John Canty Webster, the son of Botswana immigrants who arrived in the 1970s to America, has followed in his father’s footsteps. John assisted his father with the financial aspects of his business since early adolescence. He was skilled in math and regularly assisted his father with financial issues since he was a youngster.
He has always been interested in business. John Canty Webster now lives in MA, and graduated from Boston College also in MA, with a Master of Business Administration in Corporate Finance after majoring in finance and accounting. He worked for a variety of well-known firms, including McKinsey & Company, where he served as a Strategy and Corporate Finance Analyst for two years.
Over the years, John has acquired a wealth of subject-matter expertise, allowing him to fully comprehend his client’s key financial procedures and underlying issues that may arise. Since the early 1990s, he has gained fresh insights by operating across a wide range of sectors and Fortune 500 companies. John collaborates with his customers to find the most efficient answers by leveraging his vast consulting experience.
John decided to start his own firm in 2012 because he wanted to assist corporate businesses in flourishing and began the John Canty Finance Consulting Firm. A company that provides business financial advice. He’s a competent, well-trained, committed business and finance consultant who offers professional help to clients.
John works with companies that are either in the midst of a change or executing major projects. He assists businesses in growing their businesses by optimizing their organizational structure, administrative procedures, governance, and technology tools and systems.
John is also a family man who enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. John is an active philanthropist, working with several organizations to bring food, water, and other basic necessities to underserved areas in Africa.
How did you get started in this business?
I was just a kid when I migrated to the U.S. in the 1970s with my parents from Botswana, Africa. Initially, my father struggled with establishing and growing his African handicraft business. During my early teenage years, since my grip on mathematics was exceptional, I started helping my father with the financial matters of his business.
I completed a Master of Business Administration in Corporate Finance from Boston College and I started working for multiple renowned companies. My most notable experience was working at McKinsey & Company and serving their Strategy & Corporate Finance Dept. for a couple of years. This helped me develop deep subject matter knowledge enabling me to thoroughly understand my clients’ critical financial processes and the underlying dynamics that might generate challenges.
In 2012, I decided to start John Canty Finance Consulting Firm to help corporate businesses thrive. I help startups and small to medium enterprises expand their businesses by optimizing their organizational structure, administrative processes, governance, and selecting the appropriate technology tools and systems.
How do you make money?
I typically make money by offering both fee-based and commission-based models. We usually charge 1% on the assets that we manage. I also write guest blogs and get paid for them.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Luckily, John Canty Finance Consulting Firm became profitable within the first 90 days of starting it. I had a strong network in the financial and business industry which helped me gain early momentum.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
75% yes! I was indeed terrified when I started the John Canty Finance Consulting Firm. But I had a serious gut feeling that it would definitely work. I had a suitable educational background and good mentors to guide me to success. I didn’t even for once think it won’t work.
How did you get your first customer?
A friend of mine was facing a challenging situation dealing with her business financial situation and asked me for help. She was my first customer and later through word of mouth I kept on having new customers.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
I have devised a system at Canty Finance Consulting Firm that ensures exposure and education to the business community about corporate financial matters, and U.S. tax rules and regulations. We use our proven expertise and knowledge of the U.S. tax code to educate our clients about how to pay what they owe, nothing more nor less. We conduct seminars to enlighten prospective clients on investing and the markets. We nourish their knowledge so that they can make informed decisions. This strategy works really well to generate new business.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
There is not a single day that goes by in which I don’t have to make a tough decision. The only thing I can do is to keep myself as prepared and knowledgeable as possible and to properly weigh all of the practical options so that I arrive at the most favorable decision possible. I am always open to collaborating with others and asking for competing opinions as frequently as possible, and I believe that this habit of mine has served me well over the years.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I have a very strong work ethic, and I feel that I have an exceptionally calculative mind. My ability to identify an opportunity in every number to benefit my corporate clients makes my career as a financial consultant a great one.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I always set up certain goals, on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis, that serve as benchmarks in charting the progress. Each time I meet one of my set targets and goals I feel a great sense of achievement. Even if it is just a tiny goal on the way to something substantial, it is immensely satisfying.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
Rather than running after new clients, I would like to focus on my existing clients and continue giving them unparalleled care and attention. They are the future of my business. Word of mouth matters massively in the business industry since people feel more confident trusting someone with their hard-earned money if their family/friend recommended it.
What business books have inspired you?
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham is one of my personal favorites and it played a huge role in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset. It delivers realistic financial advice for businesses and individuals looking to grow their wealth. The best thing about this book is that it is far from the principles that guarantee you’ll become a millionaire. Rather this book encourages readers and budding entrepreneurs to create practical goals. It has personally inspired me to find success in any size and victory.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Never haste in making a decision. Always take ample time for decision-making. Generally, entrepreneurs and financial advisors act without much thought. They might be intimidated because of the mental pressure. Although over-analyzing isn’t a good idea in terms of time management, it is significant to take a step back and think about numerous situations. Let your mind take adequate time to connect the dots and think through different possible outcomes. It will definitely save you a lot of time by preventing rework and will make you more productive as an entrepreneur.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Of course! I love helping people and it’s my mission to help people grow. Anyone can pay me a visit at my office in LA or contact me through my Facebook page.