Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carol Kaemmerer, Founder of Kaemmerer Group, LLC, located in Edina, MN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

This year I was named one of six top personal branding experts by The American Reporter. I work one-on-one with C-suite executives and senior leaders to build their authentic personal brand in the online space – to frame conversations, impress customers, and attract the right opportunities before the first conversation takes place.

I am also a professional speaker and author. The second edition of my book, LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive: Promote Your Brand with Authenticity, Tact and Power, is listed among the C-Suite Network's 100+ Best Business Books and won BookAuthority's Best LinkedIn Books of All Time award.

Tell us about yourself

In 2011, my 20-year run as a marketing communications consultant to a Fortune 500 company came to an abrupt halt when the company downsized by outsourcing its marketing communications function. As I began to pull myself back together following this shockingly bad news, I found that my marketing communications experience provided the perfect set-up for helping professionals build their online brands. LinkedIn, I realized, is an integral part of that brand-building. But many brilliant leaders are unable to articulate their brand effectively on LinkedIn, and that was a weak link in their online reputation.

I am honored to serve my one-on-one clients by telling their business stories online so that their business negotiations go more smoothly, they attract their ideal opportunities, and they attain their career goals. Because I cannot serve everyone this way, I also speak and often write about the online expression of a personal brand. I believe every business professional needs to understand how to use LinkedIn to take charge of their career.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am most proud of learning how to pivot. I have learned that immovable barriers in our career path can provide us the opportunity to re-imagine a new destination. Combining my same skills and experiences in a new way has yielded a new business that provides me with an enormous sense of purpose and satisfaction. And, because some of my clients come to me when they have experienced an immovable barrier in their own career journey, my example has helped us chart new possibilities for them as well.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Being a business owner can be isolating. There are no natural colleagues,
no one to talk with about problems you encounter in running the business. No one to advise you when you experience a problem with a client. I have found mastermind groups and networking groups invaluable in creating a cadre of trusted professional colleagues I can depend on.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Communicate your personal brand online effectively via LinkedIn. Tell us your business story, including your purpose, passion, and principles. When you do that, you will be sowing the seeds of know, like, and trust right into your profile, making all your business interactions go more smoothly.
  2. Outsource the things you dislike doing and/or that you do poorly. It may feel like you don't have enough money to outsource certain functions, but the payback for finding someone else to take on those tasks can be huge: more time for creativity, business development, and actual client work. AND improved attitude and mental health.
  3. Cultivate a network of professional colleagues with whom you can discuss business issues. Being a business owner can be isolating. Seek support through peer advisory groups, professional business coaches, and other networking groups.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Many first impressions of you and your business will be made via your LinkedIn profile, so it is important that you put your very best foot forward. You'll find these resources on my website, https://carolkaemmerer.com:

  • Information on my one-on-one executive branding and LinkedIn profile development.
  • Award-winning book: LinkedIn for the Savvy Executive, 2nd Edition.
  • Self-paced online course: How to Be Found on LinkedIn: Key Strategies for Attracting Ideal-for-You Opportunities.
  • Monthly articles and other resources.
  • Free monthly newsletter subscription.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.carolkaemmerer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.kaemmerer.7
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ckaemmerer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolkaemmerer/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.