Meet A.C. Williams | Professional Network Marketer, Mentor, Author, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with A.C. Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A.C., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Initially, my thought process of starting my own business centered around me clearly understanding what was my ultimate goal and purpose and then finding a business that would fit.

The ultimate goal was to create a business, that provided financial and time freedom, which could then align with my purpose; beginning a family legacy of passing financial wealth & personal development mindset to my next generation.

The goal process included making sure I chose a business model, industry, company, etc… which could even make it possible for me to reach my goal.

I knew working any job for a company could not give me the lifestyle of time and financial freedom, which would then allow me to walk into my purpose. I had to find or create an entrepreneurial role that would get me off the job hamster wheel and give me something that I could never make more of; time.

I knew I would not be able to simply stop working a job one day and start my business the next day. I also new that a traditional “own a small business” concept would eventually start to own me and become a job that I created for myself.

I recall 5 considerations 10 years ago:
1. Industry
2. Company/Exec./Training
3. Product or Service
4. Compensation
5. Timing/Economy

For me, direct sales/networking marketing was the logical decision for multiple reasons, including the low financial barrier to start and the short time-frame of return on investment. I wanted to insure it was service based with no inventory/distribution needs. If I partnered with a company, it needed to have solid leadership that wanted more of a vision/creation legacy than a financial one. The services had to either be 1) essential and/or lifestyle valued; which meant I would have minimal convincing or change of buying habits. These type of services would be “stickier” with potential consumers. 2) The services had to be linked to residual compensation, as opposed to creating another job-type hamster wheel of re-selling every month.

Lastly, and most importantly, the company must have duplicatable systems and processes. I could personally collect enough customers to be financially free, but without simple, duplicatable systems and processes, I could never create the leverage needed to gain time freedom.

I do not want my future generations to have to do everything I did, in terms of education, degrees and work experience, just to simply arrive at where I am, in terms of lifestyle. I want to leave a financial and personal development mindset legacy so that future generations and can take the family legacy to higher heights.
Creating a financial legacy could occur with the right business that I chose, but the mindset portion of the legacy had to come from personal development within me and then handed down through mentorship and exemplifying those key characteristics of continuous learning and application of knowledge.

This is why I have mentors who are successful and I encourage everyone to seek out mentorship. I learned that success comes from gaining knowledge from others. Reading and researching on your own can only give you information. Mentors give you what they read, experience and know…applied knowledge. I tell my new business partners frequently, “You only know what is in your head. It is impossible to think about something that you don’t know. So, you have to get into the heads of others that have that knowledge.” People love to “think about it” or “research stuff”. Get a mentor because success is a team sport.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The pandemic proved that “our second well needs to be dug before our first well runs dry.” We all need a plan B.

I am in the industry of helping people create their plan B of transitioning to part-time entrepreneurs and I’m also in the industry of adding value to the lives of everyone I meet. Wether they want to join me in business using our entrepreneurial transition system to grow an international online business with some of the largest brands in the personal and commercial essential services sector or they want to network in their respective industry, with the referral networking group that I lead, I meet those needs with a genuine sense of helping and adding value first.

Some of my greatest rewards have been helping people move from the “Job” environment to a thriving self-owned business, with income based upon their own efforts. Helping professionals and folks from all walks-off-life develop the successful entrepreneurial mindset and change the direction of their family trees forever, simply does IT for me. The key for most is consistent personal development because the answer lies between our ears. I am in the process of helping families now and will continue, as part of a creation legacy.

“I am not better than anyone else, but no one else is better than me. “I firmly believe this. I adopted a mentor’s saying. “I don’t say things to impress anyone, but I say it to impress upon them.” Because it is possible for them too.

I consider myself a positive, high energy individual that forces the thinking of the room based upon a positive, solution-based mindset. I often tell audiences that the glass that is half full or half empty is the same because what occurs next is all based upon my actions. We make the difference.

This type of thinking may be what separates me from most. Again, I am no better than anyone, but I simply “move” and see situations differently. Most importantly, I believe the blessed talent that I have is the ability to learn, comprehend and absorb new thinking, concepts and tools then apply or reject them quickly to make an immediate impact in my life and those in my circle.

I give myself grace, as I stated that, but I dedicated a whole section of my book, PUSH – Persist Until Success Happens, to making a decision or taking a path and making it successful based upon faith, positive mindset and consistent energetic posture. It has been said that successful people make up our minds quickly and we quit things extremely slowly. We will make it successful! For most, the opposite is true. Again, not to impress, but to impress upon others.

I look back as 25+ year middle executive with two Fortune 100 companies and realize that those who knew me, would not have thought I would leave the corporate World. But, they would also not be surprised because I always exuded entrepreneurial thoughts & tactics called “thinking outside of the box”.

Well, I now make many “boxes”. Simply by consistently absorbing knowledge and applying it with a value-added focus, in an effort to help others, which in turn helps me. This is my brand; not what I do or will do in the future to earn income. My brand is me. It is my integrity, character and the solutions I bring to others. Companies and opportunities may come and go, but I will always be me, Antonio C. Williams.

Lastly, anyone who knows me, will state, “in court”, I will always raise the bar. Or as my son used to say to me. “Dad, you always have to do the most.” LOL !!
Yes, give your best effort no matter the task and make the process infectious. How you do anything is how you do everything.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Because I love adventures #ANA, one of my favorite spots in Dallas would be in North Dallas on the N. Dallas Tollway right before and after it crosses 121/Sam Rayburn Tollway.
Headed north, before 121 would be the Legacy and Legacy West area in Plano and 1/2 mile after 121 would be Stonebriar Mall/Rider Ballpark and The Dallas Cowboys Star facility in Frisco.

Many would separate these areas. I see them as one because they are within 1-2 square miles of each. Some of my best times in Dallas were in the Legacy area. I recall having seafood and wine at Half Shells Oyster Bar and Grill and then enjoying music at Sambuca 360. What would start out as a happy hour could turn into an all night love festival… kinda. I remember taking in business lunches at Mi Cocina or special business dinner at Bob’s Steak House. The Legacy area will always hold a special place in my heart.

Now the newest addition, Legacy West, has caught my attention with maybe a bit more upscale feel. When there is a inline Tesla store within store row, Del Frisco’s Steakhouse, classic french then Italian restaurants in one portion with a cool Haywire 3-Story Texas Cuisine restaurant with a roof top patio and Legacy Hall, which is a 2-story food hall with about 20 casual dining options and outside entertainment, on the other side, you know that’s a great spot. Legacy west should not be forgotten.

But wait. Go further north 1/2 mile past 121 and the AA Texas Rangers affiliate has Riders Field to watch professional baseball, as your significant other is eyeing Stonebriar Mall. Yes, 180+ stores in an “everything is big in Texas” style mall. My Dave and Busters memories come to mind, but that’s a different story. #MTSASOU I leave that hashmark right there as a landmark.

Just forget it and head north 1/4 mile and check out Jerry Jone’s other World, the home of the Dallas Cowboys at the Star and The Ford Center.  The Ford Center has the Cowboys indoor practice facility, inline stores, a public workout facility, retail stores and an outdoor turf field for all; not just kids, to play on. Up high on the side of Ford Center behind the turf field, sits a Texas monstrosity big screen that is blaring Cowboy highlights 24/7. It’s a great spot at night.

Of course connected to the Ford center is The Star area. There are 6-8 Restaurants, 3-4 bars, 4-5 shops, a couple of coffee houses and I believe a couple car dealerships. Tons to do at the home of the World Headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys.
Don’t worry, your hotel room is within any 4 of these fantastic areas. All the major hotels are there, with a couple high-end, Renaissance and the Omni hotels, and some boutique hotels, as well.
A full day and night with a place to lay your head and do it all again tomorrow.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have contributed to my story thus far. I think back to coaches, while participating in athletics in high school and baseball in college, to professional mentors in my corporate past, to current mentors and, of course all the books I have read and continue to read, but I would have to dedicate this story to a group that deserves recognition because of the support they have and continue to give me.

It could be cliche to say your family, but in all honesty and in many cases, family can be your worst dream stealers and the. most negative criticizing group in your life, My immediate and extended families have never uttered any negative words or tried to “protect me” by talking me out of things. I only recall words of encouragement, uplift and support from my wife, parents, aunts/uncles and siblings. Even my extended family of cousins have supported me and my business from day 1.. I realize my situation of family support can be seen as unusual. To that exact point, the credit and recognition for my success thus far goes to my family. #DozierLove, -Jarvis, #HortonFam,-Linda, Aunt Sheila, #WilliamsLegacy.

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