Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robin Blanchard, Owner of Upward Consulting LLC., located in Donaldsonville, LA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Upward Consulting is a woman-owned marketing agency located in South Louisiana. We cater to locally owned businesses of any size that need help with their marketing and advertising strategies. There is never a one size fits all program, as we customize plans and ideas based on the needs of the client. Such as some clients only need a website, while others need a full-scale website and SEO, social media maintenance, ad placement in all media, and reputation management.
Upward Consulting is truly a 360-degree "small business consulting" firm. While advertising and website design are at the core, we will often train our clients on just how to handle the prospects (leads) that come in from the advertising we place for them. The ultimate goal is to show our clients just how effective marketing done correctly will increase business. If a client is getting leads from the marketing we have done for them but doesn't properly follow up with those leads, it's going to seem like a failed plan. We meet with our clients on a regular basis- show them the marketing results but take it to the next step in their office, which is looking at the actual customer acquisition rates.
Our clients and customers are any types of locally owned business nationwide. We have non-profits, real estate, home services, and entertainment venues and can work with any type of business to create a great marketing plan.
Tell us about yourself
I started working at a newspaper when I was 18 years old and continued in that business for 35 years. It was there that I learned just what effective advertising was all about. I also learned what ineffective advertising was all about. My career with the newspaper gave me a unique set of skills in that I was able to work in a multitude of positions. I began in accounting and was responsible for doing P&Ls, balance sheets, etc. From there, I moved into a sales position, working not only with businesses but consumers as well. This gave me great experience in customer service and its importance. Lastly, I was an Advertising Director, and this gave me a deep understanding of the value of good marketing at all levels, the importance of effective budgeting, and the need for a good business model for local businesses.
What got me started with my own business was the attention needed by local businesses. These businesses need help with not only marketing but also training on how to turn leads into customers. Most importantly, they needed these capabilities without breaking the bank. I developed a method of producing these results affordably.
What motivates me each day is just the satisfaction of helping clients. The appreciation and satisfaction they show are tremendous. But I also get lots of motivation just from the idea that I have created this business on my own and am really just beginning to get started. The sky is the limit, and I will reach my ultimate goal, which is to hand down a very successful business to my family.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is honestly retaining my customers for the last year. In a world of so many choices and much bigger businesses than me out there, I know my clients are getting bombarded. The economy and uncertainty were also difficult, and I know that marketing and advertising is usually the first thing to get ditched when things get tough. However, every one of my clients has expressed just how satisfied they are and feel that my services for them have been a big contributing factor to their success.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner - well, there is really more than one- but the biggest is letting self-doubt creep in. This is definitely the hardest thing I've ever done in my working career, and there were days I wanted to throw in the towel and get back to the corporate world. Besides the self-doubt, learning how to manage time - means that as a business owner, I can easily sit in front of my computer from 5 am - 10 pm. I've learned to walk away. The last "hardest thing" is constantly thinking about the business at any time of day or night.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do research on the type of business you are considering. Read "Blue Ocean Strategy."
- Create your business plan. The plan should include finances, marketing, and your overall goal for 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years.
- Network with other businesses. Get out of your comfort zone and meet business owners that can refer potential clients to you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.upwardconsultingla.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upwardlouisiana
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upward_consultingla/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robinbl20251078
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upward-consulting-of-louisiana/
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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