Jessica M. Baker is the Founder and CEO of Aligned Signs, the only patented self-discovery and relationship tool of its kind. Ms. Baker fuels her business ventures with expertise gained from nine years of experience in finance, business analysis, client management and research. Jessica graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Texas. Follow her @ALIGNEDSIGNS.
What is the first thing you did to turn your current business from an idea into a reality?
The very first thing that made Aligned Signs real also perfectly captures what Aligned Signs is about: self-reflection and self-awareness. I had recently divorced, quit my regular job and moved, so to say it was a tumultuous time would be an understatement. As I began to search for guidance, I developed the system, merging ancient wisdom with modern psychology, that is the backbone of Aligned Signs’ philosophy. My successes with these methods made me want to share what I felt with others: fulfillment. So, I decided to create a website that offered the algorithm to others, focusing on all kinds of relationships: romantic, platonic, and most importantly, the relationship with yourself.
What is the scariest part of being a young entrepreneur and how can others overcome this fear?
There is always uncertainty when taking a leap as big as creating your own business! Investing a sizable chunk of my own funds was certainly daunting, but knowing I was the one who could make or break the company actually gave me the confidence and drive to work harder, longer and smarter to ensure success. To overcome this fear, you must first believe in yourself. Then, have the courage to put that confidence into action and be willing to make constructive criticism your best friend as you learn things you didn’t know you didn’t know.
Were you ever told not to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams? Who told you that, what did they say and why did you ignore them?
Quite a few people told me not to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams, including my family and close friends. They told me they believed in me, but that they knew being so dedicated might compromise my lifestyle in a pursuit that was not 100 percent guaranteed. They told me to stick to the stable job that I was good at for long-term financial gain.
I chose to ignore them because that just wasn’t what I wanted or how I envisioned spending my days. I would rather work long, hard hours building a knowledge base I could have never gained without being in the trenches. I am a passionate person and would rather enjoy the anxious excitement of uncertainty that comes with building something I think will better the world.
What is the No. 1 thing you wish you’d known starting out and how did you learn it?
Trust but verify. I am a naturally trusting person but have learned that sometimes what is said is not always what is done. Due diligence is probably the most important part of every process. I learned that the hard way many times over: when choosing a web developer, when creating a website, when running ads, etc.
What do you recommend all new founders do for their business — or their personal lives — that will help them the most?
Know yourself! Aligned Signs’ tagline is “Get to Know You,” and self-reflection is obviously something I feel very strongly about. The human mind is so beautifully varied and complex. Someone’s amazing business strategy that made them rich may not work for you, and it’s important to know why. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can create goals and plans that are tailored to you, how you work, what you are passionate about and how you interact with the world to convey your message. These principles apply to both personal and professional life. As a starting point, I would strongly recommend taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment and identifying your type. The assessment uses the principles of Jungian psychology to delve deep into the way your mind processes information, and more importantly, how you interrelate with the world around you. These insights are invaluable for anyone truly trying to flourish.
How do you end each day and why?
I end each day reviewing my multiple-tab Excel sheet of a to-do list. I then decide what I’m going to attack the next day. Knowing things being are addressed and moving forward brings me satisfaction and peace.
What is your best PR/marketing tip for business just starting up?
Understand the problem your company is trying to solve. Then research facts that enable you to do what you do and understand why your mission is important to the reader/listener in a way that speaks to their logic and emotion.
What is your ultimate goal? What will you do if/when you get there?
I would love to see Aligned Signs become as successful and recognized as eHarmony, Match.com and Facebook. However, what I truly strive for is bringing acceptance, self-knowledge and authenticity to as many people as possible. I can only hope that one day my company will have helped everyone looking for love, in search of a career path and overall happiness and well-being. When that happens, I feel my legacy will have been instilled and that the world will be a better place because I effectively shared the fulfillment I had been hoping for myself.
