In the recent addition of Integrate Online, host Bonny Harris an IMC Consultant with more than 20 years of experience, interviewed entrepreneurs Jaime Hunt and Kristin Meeks. Jamie Hunt is the founder and president of Solve Higher Ed Marketing, a marketing consulting firm focused on the higher education sector. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education marketing, with experience such as serving as a vice president and chief marketing officer. Kristin Meeks is the founder and owner of WV Social Media Consultants, a social media marketing firm. She has been in business for over a decade, with a degree in integrated marketing communications, she is constantly adapting and evolving, keeping her a successful entrepreneur. Together these two successful entrepreneurs, discuss the achievements they have had in business, and also the unique challenges they face being female entrepreneurs. The following are some important takeaways that were captured from this interview.
The Importance of Self-Discipline and Flexibility
Kristen Meeks shared the significance of self-discipline in being an entrepreneur. She stated “One of the biggest strengths is self-discipline. There are days where I could probably just stay in bed all day, but being self-motivated is crucial.” Being discipline is crucial to one's success, to achieve this one must have the ability to stay consistently driven and focus while managing the ups and downs of running a business
What is equally important is having flexibility and a willingness to learn. Kristen Meeks commented that if you want to talk about business you have to learn how to do it the right way, by focusing on stepping out of your comfort zones and developing new skills to succeed. Perfecting the skill set of public speaking is vital to the ability to network. In business networking is one of the most valuable skills that an entrepreneur can have. Kristen informed how one of the keys to her success has been from her ability to wind up in places that allow her to network, and it was her assertiveness to seek out these opportunities that has made her a perfect fit in her field of work.
Resilience
Jamie Hunt shared her experiences as a female entrepreneur and facing many instances of being underestimated in her career. She stated “There have been a lot of times where I've been underestimated.. That resilience and ability to just keep going is what will let you kick butt as an entrepreneur” Women in business will inevitably find themselves in a place of being underestimated at some point in their entrepreneur endeavors, however their perseverance is key to overcoming any obstacles that they may face in the business world.
By leveraging your skills, being self-motivated and supporting one another in these endeavors the road to success can be much easier.
Significance of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is a celebration of women entrepreneurs and the unique challenges they face in the business world. But at its heart, it's all about celebrating women and their accomplishments in the industry. It should serve as a day that gives inspiration to all young female entrepreneurs and provides reassurance to all current female entrepreneurs by celebrating and recognizing a community that supports all women’s contributions to the business world.
Watch the full recording session here.
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Meet the Author
Erik Rudolph
Marketing Assistant Student Worker
Erik is a senior advertising student with a minor in communications, he also is a part of the MSJ 4+1 program at WVU. He is currently the marketing assistant student worker for the WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Programs. Erik loves the sport of boxing and works closely with a local boxing promotion in Morgantown, Real Fight Promotions, as a color commentator and a social media manager.
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Marketing Communications Today is a collection of resources for marketing communications professionals filled with industry research, marketing trends, and career information about integrated marketing and data-driven communications. Learn industry insights through the Marketing Communications Today blog, podcast, as well as Integrate Online.
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