“Trusting yourself gives you confidence as you face challenges on your journey. It also gives you the courage to pursue your passions because belief fuels motivation and determination.”
Nikki Cali of Wisdome has always been passionate about learning and sharing information with others that would help them. This led Nikki to create her own membership business that focused on teaching people how to design their dream living spaces.
However, as she was building the business, Nikki encountered numerous challenges due to the lack of a suitable platform that catered to all her needs in delivering her services effectively. It was at this point Nikki discovered that she was not the only one struggling. Nothing delivered a singular solution, and what she found was limited, complex, expensive, and time consuming.
As a result of research and simply talking to many others in the world of sharing knowledge online, Nikki began the process of developing a content management system for membership business owners, online coaches, and course creators looking to share their knowledge. A solution for memberships of all sizes to share content with anyone anywhere under one roof.
Today, Nikki aims to empower other knowledge sharers. She wants to help other entrepreneurs change lives and help others develop new skills.
Her new platform, Wisdome, is a learning and content management platform and app built for those who are overwhelmed by tech and costs. Wisdome houses all your membership and course needs, by providing all the tools you need to teach, guide, engage and grow.
Nikki has been a member of the HerBusiness Network for a numbre of years now, and finds that as she is more present online, being part of a network such as HerBusiness has enabled her to build strong connections and friendships. By building these connections, Nikki always knows that she is not alone and in times when she just needs someone who gets business to talk to, they are there.
Nikki says about herself “I’m a mum at heart, and a protective one at that. I have passions, I have loves and I have weaknesses, and all of these are what makes me the business woman I am today; Confident, playful and directive.”
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Admittedly, my great grandfather. He was an engineer and invented so many things out of need and to help those who followed. He created patents, built a business out of his own passion and by listening to what was needed. But the best part was, he provided opportunities for others (400 employees) in his business and extended services. He aimed to assist in any way he could to engineer and provide his customers nationally and internationally with products they needed catered for them.
He was personally recognised fondly by family and based on books and articles written about him and his business. One thing though I appreciate more so is that his business was recognised for its perfection in service and supplies. Building a business is not easy, let alone building trust and a reputation that carries for many generations to follow.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I have always been passionate about learning and sharing information with others that would help them. This led me to create my own membership business that focused on teaching people how to design their dream living spaces.
However, as I was building the business, I encountered numerous challenges due to the lack of a suitable platform that catered to all my needs in delivering my services effectively, it was at this point I discovered I was not the only one struggling. Nothing delivered a singular solution, and what we found was limited, complex, expensive, and time consuming.
As a result of research and simply talking to many others in the world of sharing knowledge online, I began the process of developing a content management system for membership business owners, online coaches, and course creators looking to share their knowledge. A solution for memberships of all sizes to share content with anyone anywhere under one roof.
Today, I aim to empower other knowledge sharers. I want to help other entrepreneurs change lives and help others develop new skills.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
As an entrepreneur, I like the flexibility that it offers. Especially since I’m running my business online, I have more freedom to spend quality time with my family. I can also plan my work around their schedules. This makes me feel more balanced and in control of my personal and professional life.
Another thing I like about being an entrepreneur is that the opportunity to help other knowledge-sharers change lives makes me feel fulfilled and driven to continue making a positive impact. Discovering this is my passion at this stage of life reminds me that the entrepreneur journey can begin and evolve at any point. This is one major thing I love about entrepreneurship.
And, of course, it’s having access to continuous learning. When running a business, there will always be new problems to solve. You have to adapt and learn new things to overcome those challenges. This keeps me engaged and stimulated, constantly growing as an individual and business owner.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
Trusting yourself gives you confidence as you face challenges on your journey. It also gives you the courage to pursue your passions because belief fuels motivation and determination.
Learn from mentors. Having mentors is crucial for the success of your business. They have invaluable experience and knowledge that you can leverage.
Tapping into their expertise can accelerate your learning curve and avoid some common pitfalls that could hinder your business growth.
Adapt to changes within your industry. Continuous evaluation and adjustments are necessary to keep up with market trends, customer demands, and new technologies. It helps you deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of your target audience.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
My advice to someone planning to start a business is to know as much as possible about your audience. Understand the needs of your audience, the words they use to express their problems, and which channels they are most active.
These are just some of the things that you have to understand before creating your product or service. You want to tailor your services to cater to their pain points as much as possible.
Remember, the more you know about your audience, the better you’ll be able to target your marketing efforts and create solutions that genuinely help them.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
I suggest learning how to inspire and be influential. This skill helps form partnerships, motivate employees, and earn customer trust.
Also, try improving your financial management skills, such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Understanding these skills can help you make informed decisions and keep a business financially secure.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
I envision Wisdome to be the platform for thousands of membership business owners. Our services will empower knowledge business owners to share their knowledge with members and impact countless lives.
As Wisdome grows into a global network, it will foster learning experiences that unite diverse people looking to change their lives by acquiring new skills.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
Currently I have found that as I am more present online, being part of a network such as HerBusiness has enabled me to build strong friendships, especially since I joined a few years ago. By building the friendships I have, I have always known I’m not alone and in times when I just need someone who gets business to talk to, they are there.
Learn more about Nikki and Wisdome.
