What do you do?My company, Captivate Marketing Group does event management, talent acquisition and brand marketing. We specialize in creating event experiences for companies looking to target a specific demographic.
What steps did you take to get where you are today?
Working for other agencies, I found that they were making so much money and I wasn’t getting the benefits. I started on a part time basis getting my money saved and my marketing plan together to launch my business. I also had some really good mentors to coach me to get my business off the ground.
What was the defining moment when you knew if you didn’t change you would never reach your goal?
The defining time really for me is that I had been traveling a lot going from city to city. I had successfully completed 8 or 9 events and I was not acknowledged for their success. I wasn’t looking for a gold star, but some sort of recognition. Here I am, a good employee working 7 days a week with no life. I just remember sitting there staring out the window thinking I need to do my own thing so I can do it my way. Now I can operate the way I want to operate. I would not treat staff like that.
Did you always know you would get here?
Yes, I did because I always read a lot of motivational books for many years. Believe and act as if it is possible. I’m always writing down new goals, projects that I wanted to work with and that I will continue to be successful and that I will have even greater success.
Did you have a plan?
I did, I took a few months to figure out how I was going to market my business and visualize how I wanted my business to be. I had a really extensive plan on every element of my business that I put in writing.
What kind of distractions did you have to deal with or overcome?
When I initially said I was going to go full force with my business a little over a year ago, out of fear I took on some partners and it didn’t work out. We ended up parting ways. I think I was afraid to do it on my own. I felt that I needed a management team, but I was doing all the work. It came to a point where I knew this wasn’t the best for me. I really had to pray on it, I had a vision for it. I said I’m going to have to do what’s best for me. It was a tough decision to end those relationships. I was really the distraction and to part ways was the best thing for me and my business.
How much of an impact did others play in your decision making during your building process?
I was very, very fortunate and blessed to meet some really amazing people who were doing what I wanted to do. I asked them questions and those people had a lot to do with my decision making as I started.
Were there times when you wanted to give up?
Yes, absolutely. Being an entrepreneur is hard. If I want to take the day off I can or if I want to stay longer on a trip I can, but I’m working every single day. I have my clients that are retained monthly, but I’m always looking for new business and clients. Fortunately, I’ve looked at people that are successful who I don’t feel have the same work ethic or professionalism. So I know I have to endure the hard times and stick with it. If I stay true to my business and stick through the hard times I will reach my goals.
What made you keep pushing towards your goal?
Just my belief system. I do think that I have been blessed to be in a lot of different experiences and I think that for me I can’t give up. I feel like there’s something more. If I can do the things that I have done so far if I keep going that I’m going to reach the moon.
What advice can you give other women who are striving for their own goals?
Really sit down and listen and write down your goals. Really think it through. Everyday look at those goals to be reminded of them, I had to listen to my inner voice. You really have to listen to yourself and believe that you can do whatever you want to do.
How do you feel about where you are today?
I feel like I had a really good year. People that I met personally and professionally along with really great projects. Right now I feel good, but it’s not enough. I’ve set some aggressive goals for 2011!
For more information on Yvonne McNair and Captivate Marketing Group you can visit them on the web at www.captivatemarketinggroup.com or email info@captivatemarketinggroup.com
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