Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelli Tarantino, Founder and President of Cincinnati Marketing Solutions, located in Loveland, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Cincinnati Marketing Solutions is the Greater Cincinnati area leader in affordable, results-driven small business and nonprofit marketing. At CMS, we realize that most small businesses and nonprofits in the Greater Cincinnati area lack dedicated marketing support and grand budgets. We take the mystery out of marketing by becoming your outsourced marketing department - our team designs, develops, and implements customized digital/offline marketing plans/programs with proven strategies and tactics that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely (SMART) to exceed goals, and increase growth and profits.
Tell us about yourself
I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in marketing and spent several years in advertising and communications before launching my own marketing agency. When I discovered small business owners and nonprofit leaders tend to lack resources, time, and expertise to develop and implement results-driven marketing initiatives, I was compelled to specialize in serving this audience. Our goal is to become the outsourced marketing department for our clients so they can focus on their vision, mission, goals, and other aspects of their businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
January 2023 marked my tenth year in business! Although the past two years during the pandemic have been challenging in many ways, they have been the most lucrative in terms of record-setting revenues for my company.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Given the fact that I started my business remotely, the hardest thing for me is to take time to step away from my business and just relax and enjoy life - take a vacation. I need to remind myself that I'll be a better leader, manager, and business owner if I have a renewed mind, body, and spirit.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Fear of failure is a natural part of starting a business. I say, "Feel the fear and do it anyway!"
- Life is a journey, so you may as well enjoy the ride. Don't be too hard on yourself.
- Identify mentors and advisors you trust and allow them to share their wisdom. "It takes a village."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cincymarketingsolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CincyMarketingSolutions/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cincymktgsolutions/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cincymarketing1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellitarantino/
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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