How Kat Norton (Miss Excel) Started a 7-Figure Business Before Creating Funnels

Entering the world of entrepreneurship, one might think that a detailed business plan and meticulously mapped-out strategies are prerequisites to success. However, Kat Norton, a seven-figure business owner and social media powerhouse with a following of over 2 million, tells a different story on the latest episode of "Keep What You Earn.”.

Kat's story serves as a testament to what can be achieved when passion leads the way. Starting her entrepreneurial journey during the pandemic, she didn’t follow the conventional wisdom of detailed planning and funnels. Instead, she built her empire based on the sheer uniqueness of her Excel training approach, which combines technical skills with engaging, dance-filled TikTok videos.

Starting as a suggestion from a friend to post Excel tips on social media, Kat's idea blossomed into a thriving business. While working her corporate job, where she had already created an Excel training program, Kat began sharing her knowledge on TikTok. Despite her initial reservations, it was a hit; her content, one video reaching 100,000 views quickly, resonated with many, signaling that it was time to take her side hustle to the next level.

Emphasizing on the episode, it wasn’t without personal doubts and imposter syndrome. Yet, what distinguishes Kat's story is her approach to these challenges: embracing her uniqueness. "People connect with genuine personalities. They can sense when you're having fun and being yourself," Kat shared, highlighting the power of authentic content over following viral content formulas.

Shannon, an advocate for scaling businesses and saving money in taxes, takes the opportunity to introduce the CFO on Demand service – an affordable solution providing access to financial expertise without a high monthly fee. This aligns perfectly with Kat's journey, underscoring the efficiency of tapping into such resources that weren't initially part of her business strategy but have supported its sustained growth.

Kat’s strategy of leading with value and passion rather than scarcity fueled her rapid growth. By not having a traditional business plan or a set system to collect leads, she approached her business with a freedom that allowed organic and explosive growth. "It’s crucial to offer something that people want and ensure that you can deliver it efficiently," says Shannon, commending Kat's focus on creating a product that met a specific need engagingly.

Kat's business took a significant turn when her former employer became a client, validating her expertise and entrepreneurial move. This pivotal moment was crucial, as it demonstrated the power of leveraging existing relationships and expertise in one’s entrepreneurial journey.

Moreover, Kat's success emphasizes the importance of a customer-centric approach. By knowing her audience and delivering Excel training in a relatable format, she established trust and built a community around her brand. Her willingness to experiment and take action, even when it felt messy or uncertain, pushed her business into realms she hadn't expected.

Expanding her offerings, Kat developed and sold courses, hosted webinars, and by January 2021, the revenue from her course eclipsed her day job income. She left her job and never looked back, scaling her business into a multifaceted educational platform with numerous courses, a larger team, and potential for further expansion.

As Kat moves into a more strategic CEO role, her story continues to inspire—showcasing that building a successful business doesn't always require a traditional path. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur enamored with the prospect of growth or an established business owner contemplating your next move, let this be a reminder that sometimes, the best strategy is simply taking the leap, armed with your passions and willingness to adapt.

In the words of Shannon, "When you build a business around your strengths and the needs of people, you create something that’s not only profitable but also impactful." Kat Norton's journey perfectly encapsulates this philosophy, demonstrating that it's not just about keeping what you earn but loving how you earn it.

Since launching Miss Excel in June of 2020, Kat Norton has grown a 7-figure course sales business and a community of over 2 million people across her social media platforms through viral Excel trick videos infused with creativity, music and dance. Her trainings are known to make Excel fun and have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur Magazine, CNBC and 50+ global news outlets.

Website: www.miss-excel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.excel/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miss.excel

What you'll hear in this episode:

04:55 Self-improvement, manifesting desires, and embracing TikTok.
07:24 Unexpected tech opportunity led to profitable side gig.
10:42 Embrace the idea and put it out.
14:28 Content precedes business idea, find true purpose.
17:48 Excel teaching on TikTok, unique and fun.
19:01 Engaging, fun, and immersive approach to teaching.
22:51 Self-improvement led to rapid business growth.
26:40 Business expansion, sales growth, CEO transition excitement.

If you like this episode, check out:

Investing in Businesses - What You Need to Know

Blue Oceans are All Around Us

Pricing Blunders That Could Cost You Thousands

Want to learn more so you can earn more?

CFO On Demand click here

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Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ

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The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.