Asia Rivers is a business credit expert who partners with CEO’s, executives, and entrepreneurs to establish, utilize, and protect their business credit. Rivers, the CEO of Seal The Deal Credit Consultants also owns Talk Childcare Inc., which is a licensed childcare operation and publishing company. With nearly a decade working in her own business, Asia is well versed and knowledgeable about what drives a business, how to increase revenue, and wealth building. She states, that it all boils down to how well you manage personal assets, leverage business credit, and stay focused on the endgame. The Louisville native is able to showcase this through conferences she hosts focused on these very topics.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Asia, Asia?
Asia: Anyone who’s watched my videos, read a post, or had face-to-face contact would say I’m edgy but knowledgeable. My brain loves information, and it keeps me calm, but I’m also a very passionate person. Whether that’s while teaching children or adults, if you’ve got a problem I’d be the person to exhaust every option before giving up. Ultimately, I’m a business strategist.
My life has presented me with many challenges, whether that’s foster care with an extreme amount of trauma or difficulties in life from not having family support. But oh baby, I’m known as a conqueror. Any obstacle that gets in my way becomes an opportunity. My motto is Conquer Every Opportunity or C. E. O. For short.
Fancy: How did you get started in business?
Asia: I bootstrapped it. I was starting side hustles until I discovered my passion. I did what most of us think is necessary, which is working multiple jobs, pulling from retirement, or using personal credit cards and loans to get the business going. Quickly, I realized this was not the way to approach the situation. But there’s a much easier way; business credit would’ve been beneficial for the service industry I primarily worked in.
Fancy: So how did you become a business credit expert?
Asia: Once I landed flat on my face and was facing business failure, which I might add….a very real statistic, I went in and talked with a business banker. When I say she gave me the game about business credit and the benefits ….it was indeed game time. The business banker knew what it was but couldn’t tell me how to unlock the keys to this magical thing that would protect my business and my family’s generational wealth. Afterward, I was relentless in my quest to become trained in everything about the company. Going back to receive my Executive MBA, becoming a Certified Financial Planner, and most importantly, helping others over the past six years, coaching them through my systems, and getting them what they deserve.
Fancy: What are some challenges that stumped you on your journey?
Asia: No matter the marketplace, there are always competitors; Whether it’s a small business or large corporate giant, it may tend to intimidate you at least or sidetrack your focus. However, I learned to stop looking through everyone else’s window. I had to quit window shopping other people’s businesses and mind the business that paid me. Once my mindset changed my return on investment began to shift, and it shifted significantly.
Fancy: Why is business credit so important?
Asia: Most people begin a business out of necessity and passion. Once that takes place, we grow. Eventually, something goes wrong with cash flow, and we find a quick fix which is usually our credit card or loan, and it’s personally guaranteed. This problem begins to cycle repeatedly before the owner realizes it; you’re paying more in fees than the overall profit of your business.
Business credit eases that need. It’s an influx of capital that alleviates the burden of being cash-poor or what my attorney called it “cash-flow broke.” The owner doesn’t possess enough money for significant expenses to pay themselves, their taxes, and mostly their employees, which typically is 65% of the business revenue.
Fancy: Why should one purchase a course from you instead of going to a Facebook group and receiving free information?
Asia: All free information isn’t reliable. Have you ever noticed that in the free groups, they never give ALL the pieces to success, or better yet, the HOW? My course “Master Your Business Credit” gives you the who, what, when, where, and why of business credit. In addition, it’s not just vendors, creditors, or lenders. I will explain what to do after you get the money. Now, any person can possess the skillset of giving business money and tack on interest. Still, as the business owner, you have to know how this business loan will fit in with your overall business forecast, how you can invest or essentially flip the loan money in your business, and how to save it from heavy taxation or being seized a legal issue. This course is my life’s work, and I want people to understand the information and get the actual value. This is and always will be the goal. But just like everything else, there’s a transformation in the transaction. You have to be willing to invest in the “HOW.”
Fancy: Are there any books or podcasts you suggest we read or listen to?
Asia: My Radio Show “ All BOUT THE BUSINESS” airs on January 10th, 2022, at 11:00 am/EST on Envision Radio. If you want to listen simply by going to www.envision-radio.com or by visiting any of these apps/links:
app: Simple Radio
app: Radio.Garden
app: Radio.com
app: myTuner Radio
app: Radio Shaker
app: Get Me Radio
link: http://tunerr.co/radio/Envision-Radio-FM
Replays can be caught in my Private FB Group called: Seal the Deal with Business Credit.
My Book, “ Business Credit Secrets for Entrepreneur Success,” is always free plus shipping. Use the website address to order your copy today.
https://vip.talkbizcredit.com/freeplusshipping1
Fancy: What are some tips for startup companies to get their business credit started with limited funding?
Asia: Business credit comes in several forms, beginning with your game plan. Fintech companies are a newer, more accessible source for small business owners. Fintech lenders are on the rise and in high pursuit. They look at industry patterns based on your business NAICS code, business trends and analyze your ability to repay based on your business banking patterns. A company that I recommend is FUNDBOX. Check them out at https://fundbox.referralrock.com/l/1TALKCHILDC17/ .
But remember, it starts with your business bank account and consistent deposit amounts.
Another suggestion is to check with micro-lenders in your area. Microloans are backed by the SBA and have less stringent criteria regarding credit, collateral, or capacity. But, it would be best if you had a business plan.
Lastly, the Small Business Development Center is a crucial resource for coaching, financing, and a wealth of knowledge. Remember, business credit is still credit. If you are on your last leg but talented, committed, and willing to work on your vision, then look them up. It’s not too late.
Fancy: When you are not in Seal the Deal mode, what do you like to do?
Asia: I’m usually at home with my family or traveling with my husband. My children are authors and own Talk Childcare Publishing. I’m busy walking them through the self-publishing process to create Afro-centric stories about childhood mental health, black girls in gymnastics, black girls who code, and most importantly, the ABCs of Entrepreneurship essentially displaying how becoming an entrepreneur is beneficial for the entire family. Possessing the vocabulary of entrepreneurship is crucial to success. To sign large income-generating contracts, you must understand them, not just sign a loan contract. So, I’m genuinely wealth-building and teaching my kids in my downtime.
Fancy: What’s next for you in 2022?
Asia: In 2022, I’m unlocking my window. The sky is truly the limit. It’s time to soar. Between the radio show, partnering with my business sisters at BE ELITE, the business course, building childcare centers in Louisville, speaking at conferences, and family, I’ll be doing self-care at every turn. I cannot pour from an empty cup. My team does an excellent job assisting with overall balance by managing my systems for growth.
Catch Asia on CEO Chatter Live!
