Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristi Mitchell, founder of Kristi Mitchell Marketing Consulting, located in Fairport, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a Marketing Strategist, and I work with established service-based small business owners who have grown their business primarily by referrals and word-of-mouth. It's worked great until this point, but they know that to take their business to the next level, they finally need to get serious about a strategic marketing plan.
I analyze data for their past efforts and use that to create a customized strategy and action plan that aligns with their business goals and values. Then I work collaboratively with them to determine how it's all going to get executed. Usually, that's a combination of internal resources that already exist and external execution specialists that I bring in.
I'm especially passionate about working with women solopreneurs because I am one! I never want marketing to be the obstacle that holds a woman back from being able to run and grow her own business successfully.
Tell us about yourself
I left the corporate world and started my own business early in 2019. After 10 years in the higher education and corporate sectors, I was ready for a change! I had a young son, and I really wanted a better balance between having a career and spending time with him. Being my own boss allows me the freedom and flexibility to schedule my work around him and do meaningful work that I'm excited about (huge bonus!) I have an endless drive to learn and grow, and I love that I get to do just that every time I work with a new client! There's no better feeling for me than when a client tells me that marketing feels more doable and less overwhelming, and now they know exactly what they need to focus on.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was keeping my business afloat while also homeschooling my son during a global pandemic with no childcare. If you had asked me 10 years ago if I could do any of those things successfully on its own, I would have said no. The fact that I balanced it all and came out with minimal scarring (joking, sort of) is for sure my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Running your own business is such a roller coaster ride. Even with a supportive family, friends, and business besties, it's still really hard! It can be easy to doubt yourself when it comes to pricing and offerings or to think you're going to have to close up shop and "get a real job" when you lose clients or have people decline your proposals. Staying positive and motivated all the time can be a real challenge!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Network like crazy! You can learn so much from others who have done it before you, in similar or tangential fields, etc. You need to meet as many people as you can to help you keep clear on what you're going to offer and who you're going to serve.
- Make sure you really, fully understand your target audience and the challenges they face. This will help you create effective messaging and offers that people really want to buy.
- Find a trusted tribe of business besties! No matter how loving your spouse, friends, or family are - they cannot fully support you in the same way that a network of fellow business owners can. I can't imagine doing this on my own without those trusted advisors by my side!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I've heard some people say that you shouldn't start your own business if you're risk-averse. I disagree. I think you just have to get comfortable in the gray. You have to know that things are rarely (if ever) black and white when you run your own business. You can't create an offering or pick a niche and think it will stay that way forever. The economy fluctuates, the market shifts, and your audience's needs change - you have to adapt and adjust with it all!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kristimitchell.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristimitchell/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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