Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia (Cyndy) McCollough, Founder of McCollough Consulting LLC., located in Great Falls, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I work with professional services firms, helping them develop marketing tools and strategies that enhance their brand and presence in the digital world. I create websites, manage branding projects, devise social media strategies, and produce video that raises awareness and brings in new business.
Tell us about yourself
I spent decades working in marketing and sales departments at tech firms, large and small. I worked with their customers to gain a deeper understanding of the customer experience, gathering user requirements and mapping customer journeys. I love getting to know the end user’s experience - their frustrations, their joys, and what my clients can do to improve the relationship and their service offerings.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Stepping out on my own was such an enormous leap of faith, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else. As a CMO, I maybe enjoyed 75% of what I did on any given day. But now, as a solo marketing consultant, I get to focus on the work I do best and get the most enjoyment from.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The multi-threading of your brain can be a challenge. Slipping in and out of focus on different projects. I’ve learned to literally step away from my computer and take a break before I turn to work on a different client. It really helps.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared to handle strategic as well as tactical work. Clients don’t want just big thinkers. They want people who will get the work done, and that means big brain thinking PLUS tactical execution.
- Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You often never have complete sets of facts in any situation, so trust your instincts and rely on your experience.
- Don’t be so nervous about getting the work that you try to be everything to everybody. I’ve seen many new freelancer websites that list dozens of core skill sets. Refine your service offerings to the work you truly are best at, where you can offer immediate value. Your clients will be able to tell if you are learning on their dime, and they won’t retain you for the long term.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Maintain your network throughout your career, and keep reaching back to mentor and advise others. Giving back feels as good as getting, and you never know where new business will come from.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mccollough.consulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndymcc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cyndymcc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamccollough/
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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