Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with a remarkable individual whose journey from Zimbabwe to Australia is not just a tale of personal triumph but also a testament to the power of seizing opportunities.
Prosper M. Taruvinga, the CEO of Livelong Digital, is a distinguished expert in digital marketing for coaches and consultants, offering a distinctive approach that sets him apart from the tried and heard methods in the industry. With a steadfast commitment, Prosper not only aims to facilitate the growth of businesses but also ensures a steady flow of qualified leads every week.
Specializing in assisting coaches seeking more appointments, clients, and event attendees, Prosper extends his expertise to business and executive coaches who recognize the tangible potential of “Online Prosperity” rather than dismissing it as an unattainable dream.
Drawing from personal experience, Prosper understands the profound impact that effective digital marketing can have on both personal relationships and the broader community. Originating from a small town in Zimbabwe, his journey began with minimal resources. However, guided by the advice of a bright-eyed Australian teacher, Prosper made his way to Melbourne. Today, he channels his expertise to support online service-based advisors, leveraging the transformative power of digital marketing.
Australia Moving Plan (AMP): You mentioned that at the age of 13, you were inspired by a teacher from Australia. How did that moment shape your aspirations?
Prosper: Absolutely, it was a turning point for me. Coming from Zimbabwe, where prospects seemed limited, this teacher opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. The idea of leaving Zimbabwe and being anywhere in the world became a beacon of hope.
AMP: Fast forward to your arrival in Australia. You took on various jobs to make ends meet. Could you share a bit about that initial struggle?
Prosper: Certainly. When I first arrived, I had no connections, no prospects. My first job was in a restaurant, where I attempted to connect with coworkers through social media. However, a well-intentioned move to create a Facebook page for the restaurant led to my abrupt dismissal. It was a tough time, feeling dejected and hopeless, but a fortunate incident with a photo that went viral opened unexpected doors.
AMP: That’s quite a twist. How did that incident shape your path in Australia?
Prosper: It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I delved into learning about marketing and inadvertently found myself organizing bookings for celebrities. This newfound role propelled me into a position where people sought me out, creating a mini-stardom for myself. From there, I continued to evolve, eventually working with an A-list celebrity on a clothing line marketing project.
AMP: Impressive journey. Can you elaborate on your transition from celebrity endorsements to advocating for models and small businesses?
Prosper: Recognizing the challenges faced by models and small businesses, I started hosting networking events and collaborating with the Australian Academy of Modeling. The focus was on empowering models, bridging the gap between unknown and recognized. This passion extended to supporting small businesses that often went unnoticed in the digital landscape.
AMP: Family life entered the picture. How did balancing being a husband, father, and business owner impact your journey?
Prosper: It was a transformative period. Balancing family responsibilities with entrepreneurship required careful juggling. Through it all, I continued to grow my business, facing challenges, and adapting. Last week, winning an award from the Zimbabwe Business Authority was a significant moment, a validation of a decade-long journey.
AMP: Congratulations on the award. In your linkedin posts and website, it seems you’ve developed a unique strategy for marketing that diverges from the conventional cold calling and emails. Can you delve deeper into how you assist coaches and consultants in reaching their audience?
Prosper: Certainly. In our work with coaches and consultants, we emphasize the importance of a clear message. Cold calls and emails often lack this clarity, making it challenging to resonate with the right audience. We guide our clients in discovering their core message and identifying precisely who needs to hear it. LinkedIn becomes a pivotal platform in this strategy.
AMP: LinkedIn is a key component then. Could you share more about how you leverage LinkedIn for your clients?
Prosper: Absolutely. Once we’ve defined the message, we focus on optimizing the LinkedIn profiles of our clients. This involves ensuring that every aspect of their profiles speaks directly to their target audience. It’s not just about connecting with colleagues but strategically connecting with potential clients. LinkedIn allows you to connect with 100 new people every week. This deliberate approach ensures that our clients are building connections with their ideal audience.
AMP: Connecting with the right people is crucial. How do you transition from connections to active engagement?
Prosper: Engagement is the key. We encourage our clients to create valuable content consistently. Whether through writing, video, or podcasts, the goal is to educate their audience about who they are, what they do, and why they should choose them. By doing so, even if the audience isn’t ready to buy immediately, they form brand awareness over time. We’re essentially turning cold calls into warm relationships through a continuous, passive content strategy.
AMP: That’s an interesting shift from traditional methods. How do you ensure that this strategy brings in the desired results?
Prosper: It’s about understanding that value attracts. By consistently delivering value through content, our clients are essentially teaching their audience about their expertise. This leads to an organic growth in brand awareness. When you’re constantly in front of the right audience, they become familiar with you. And familiarity breeds trust, making them more likely to seek your services when the time is right for them.
AMP: You’ve mentioned various levels of service, from a hands-on approach to a more collaborative or consultative one. Can you elaborate on how your services are structured?
Prosper: Certainly. We offer three types of services. The first is a “Done For You” service, where we take complete control of the marketing process. The second is a “Done With You” service, where we provide a roadmap and guidance, and the client or their team implements it. Finally, there’s the “Virtual Marketing Team” service, where we work collaboratively with the client to set goals, and our virtual team handles all aspects of marketing, from SEO to web development, for a single fee.
AMP: That’s a remarkable journey, Prosper. Shifting gears a bit, considering the entrepreneurial spirit, I’m curious about your thoughts on migrants coming to Australia. Often, they start with securing a job and settling into a routine. However, with their rich experiences, there’s potential for more. How can we encourage these individuals to step out of their comfort zones and explore entrepreneurship, similar to your journey 11 years ago?
Prosper: I appreciate the question, but entrepreneurship isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Many migrants come with specific skill sets, and upon arrival, they naturally seek employment in their expertise. Unfortunately, starting from the ground up here can be time-consuming. Learning how the system works in Australia is crucial, and not everyone has the credentials or connections to immediately transition into entrepreneurship. There’s people like me that are just… I can’t be employed. Can you imagine me sitting in a boardroom and somebody wanting to employ me? I just can’t be employed. But some people, when they come from overseas, first of all, they want to look after their family back home and pretty much re-establish, get a house, get properties or cars or whatever it is. While some, like myself, may naturally gravitate towards entrepreneurship, others may prioritize stability through employment, especially when family support and financial commitments are in play.
AMP: So, it’s a matter of personal choice and circumstances. How can individuals determine if entrepreneurship is the right path for them?
Prosper: It boils down to mindset and self-awareness. Not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship. Some are more inclined to a steady paycheck and the security it provides. It’s essential to assess who you want to become and align your actions accordingly. Transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship demands a significant amount of energy, effort, and adaptation to a dynamic environment. It’s a personal decision, and one should carefully consider their goals and capabilities.
AMP: Your perspective on the personal aspect of entrepreneurship is insightful. Shifting focus to your company, when you hire individuals or freelancers, what are the top three skills you look for to determine their suitability for a role?
Prosper: In a world where many tasks can be automated or managed by AI, I prioritize mindset over specific skills. I look for individuals with perseverance, a “stick-to-itiveness” when faced with challenges. Beyond qualifications, I assess their ability to adapt, learn, and, most importantly, their emotional intelligence. These qualities are often more valuable than a list of certifications.
AMP: That’s an interesting approach, emphasizing adaptability and emotional intelligence. Given your extensive interactions with people, have you ever felt exhausted or needed a break from human interactions?
Prosper: Naturally, I’m quite secluded. Psychologically, I’m distant from everyone. I’ve built a lifestyle where interactions, even with clients, are scheduled. I’m selective about who has access to me. Meditation helps me ground myself, and discipline is key. I limit my interactions to conserve energy and maintain focus on my clients, family, and personal well-being.
AMP: It’s clear that you’ve found a balance that works for you. Lastly, what are your long-term plans for yourself and your business in the coming years?
Prosper: At 40, I’m transitioning to a wealth-focused perspective. Over the next decade, I plan to expand my property portfolio from four to ten, consolidating and growing equity. Simultaneously, my digital agency, Live Long Digital, will serve as the financial backbone for my retirement. By 70, I envision a life of fulfillment with my wife, enjoying the fruits of a strategic and disciplined journey.
AMP: Thank you, Prosper, for sharing your insights and aspirations. It’s been a pleasure discussing your journey and perspectives.
Prosper: Thank you for having me. It’s been a great conversation, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences.
