Katie: First, in any industry or career,
you can only be you. Your enthusiasm,
personality, work ethic are really what
shine through to people, so be authentic
to you while you do whatever you do and
you will find success. Second, don’t let
fear make decisions for you. I often tell
myself to just do it. Especially in sales,
you hear a lot of no’s but it’s shocking
to realize that 80% of sales are made
on the 5th to 12th contact, so patient,
consistent, persistence is the key.
RW: What has been the most effective
marketing initiatives or programs you
have used to promote your business?
Katie: Most of my marketing is through
social media. I use multiple channels to
showcase my products, like Facebook,
Pinterest, and Instagram. Because I can
offer online or in person pop up trunk
shows, how I actually sell varies which
keeps my job interesting. In my short
8 months with the company, I have had
a number of in-person parties, online
shows, and a multitude of fundraisers.
Each month, I send a newsletter to my
customers and interested potential
customers which highlights the previous
month and generates excitement about
the month to come, but the most fun
marketing strategies are the ones where
people get to see my every day life (with
C+I) and when I get the opportunity to
reconnect with old friends and meet new
ones.
RW: What one thing have you learned
as a small business owner that has served
you well over the years (or your time in
business)?
Katie: Don’t save the good idea or the
next customer for later. Always keep
pushing, every day. Success snowballs so
the more you work your business and are
genuinely excited about it, the more it
will grow. I also have learned that I need
NOV/DEC 2015
17