Jennifer Garrett, founder of Move the Ball podcast, has a clear mission in mind: helping clients position themselves and their brands to achieve the goals they envision. Jennifer works with high-profile clients, including career professionals, business executives, and even NFL athletes, guiding them through career navigation and brand-building. But as any seasoned entrepreneur knows, staying focused and disciplined can make or break a business’s success.
In an engaging interview with entrepreneur-focused Lance Johnson, Jennifer opened up about her entrepreneurial journey, revealing key strategies and lessons she’s learned. Her journey provides valuable insights into finding focus, defining purpose, and staying disciplined in the often tumultuous world of business.
Building a Brand with Purpose and Precision
Jennifer’s podcast, Move the Ball, has become synonymous with strategic branding, but getting to that point was no easy feat. The challenges of defining her brand’s purpose required deep introspection and a willingness to adapt. Initially, her vision leaned heavily on corporate development and training, but she quickly realized that her real passion lay in helping clients define and amplify their personal brands. “I wanted to help people move the ball forward in their careers,” Jennifer explained. “But it took time to truly hone in on what that meant in practice.”
That clarity of purpose now drives her work with clients across various professions, including NFL players whose careers, while high-profile, are often short-lived. “Athletes need to leverage their brand strategically because they don’t have forever in their careers,” she shared. “I help them think ahead about life after sports so that they have a strong, lasting presence and new opportunities when they’re done on the field.”
This alignment of purpose with her business offerings didn’t come overnight, though. Jennifer openly discussed the trial and error required to find her niche—a journey marked by resilience and relentless focus.
Key Strategies for Success: Focus, Relationship Building, and Consistent Delivery
When asked about the key elements that separate struggling entrepreneurs from successful ones, Jennifer identified three core pillars: clarity of purpose, relationship-building, and delivering on promises. Her approach to these factors reflects her belief that success in business is less about following formulas and more about staying genuine and dedicated.
- Clarity of Purpose
Jennifer emphasizes that clarity around who you serve and what problem you solve is foundational. “Knowing the exact problem you solve and the people you’re serving might sound obvious, but it’s essential,” she advised. “Too many entrepreneurs get excited about a million ideas and forget to zero in on one that genuinely moves the needle.” - Relationship-Building
Despite the increasing reliance on digital marketing, Jennifer believes relationships remain the lifeblood of her business. “Word-of-mouth marketing is still the best form of advertising,” she said. “People want to work with someone they feel connected to. If they sense that you genuinely care about them, they’ll come back, and they’ll tell others about you.” - Delivering on Promises
Reliability is key in Jennifer’s work. “You have to deliver high-quality work, and you have to exceed expectations. People need to know they can trust that you’ll do what you say you will,” she said. “Even if you have a great relationship with a client, you still need to deliver a top-tier product. That consistency is what will earn you recommendations.”
Jennifer’s Take on Business Development: Choose Your Platforms Wisely
Jennifer’s approach to business development centers around focusing on the platforms where her clients are most active and where she can make the most significant impact. “I’m very active on LinkedIn because that’s where my clients spend their time,” she explained. “There are so many social platforms you could engage on, but you have to choose one or two and focus there. For me, LinkedIn has been the right platform to build connections.”
Jennifer also runs a podcast and newsletter, with each medium serving a specific purpose in her overall strategy. While her podcast allows listeners to understand her personality and approach, her LinkedIn newsletter, The Executive Edge, offers valuable content on navigating career moves. “You have to be intentional about where you spend your time. Repurposing content can work, but it has to be meaningful to the audience you’re trying to reach,” she noted.
Facing Obstacles and Pivoting with Purpose
Four years ago, as COVID-19 disrupted businesses worldwide, Jennifer found herself at a crossroads. The corporate training market she initially targeted faded quickly, forcing her to reconsider her direction. It took nearly two years of experimenting before Jennifer realized her passion truly lay in brand-building rather than corporate training. This experience taught her a valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability.
“For anyone early in their entrepreneurial journey, I’d say, spend a lot of time honing in on what you want your business to be,” Jennifer advised. “It’s easy to get distracted by a lot of ‘what-ifs’ and lose focus. You don’t want to be floundering because you’re chasing every new idea that comes along. Find your core offering, and stick to it.”
Balancing Hopeful Ventures with Practical Goals
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to be seduced by new opportunities that seem promising. Jennifer admits she’s learned to approach these temptations with caution. “As entrepreneurs, we see opportunity everywhere,” she said, “but you have to keep your main thing, the main thing. It’s easy to get distracted by the allure of new projects, but you have to ask yourself if it aligns with your core business goals.”
One of Jennifer’s more unusual yet effective strategies has been to create a visual reminder. “I made a sign that asks, ‘What are you doing today to make you money?’ and I keep it near my workspace,” she shared with a laugh. “It sounds extreme, but it keeps me focused on the things that will actually drive my business forward.”
Top Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Jennifer’s journey offers a wealth of advice for entrepreneurs at any stage. Here are her top tips for staying focused, disciplined, and true to your brand:
- Define Your Purpose Early and Stick to It
“Identify the specific problem you solve and the people you want to help. The more specific, the better.” - Build Real Relationships
“People want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. Even in a digital world, relationship-building remains essential.” - Be Consistent in Your Delivery
“High-quality delivery is essential for growth. Do what you say you’re going to do, and people will not only return but also refer others.” - Choose Your Platforms Wisely
“Find where your audience spends their time and focus your marketing efforts there. It’s better to excel on one platform than to spread yourself too thin.” - Stay Focused on Revenue-Generating Activities
“Keep a clear line of sight on tasks that directly drive revenue. While it’s okay to experiment, don’t let hopeful side projects distract you from core business goals.”
A Focused Path to Future Growth
Looking ahead, Jennifer is focused on launching a suite of workbooks designed to guide clients through career transitions, personal branding, and strategic networking. She’s fully aware of the challenges that come with introducing new products to the market, but she’s ready to rely on her network and referral-based business model to overcome them.
“I’m focused on launching these workbooks with the support of my existing network,” she explained. “Leveraging those connections and delivering real value has always been a cornerstone of my business.”
Jennifer Garrett’s story is a reminder that clarity, focus, and a genuine approach to relationship-building can drive long-term success in entrepreneurship. For aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike, her insights offer a roadmap to stay focused on what matters, adapt when necessary, and ultimately, keep moving the ball forward.
Connect with Jennifer Garrett & Move the Ball on LinkedIn
Listen to Move the Ball on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
