Gail Freis, Founder of Upskill Developmental
Name: Gail Freis
Founder: Upskill Developmental
In one sentence, what problem do you solve and for who?
I help women get unstuck from the plateau they've hit in their sales and business development career and move to their highest earning potential.
What's your story?
I absolutely sucked when I first started in sales. I had no clue what I had gotten myself into, or how to accomplish even the small things. Additionally, I had abnormally low self-worth and confidence, so even standing up and giving my elevator pitch was too much for me to do. It wasn't until I suffered a tragedy that I was ripped out of my small life, and started making different decisions professionally and personally. After a LOT of deep personal work on myself and my mindset, I finally started making money, having success and becoming a thought leader. Now that I'm an executive, I decided I was going to help other women in sales, because there is no reason anyone should feel as lost and frustrated, and be as broke and embarrassed as I felt, and I'm tired of being the only woman in the room.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
I can't wait to form friendships with other women helping us get to our next levels. I love supporting women, and our career desires. The limits do not exist when you have the right mindset and support.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
My entire business is founded on this. Women network differently, sell differently, think differently and can use strategies in a way men cannot. Instead of working the way the men teach us in corporate, I'm teaching women to sell from their strength, not the way a man wants them to.
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
Jim Fortin, Jamie Sea, Manifestation Babe
What is ONE BOOK that you would recommend every female business owner read?
Women Rocking Business
Who is a female entrepreneur you look up to and why?
Kathryn Zenkina - She is one of many, but she is accessible but also weaves the spiritual and 3D into daily life which is exactly how I live.
What are the first five things that you did when you were starting your business?
Called in help, did the research, believed in myself (with my fingers crossed) and created content, courses, challenges etc. I am a visionary so the part I excel at I went all in on.
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
Margot Miller & Jim Fortin. Margot is my new coach; Jim is my long-term coach. Both have been integral in getting me from shitshow to CEO. The transformation I had with Jim, we couldn't even fit on his 45-minute podcast episode. Margot is helping me with messaging, as I don't know what I'm doing on marketing.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
Too many to list. But confidence, removing Imposter Syndrome, (I made a whole course on this topic) etc.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I handle it. I have an employee who supports us part time but I do 90% of everything. We are not successful yet, but I know we will be. I am in the process of figuring it out. I need help, that's why I'm here. I know how many people this will help, based on how lost I was, and so many other people who I've spoken to over the years. The biggest challenge is getting my messaging right to the right people. I am LOST on this.
How did you land your first client?
Networking. My forte.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
Everything. I follow my own path. Always have. Always will
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
I'd find a mentor immediately instead of year in
What are three strategies you use to market your business, grow brand awareness and generate bottom line growth?
ads, social media, networking
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