYesNo
    Can Be Bought Out?RareYesYes

    Take the First Step Today

    Starting a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you choose a personal, faceless, or business brand, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on providing value. Over time, you’ll gain the confidence and clarity to scale your business into something life-changing.

    Again, if you’re ready to take action and build your online business alongside me, reach out to me by filling out the form below to get started. Let’s take that first step together—your future self will thank you.

    What type of brand feels right for your journey? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to know what your thoughts are!

  • Re-building A One-Person Scaleable Online Business for 2025

    2024 has been a pivotal year for me.

    It was the year I took the jump into building an online business selling high-ticket health and wellness products as well as coaching and mentoring a team of Deaf fathers and their spouses. Within 6 months, I built a team with 6 Deaf fathers along with their spouse and partners.

    It was a learning curve for me because when I started, I had to learn as I go. Be adaptable and be agile when necessary to keep the needle moving in the business.

    This was all done manually, no systems and automations in place. Built the business using social media platforms, group messages, and emails.

    Also, receive numerous objections from skeptics and doubters. I even had a well-known person make a vlog about me and my business saying that it’s likely to be a pyramid scheme or scam.

    I understand when I first started out, it was new and unfamiliar for most of my network when I shared about this online business opportunity.

    I mean I get it, there are scammers touting around saying you can make 5-figure months quick. In reality, it takes time.

    So, what I’ll be doing different this year is that I’ll be building a new one-person scaleable online business.

    Within the next 13 weeks, I’ll be documenting weekly updates on how I’m building it.

    I’ll share tips, roadblocks I encountered and challenges I had to overcome while rebuilding.

    My intentions here are to be transparent and build trust from you that I can help you build yours as well.

    Comment below to start a conversation and to follow me along in this journey.

    Otherwise, subscribe to follow me on this journey.