166 - Unlocking Brand Success with Kara Redman of Backroom
Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we meet Kara Redman, Founder & CEO of Backroom, a marketing brand strategy agency that has been in operation for over 10 years and located in the Baltimore, Maryland area. With a background in in-house marketing and a passion for the fast-paced and creative agency world, Kara has established herself as a leader in her industry. In this summary, we will delve into Kara's journey, from her early days in the DMV area to starting her own agency, and gain valuable insights into her approach to entrepreneurship. Kara grew up in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, where she was an active teenage athlete, playing cross-country running in high school. After high school, she began her career in marketing, working for various agencies in the local area. This experience laid the foundation for her future success, as she transitioned to the agency world and eventually started her own firm, Backroom. Backroom is a broad-based agency that works with clients from a variety of industries, including dog food, tech startups, and others. Kara's goal is to support passionate entrepreneurs who want to build something, providing marketing and growth expertise. With over 10 years of experience running Backroom, Kara has learned a great deal and is humbled by the journey. Kara shares her experience as a business founder, highlighting the challenges and emotions involved in starting a new venture. She emphasizes the importance of relationships, networking, and having a track record of success in securing early clients. Notably, she points out that the first year is difficult, but being able to draw on existing relationships and connections made it easier for her. She stresses the importance of staying motivated and inspired, citing the need to constantly learn and grow. She shares her personal struggles with feeling uninspired and stuck, but finds solace in connecting with others, reading books, and creating routines of discipline. These habits help her stay motivated and focused on her goals. The conversation also touches on the importance of prioritizing self-care and taking time to recharge. Kara mentions that she uses walks and exercise to clear her mind and gain motivation, while also highlighting the need to create space for learning and growth. By prioritizing self-care and learning, Kara is able to maintain her energy and enthusiasm, even in the face of challenges. Kara's journey and insights offer several actionable takeaways for entrepreneurs and business leaders: 1. Build strong relationships and connections: Establishing a network of contacts can make a significant difference in securing early clients and navigating the challenges of starting a new venture. 2. Learn from failure: Kara's personal struggles with feeling uninspired and stuck highlight the importance of embracing failure and using it as an opportunity for growth. 3. Prioritize self-care: Making time for self-care and learning can help maintain energy and enthusiasm, even in the face of challenges. 4. Stay flexible and adaptable: Kara's willingness to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances is a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs and business leaders. By following Kara's lead and prioritizing relationships, learning, self-care, and adaptability, entrepreneurs and business leaders can navigate the challenges of starting a new venture and build a successful and fulfilling career. This episode is sponsored by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture https://seviproperties.com/ LET'S CONNECT! LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla
