Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maura Postlethwait, Founder of Social with Maura, located in Napa, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Social with Maura is a social media marketing company for the wine and hospitality industry.
Tell us about yourself
I began my career as a lab intern; funny enough, my degree is in food science. However, I found very quickly that my passions lay in making connections, teaching, networking, and marketing wine. I found myself at Robert Biale Vineyards, where I learned many facets of the wine industry, like wine club management, marketing, and event management. This is also where I began my fascination with social media as a key marketing platform. In 2020 it became very clear that social media can be used as an extension of customer service for wineries as well as a way to obtain new customers. I used Instagram and Facebook to help build brand loyalty, keep wine club members informed, and sell our wines. Seeing the success in 2020 for Biale then led me to want to help more folks in the industry. In 2021 I officially started Social with Maura with the goal of helping wineries do all of the above. Winemaking and wine growing is a passion, and what motivates me is knowing that I get to help people share their passions with the world. It is a true honor to get to know the people behind the brand. Knowing I have the opportunity to connect people from around the world with these vintners, winemakers, and brands is exciting and fulfilling.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is always a tough question. I always think it is important to celebrate even the small accomplishments on a daily and weekly basis. As a business owner, I am constantly reflecting. If I have to reflect on my biggest accomplishment as a business owner, I would say it is knowing that all the hard work and hours are helping business owners share their dreams and passions. My niche is all organic marketing without paid advertising, so when we see viral reels and articles come out because the brand was seen on social is always a great accomplishment in my eyes.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the stress of having to learn how to become a legal business, processes to make your business run smoothly (like how much to charge/how to invoice), and then successfully run it. As a social media marketer, the hardest thing is just keeping up with all the industry changes. A friend of mine told me something recently, though. He said, “You may be stressed, but at least it is your stress and not your boss’s.” He was so right.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take the leap! All it takes sometimes is just putting yourself in an uncomfortable position, and let me tell you. Leaving my 9-5 and going on my own was the best leap I ever made. If you are thinking about it, you are already ahead of most, and you have the confidence.
- Get a mentor. Learn from someone who has done it before you. You will be surprised how many solopreneurs and business owners are willing to help you. Just ask!
- Just know you are not alone, and you never have to be. If you are reading this and I can help answer questions for you, or you are in need of a pep talk, please reach out to me.
- If I could say a fourth, I would say network, network, network. Networking throughout my 6 years in Napa has allowed me to have clients without ever cold calling.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.socialwithmaura.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialwithmaura
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialwithmaura/
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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