This one time, I built a business that failed.
t?
Might as well get the skeletons out of the closet early, right?
I tell you this because it was a really good business. It was a smart business.
In fact, it’s still making money.
But it wasn’t the business for me.
I had a great idea and I was the wrong person for the job. And that’s what I see happening to so.many.people who are visionary founders and run service-based businesses. On any given day, they have 101 genuinely good ideas. And rather than handing them over to the people who should execute, they try to do it all themselves.
My biggest lesson in starting a business that didn’t work for me?
Before you dive headfirst into your next big idea, take a beat.
Andrea is an exceptional listener and has an uncanny knack for quickly understanding even the most nuanced industries, like ours. When we reached out to her we were looking for clarity on what we wanted our company to be. Or better yet, what we didn't want it to be. We were looking for a brand voice and a roadmap to help guide us as we build our company. Andrea delivered. Now we have a north star to follow. Whether a few details change here or there over time, having that center point to guide us is huge.
Matt Powell, CEO | Bitwise
Real talk: I listen more than I speak.
But since you asked, here’s my scoop.
Over my career, I’ve helped startups on the starting line of business and Fortune 500 companies who’ve been full steam ahead for decades transform their biggest ideas into go-to-market sales strategies that work.
Along the way I had the honor of helping small businesses win numerous regional, national, and international awards and secure funding to make a greater impact on their worlds.
Speaking of awards, I’ve won a couple, too, including being named Community Leader under 40 by The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce.
(Editor’s note: I’m no longer under 40. Those were the days.)
We might be the right fit for each other if:
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You’re missing a unified, consistent message and want to get your story straight
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You’re looking to solve a bigger problem through your work
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Some may call you a perfectionist, but really you're just chasing excellence
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You’re looking to stand out and challenge the status quo
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You deeply value collaborative partnerships and balance
I’ve got lots of questions…
…and plenty of answers.
What are five things that make you feel good about what you do?
It’s work that rewards curiosity
It’s work that demands presence
It’s work that uses the power of story to help good people amplify good things
It’s work that allows me the freedom and flexibility to show up for those I love most
It’s work that allows me to help others feel deeply seen and heard
What do you think makes for a successful small business owner?
For me, it’s the three C’s: Community, consistency, and (minding your) cash flow. I talk more about that on The Copywriter Club Podcast here.
What is your personality type?
Oooh, my favorite question! I’m an enneagram 9, an INFJ, and a Scorpio. Gallup Strengths Finder says my top 5 strengths are: Learner, Connectedness, Strategic, Individualization, and Positivity.
And although I have Type A tendencies, I actually test as a Type B. (Side note: Why’s everyone always hating on Type B’s, huh? We’re dream collaborators!)
Tell me a fun fact about yourself.
A.K.A. Everyone’s least favorite ice-breaker question!
I’m the wife of an executive chef, daughter of a baker, sister of a craft beer brewer, and the daughter-in-law of an incredible high-end caterer. This is why I LOVE hospitality and also own a Peloton. #AllTheButter #AllTheCarbs
What’s the best gig you ever landed?
Officiating my brother and sister-in-law’s wedding shortly after our mom passed away. It was such an honor to stand at the altar with them and speak words over their marriage. Plus I got to drive them to the ultimate call-to-action (as they say in marketer speak) – “I do.”