Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in talent management, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Catherine Lang-Cline, President/CEO of Portfolio Creative and a podcast host from Columbus Ohio.
Tell us all about your business...
Portfolio Creative recruits talent for our clients to elevate their marketing departments.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
After 15 years in marketing, Kristen Harris and I started Portfolio Creative to help people, just like we needed, to find great marketing talent. 17 years later, with all of the ups and downs, we have created a multi-million dollar, award-winning company that serves the Columbus region and beyond. We stay motivated because we find people jobs in an area that is our passion. We also get great pleasure in finding our clients amazing talent for their teams.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Since women-owned businesses very rarely reach over $1 million in revenue, being able to achieve that and maintain that is a big accomplishment. I also take great pride in being receiving an acknowledgment for being a "Most-Admired CEO" for the third year for a business my size in Columbus, Ohio.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
As they say, "heavy is the head that wears the crown." When the world tips into chaos, everyone on your team looks to you for answers. Typically, I have always had thoughts when it comes to problem-solving, but the last two years have been in a variety of spaces that were new and challenging.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Envision the entire organization before you start. Even if you wear all of the hats at the beginning, know what roles you are going to need people to fill,
- Map out the first year as far as what you can afford to spend and when you can start to pay yourself. If you don't pay yourself, it is a hobby.
- Keep learning. Once things get rolling you may need to pivot toward what the client needs.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
My calendar dictates my life so I schedule time with family, vacations, time off, exercise time, and downtime weeks out and make those (almost) always a solid commitment to myself. I have seen that I am more productive when I am back on the clock if I do this. Otherwise, it is like trying to keep run when I am already exhausted.
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and why?
Dan Price because he understands the importance of investing in people. Sarah Blakely because...wow! What an idea and what a way to grow a business. Who knew that we needed Spanx as much as we do! And I started watching Oprah Winfrey on A.M. Chicago back in the day. She too delivered something that we all didn't know that we needed and built it into an empire that serves so many.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have my podcast, Illumination Bureau, so an overall understanding of the process and the fact that I have pretty decent equipment should be helpful to you.
Where can people find you?
Website: https://www.portfoliocreative.com/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portfoliocreative/
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinelangcline/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortfolioCreative/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portfolio.creative/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PortfolioC
Podcast: https://www.portfoliocreative.com/podcast
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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