In this episode of the "Monetize Your Ministry" podcast, Kymone interviews Ashley Nicole Kirkwood, a former federal trial lawyer turned successful entrepreneur, speaker, and author. Ashley shares her journey of leaving a high-paying law job to start her own business, emphasizing the importance of faith, discomfort, and hard work. She offers practical advice for aspiring speakers on leveraging personal networks, developing clear pitching strategies, and confidently setting higher fees. Ashley's story highlights that one does not need to start at the bottom and can effectively transition from ministry to the marketplace with the right mindset and dedication.

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Follow Ashley Nicole Kirkwood on IG: @theashleynicoleshow

Visit our website: http://monetizeyourministrypodcast.com/

Visit Ashley Nicole Kirkwood’s website:https://www.speakyourwaytocash.com/


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00:00 Introduction to Ashley Nicole Kirkwood
Kymone introduces Ashley, highlighting her expertise and the focus of the episode on transitioning ministry into the marketplace.

01:05 Ashley’s Background
Ashley shares her journey from a federal trial lawyer to an entrepreneur and speaker, detailing her initial struggles.

02:00 Leaving a High-Paying Job
Ashley discusses her decision to leave a $300,000 job for entrepreneurship due to dissatisfaction and stress at her new firm.

02:49 Starting Speak Your Way to Cash'
Ashley recounts launching her first event, which grew from ten attendees to hundreds, emphasizing its success and impact.

04:28 The Income Impact Continuum
Ashley explains her belief that increased income leads to greater impact, sharing her philosophy on helping others.

06:08 Faith and Discomfort in Entrepreneurship
Ashley reflects on how discomfort and faith drove her to leave her stable job and pursue her own business.

08:06 Divine Intervention in Career Choices
Ashley shares her belief that God guided her to entrepreneurship by removing job opportunities, pushing her to create her own path.

12:07 First Six Months of Struggle
Ashley discusses the challenges of her first six months in business, emphasizing the importance of building a sales pipeline.

13:19 Lessons Learned in Business Growth
Ashley shares insights on personal growth and the necessity of hard work and discipline in entrepreneurship.

17:12 Advice for Securing Speaking Gigs
Ashley provides practical tips for aspiring speakers on leveraging personal networks and developing a clear pitching strategy.

18:24 Average Speaker Rates
Discussion on average speaking fees and strategies for setting your rates higher.

19:09 Confidence in Pricing
Importance of believing in your worth when proposing speaking fees.

20:19 Value Justification
Understanding the value you bring to organizations and how to justify your rates.

21:13 Selling Yourself
Emphasis on the importance of self-belief and excitement in selling your offers.

22:01 Iterating Offers
Advice on improving your offers to boost confidence and sales potential.

22:54 Balancing Job and Business
Discussion on managing a job while developing a business offer.

23:46 Understanding Value
The need to know your value in relation to the market and your expertise.

25:14 Faith in Business Growth
Ashley shares how her faith has influenced her business growth and content.

26:12 Responsibility of Faith Sharing
The importance of being responsible when discussing faith in a business context.

27:08 Guidance from the Holy Spirit
How understanding the Holy Spirit's role can impact decision-making and business growth.

28:05 Prayer and Business Decisions
The significance of inviting God into daily business decisions for better outcomes.

30:12 Final Thoughts on Growth
Summation of key points on improving offers and deepening faith for business success.

30:52 Upcoming Event Announcement
Information on the "Black Women Sell" event happening from October 3rd to 5th.