Ukolova Ekaterina: biography. Consulting firm Oy-li

Ukolova Ekaterina is a well-known start-up in our country. She is the creator of a successful consulting company, called Oy-li. By her example, she proves that you can earn and achieve success even with a minimum initial capital and even when the financial crisis is raging outside the window. Having passed the way from an employee of several large banks to the creator of her own company, Catherine today willingly shares how to increase sales here and now.

Biography of the startup

Ukolova Ekaterina says that she created herself. At a very young age she took a chance and moved from a small town to one of the Russian capitals - to St. Petersburg.

The family of Ekaterina Ukolova lived in the Far East. The heroine of our article was born in Magadan. When she was still a schoolgirl, she moved with her parents to Gelendzhik. It is a small resort town on the Black Sea coast.

While still in Magadan, she began to try herself in sales. At age 14, she became the best seller of Oriflame cosmetics in this remote city. So, having behind her shoulders some baggage, immediately after school went to conquer the northern capital. I entered the university and started working as a nightly salesman at a small grocery store.

The path to her own prosperous company took her 12 years. Today, Ekaterina Ekolova's business is to help clients repeatedly increase sales volumes. On average, by 40%.

Project of consulting business

Business Ukolova in the field of consulting opened in 2011. The starting budget was only 180 thousand rubles. Ukolova herself Catherine admits that she adores selling. So it was her own business.

By the age of 30 she set herself the goal of earning 300,000 rubles a month. And systematically went to its implementation. In St. Petersburg, she began her working career in a small position as a sales manager for credit cards in one of Citibank's branches. Then, of course, very few people believed in its success.

The main secret of success, which Ukolova willingly shares today, is to do his job brilliantly, no matter what they are. No matter how unimportant and insignificant you do not seem to post. After all, as a result, you will be noticed, appreciated and promoted through the career ladder.

Career

A year later in "Citibank" the heroine of our article became the best coach in the department. However, there is not always room for growth in a particular job. So it happened with her. On her head, having surpassed all her colleagues and some leaders, she came to the management with the question of how she could become the head of the department. She was told that it was too early to think about it at the age of 20. It is necessary to wait another 20 years. This answer did not suit her. "Remember that if you are not appreciated somewhere, you can always prove yourself in another job," says Ukolova.

Since 2007, Ukolova started working in Moscow in Alfa-Bank. First, a business coach, then moved to managerial positions. Already in 2010, she had the first clients, whom she initially advised, working remotely.

Where to begin?

The heroine of our article launched its own consulting firm in 2011. At first there were only a few employees and a small office. To start, the company was registered as a commercial organization. In the firm there was a creative director who also came up with the name "Oi li". Later he began to manage all web directions, developed an Internet site and corporate style.

The name of the consulting firm has a special meaning. This expression means doubts about current and future results. Ukolova argues that it is doubts that help her to achieve better results with her clients.

The starting capital was 180,000 rubles. Of these, 60,000 went for a monthly lease of the office, another 120,000 for the equipment of three jobs. Now the company is developing, and the office is invested about one million rubles.

What business does Ukolova do?

The company "Oy Li" helps customers who want to increase sales. However, those who apply to them to start making profits, often need to make serious changes. For example, to rebuild the sales system, fire and recruit new managers, change the essence of filing your goods, rework, and sometimes re-create the site, start promoting offers in social networks.

Now Ekaterina Ukolova has more than 20 employees in Oy-li. Of these, less than half are permanently in the office. Many work remotely. If they do it effectively, then no one has anything against it.

In the first months the turnover was about 300 thousand rubles. I had to start with several clients. However, in a few months the number of those who wanted to increase their sales increased at times, and the monthly turnover exceeded two million rubles.

In addition to direct counseling, Ekaterina Ukolova, whose biography is closely connected with sales, provides advice on recruiting personnel, improving the company's image.

Clients of Ukolova

For the help in the consulting agency those who can not independently improve their own sales address. Many join after seminars and trainings, which are held both for a fee and for free.

Work is actively working with companies working in the medical field, with those who are engaged in wholesale sales, commercial educational institutions that are interested in attracting entrants.

It is worth noting that in this market while a small competition. In all of Moscow there are only ten companies. That is obviously not enough, because it is necessary to correct sales practically to all.

Employees of the company

In the consulting agency, Ukolova work for a salary and a percentage of each contract awarded. The average salary is about 60 thousand rubles. The best workers earn both 100 and 200 thousand a month.

Among the employees there are former employees of Sberbank, who today offer their services in business centers, former employees of the largest IT companies that previously had experience in running their own business.

Tips for Beginners

Those who want to create their own consulting firm, Ukolova advises to start working in similar structures. Even in the most insignificant positions. So you can learn the basics of this business, learn to find your own customers.

It is important not to start a business with debts. Otherwise, in case of the slightest failure, you will find yourself in a difficult financial situation. Therefore, close all your loans and minimize your monthly expenses.

Always learn something new. Today, the Internet gives such opportunities. Do not listen to those who argue that promoting products in social networks is an inefficient method. It is his future. Most customers today turn to after they have visited the company's page in social networks or read the corresponding blog.

To the company was effective, you should not recruit people smarter than yourself. Always take care of earning your employees. Offer managers a share in the enterprise, so you put them to yourself and interest in the promotion and development of the company. After all, this directly depends on their income.

Always take care of the comfort and convenience of employees. Create a cozy and comfortable office, which you want to come every day, is half the success. Ukolova proves this by example. In the office of her firm comfortable chairs, a library, a bar, a coffee machine. At the same time, everyone gives themselves to work as much as possible.