The M Word - Marketing, Meaning + What Matters Arlington Strategy

“So did I fail? Maybe. But, maybe not.”

Kim and Jennifer embark on a heartfelt and vulnerable conversation about the highs and lows of running a small business on this episode of The M Word. They peel back the layers of entrepreneurship, revealing the raw emotions and challenges that often are hidden.

Kim shares her realization that running a small business, especially as a sole proprietor, can be incredibly challenging unless the service offered is perceived as high-value. She touches on the struggle of quantifying the value of one’s work without access to client data, highlighting a common hurdle faced by many entrepreneurs.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Kim and Jennifer reflect on their own experiences as small business owners. Kim shares her initial motivations for starting her consulting business, citing the need for flexibility as a parent. However, she candidly admits that her perspective has evolved over time, leading her to question the sustainability of her business model.

Jennifer draws parallels between entrepreneurship and privilege. They discuss the common reliance on partners with stable jobs to provide financial security, shedding light on the often overlooked realities of starting a business.

As they delve deeper into the complexities of success, Kim shares the challenge of conventional definitions of achievement. She acknowledges the pressure to equate success with financial stability and recognition within the community, but ultimately advocates for a more nuanced understanding of success as a personal journey.

Kim talks about the importance of scalability in achieving long-term success, shifting the conversation to the practicalities of running a business. She explains the changing landscape of sales and marketing, emphasizing the need for adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.

In a vulnerable moment, Kim opens up about her decision to transition back to a traditional job, admitting to feelings of failure and shame. However, she finds solace in the realization that her needs and priorities have shifted and that it’s okay to pivot in pursuit of personal fulfillment.  A topic that Kim resonates a lot with is focusing on community and she says that a “big way that I want to impact the world in [communities] is by helping facilitate better connection.” And through sales, marketing, and meeting new people she has found that she has been able to do that and make a difference in the communities around her. In this way, she sees her journey as successful.

Both our host and guest expressed their optimism for continued growth and impact, albeit through different avenues. Kim emphasizes the value of authenticity and vulnerability in entrepreneurship, encouraging listeners to embrace the complexities of their own journeys. Her candid insights and reflections serve as a reminder that success is not always measured in dollars and cents, but in the impact we make on the world around us.

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn.

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“For me, it’s not about balancing my life and my work. It’s how do I bring my life to my work? So, it’s much more of an integration to me than a balance.”

Miriam Ortiz y Pino is an accomplished professional organizer, simplicity expert, and money breakthrough business coach. On this episode of The M Word, Miriam shares her journey from professional organizer to mindset coach and entrepreneur. She talks about her 30-year career and highlights her approach of slowly integrating new learnings into her life before sharing them with others.

Miriam emphasizes the importance of recognizing the interdependence of different areas of life. She believes that if one area is restricted, it can potentially have a negative impact on other areas as well. She actively works towards helping people overcome these limitations in a timely manner so that they can move forward and achieve their goals without feeling stuck.  

Jennifer and Miriam discuss the concept of success, which Miriam defines as freedom – the ability to simplify life and work while pursuing activities that bring fulfillment and satisfaction  She focuses on the idea that “it’s not about balancing my life and my work. It’s ‘how do I bring my life to my work?’” While her definition of success has evolved over time, her own experiences and internal reflection have helped lead her to where she is today.

Miriam explains how she assists her clients in decluttering their physical spaces and recognizes that external clutter often reflects internal challenges that need to be addressed.

She also shares her struggles with managing a virtual team and learning to communicate effectively in a remote work environment.

As a “pencil and paper kind of person,” Miriam shared her experiences of experimenting with various tools and systems to streamline her workflow and simplify processes in her business. She stressed the significance of striking the right balance between efficiency and complexity and advised against overcomplicating things by using too many software solutions.

In response to Jennifer asking “Barbie or Ken?”, Jennifer and Miriam discussed the evolution of Barbie and how it reflects broader societal changes over time. They emphasized the importance of imagination and empowerment in childhood toys, highlighting their role in shaping attitudes and aspirations.

Jennifer and Miriam talked about the challenges of staying organized and productive in a world filled with distractions. Miriam shared her struggles with following through on her checklists and systems, acknowledging the ongoing effort required to maintain consistency and focus.

Going deeper into the complexities of running a business, finding success on one’s terms, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of personal and professional development is a journey.  Miriam’s own journey can be seen as an inspiration as she encourages others to embrace curiosity, self-awareness, and adaptability in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Get organized with Miriam on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Linkedin, and Pinterest.

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“I’m just gonna do this myself. I’ve been doing this since the beginning of this industry’s existence.”

Meet Katie Stoller, an influencer marketing pioneer with a diverse background in PR and corporate communications.  In 2023, she launched influencerinsiderguide.com, a resource hub for professionals navigating the complex world of influencer marketing. Jennifer and Katie discuss entrepreneurship, influencer marketing, and Katie’s reflections on her journey from the corporate world to venturing out on her own.

During the pandemic, a startup recruited Katie for a growth marketing role. Although she initially lacked experience in the field, Katie thrived in the fast-paced, start-up environment. 

Katie challenges the notion that influencer marketing only emerged in the mid-2010s and emphasizes that she and her colleagues were already exploring influencer relationship management long before it became a mainstream practice. She recognized the power of leveraging bloggers and influencers to amplify brand messaging, shaping the landscape of digital marketing today. Katie explains that influencer marketing is about “connecting with your audience” and that “if you’re on social media, you should be thinking through how you’re going to connect to the people that are following your page.”

As Jennifer and Katie delve into the nuances of influencer marketing, they discuss the importance of authenticity, strategic alignment, and the shifting dynamics of the industry. Katie shares her experiences of working with startups, navigating tight budgets, and delivering impactful results. From gifting strategies to ambassador programs, she offers valuable insights into the multifaceted world of influencer engagement.

Discussing entrepreneurship, Katie reflects on the decision she made to strike out on her own after being laid off from her startup role. Despite initial uncertainties, Katie embraced the opportunity to take control of her time and pursue her entrepreneurial passions. She candidly shares about the challenges of decision-making, the pressures of balancing work and family life, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Katie’s authenticity shines through as she shares her struggles and triumphs, offering listeners a glimpse into the realities of navigating the modern business landscape. From grappling with imposter syndrome to finding empowerment in authenticity, Katie’s journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of entrepreneurial spirit.  Join Jennifer and Katie on The M Word podcast as they reflect on the meaning of success and the importance of prioritizing time and freedom in pursuit of fulfillment. 

Keep up with Katie on Linkedin and Instagram.  

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“If you’re not going to be afraid, the sky’s the limit.”

From British morning show television producer to Northern Virginia-based production company entrepreneur, meet Helen Saks. Helen Saks is the CEO and Creative Director of Striking Media, a production company that creates visual content for corporate clients, non-profits, and schools. In this episode of The M Word, Jennifer and Helen discuss ambition, their shared commitment to using business for good, the journey to becoming a business owner, the joys of working with nonprofits, and the importance of telling stories. 

Striking Media was born out of the pandemic, inspired by the events going on in the world and the “need for people to communicate and tell their story when they couldn’t get in front of [others].”  Despite the challenges, Helen’s vision has become a reality beyond her expectations.

Talking about success, Helen emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity, both in the projects undertaken and the clients served. The company’s portfolio showcases a range of narratives crafted with finesse and creativity, from collaborating with non-profits to embarking on executive trips to exotic destinations like Cancun and Punta. 

Jennifer and Helen discuss using communication tactics to encourage growth. Utilizing stories, Striking Media has provided a platform for unvoiced stories to be shared and heard.  Her interviews are always built on trust, and she emphasizes these values through her interviewees, telling them that “this is your story and we will only tell it in a way that makes you comfortable.”

Reflecting upon her experiences in live TV production, Helen shares how she navigates the pressures of the industry and how her team thrives on the adrenaline of pushing boundaries and delivering excellence, whether producing content in real-time for clients or orchestrating green screen projects for major events like the Olympics.

Throughout the conversation, Helen expresses gratitude for Striking Media’s growth.  While unexpected, it has become a fulfilling experience for her and her team continues to work hard to produce great content for their clients.

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Follow Striking Media on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.

“I had four kids at home, I had a family, I had a life, I had things that I wanted to do, people I wanted to spend time with, and I needed to figure out a way to get out of my own way.”

Meet Chad Hackmann, a direct yet easygoing business owner and family man who came into our office w/ a dad joke coffee mug for this podcast recording. Chad is a regional Partner with Alair Homes and Partner at Alair Homes Arlington.   In this episode, we get to know his motivators (spoiler alert: family and making a difference in the community) and how he made the transition to join a Northern American franchise after running his own brand in residential home building for 15 years. 

While already a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry, in 2018 Chad was determined to take his business to the next level and he needed new ideas and strategies to strengthen and grow his business. That’s when he discovered Alair Homes and the solution he needed to grow his business. 

Chad shares his journey in the construction industry, including the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. He discusses the moment when he decided to merge his vision with that of Alair Homes, which changed his path as a business owner. 

Jennifer and Chad discuss the intricacies of entrepreneurship, covering topics such as branding and seeking assistance from others. Chad shares anecdotes that vividly illustrate the importance of collaboration and growth.

Throughout the conversation, Chad offers valuable insights into the balance between autonomy and support that comes with franchising. He speaks enthusiastically about the many benefits of being part of a larger organization, such as access to resources and a strong support system.  

Speaking on his commitment to giving back, Chad says “from a pure business perspective, some sort of giving component is good for business,” explaining how it allows companies to foster local relationships while helping those in need.  Chad has worked with numerous non-profits in the Northern Virginia area including, The Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation and Bridges to Independence. 

An inspiration for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs, this conversation showcases the transformative power of strategic partnerships and the endless possibilities they can bring. 

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Connect with Chad on Linkedin and learn more about Alair on Facebook and Instagram. 

In the first episode of 2024, Jennifer takes you on a journey through the evolution of the podcast over the past three years. It all began with a focus on tactical marketing discussions, but gradually shifted towards deeper explorations of branding and the human experience behind it all. With each passing season, the conversations became more authentic, less scripted, and more akin to sitting down with a friend to learn life lessons.

Now, as the sole host, Jennifer aims to push the podcast further. Instead of just scratching the surface with marketing tactics and branding strategies, she wants to dive deep into the essence of brand and business – exploring what truly matters, where individuals come from, where they’re headed, and why it’s all important.

In this short episode, Jennifer shares a peak into her own journey from an idealistic youth to discovering the power of business as a force for positive change. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of using her platform for good, whether through pro bono work, mentoring, or simply inspiring others to make a difference.

When everything is marketing and marketing is everything, The M Word goes beyond catchy taglines to explore what’s underneath your brand and your business: where you came from, where you’re going, why you give a sh*t—and why someone else should, too. It’s about fuck-ups and falling down, brick walls and glass ceilings. It’s about panicking and pivoting and the pursuit of what’s personal. In short: It’s about what matters.

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