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MARKETING SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Golden State Marketing was founded in 2006, helping entrepreneurs and business owners with social media, email marketing, content marketing and strategy as well as promotional products. I have well over 20 years of experience. I am a California native, born and raised in Los Angeles and have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast. I also teach webinars and workshops for business organizations, chambers and trade groups.
When and why did you join NASE?
I was actually a member in the early 2000’s but just rejoined in 2023
What inspired you to enter the field you are in?
I originally was in journalism and PR, but always have loved marketing. I love teaching it, coaching it and doing it!
When and why did you start your business?
I am an accidental entrepreneur actually. After spending a few years in the wine industry on the technology side, I had some clients ask me to help them privately and so I started a virtual wine club and customer service business for wineries back in 2006 and from there have worked for myself!
How do you market your business?
I primarily obtain clients through my teaching marketing webinars. I also spend time networking in person and virtually as well as email marketing to my list of business owners. I also stay active on social media.
What challenges have you faced in your business?
Getting it all done! I finally brought on a virtual assistant in 2021. She is part time, but it was a big leap for a solopreneur to learn to delegate so I can work ON my business instead of IN my business.
Do you have any employees?
I currently have a part time virtual assistant. I currently do not have immediate plans to hire, but will first make my current VA more full time.
What’s your schedule like, what’s a typical day for you?
My days are typically filled with zoom sessions with my private coaching clients as well as my advising clients through the LA Chamber advising program. I also teach marketing webinars almost every week so my schedule may also include a 2 hour webinar on one of my marketing topics. Every day is always different but always involves a lot of marketing.
What’s the best thing about being self-employed?
I love working my own dream rather than someone elses! My schedule is mine. I make all the decisions and I set my own schedule.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a client?
I LOVE when business owners email me after attending one of my webinars and tell me how much they loved it and how helpful it was. If I can help a business owner with one little tip or tool and it helps, that makes my day!
What’s the most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting their own business?
Be ready for a rollercoaster ride! You will have good days, great days..you will doubt yourself and your decision to start a business, but keep your eyes on the prize! You can do it!!
Which NASE member benefit is most important to you?
I reach out to other business owners. I have not used any of the benefits or discounts yet, but I have reviewed them and keep them in mind if I do need them!