Katie W.’s Post

The best part about having successfully worked for myself for 6+ years is that when I did rejoin the "regular" workforce again only to be laid off 😂 , I knew how to pinch-hit. I knew how to create and market an offer. I knew how to write sales emails and follow-ups. I knew how to design a great sales page. I knew how to create incentives for quick conversions. And I knew how to do it FAST. No analysis-paralysis. No "what will other people think?" worries. No overwhelm at putting it all in place. Just the nice realization that "I know how to make money, let's go!" Granted, I'm still applying and interviewing to find the next role that's just right (I feel like Goldilocks right now!), but the confidence that comes with being able to provide for myself without a W2 is priceless. I have plenty to say about what's hard about it too, and why I'm seeking out a great company to join instead of going out on my own again full-time... But we'll leave that for another post. 😉 In the meantime, check out a few of the highlights that came out of a quick headshot and personal branding photoshoot offer. The gorgeous summer light in NW Montana doesn't hurt either! #personalbranding #photography #entreprenurialmindset #marketing

It's been just about a month since I got laid off and whew! What a wild emotional ride it's been. But I've been floored by the support that has come through on this little platform- so much kindness and encouragement that I just did not see coming. I wish I had known how to be more supportive when I've had friends go through a similar experience, so I thought I'd share the things people have said that have made a big difference to me: 📆 - "Let's jump on a call to figure out how I can help. Would X date/time work for you?" ⭐ - "I just wrote you a recommendation on LinkedIn. And please put me down as a reference on any job application." 🤝 - "Take a look at my network. Is there anyone I can introduce you to?" 📬 - "We're hiring at X company and this role might be a good fit. Let me know if you want to apply and I'll make an introduction." 💗 - "Here's my number, let me know when you want to talk/vent/get advice. I'm here." (For what it's worth, this is not a thinly veiled plea for more support. I genuinely wanted to share ideas for what to say to anyone in your network who's going through it, too.) --- I'm not out of the rapids yet, but I have interviews on the calendar and some amazing supporters in my corner, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that something *even better* is right around the bend. #layoffs #support #whattosay #jobseeker

As part of some company-wide layoffs yesterday, unfortunately, my position was eliminated. As someone who's never left a role on anything other than exceptional terms with all of my projects buttoned up, being laid off is a strange cocktail of emotions. 0/10, would not recommend. But here's what I know to be true for sure at this point: 1. Kindness counts ❤️ The people who have reached out and shared a kind or encouraging word have made this experience INFINITELY better. If you're ever on the fence about whether or not to reach out to someone going through a hard time, go ahead and do it. It makes such a difference. 2. You're replaceable 🙃 An old boss said this to me once years ago and it rattled me at the time (I got lots of blunt but powerful lessons from him), but I've approached jobs with that in mind ever since. Make great relationships, and do excellent work, but don't think for *one second* that you're invulnerable. It's not about living in fear, it's about being prepared for how businesses operate. 3. I'm open to work! 🥂 Kinda buried the lead here, but I'm polishing up my resume today and gonna start fishing for new work. I'm looking for creative/marketing/brand leadership roles with companies that are on a mission to do work that matters. If you know of anything, please keep me in mind. I'd be so appreciative. Onward!

I often listen to a podcast in the morning as I'm walking my dog and finishing my coffee before I officially dig into work. This morning, it was an episode rerun where Brené Brown interviews Abby Wambach about "the new rules of leadership," and it was SO GOOD. I've heard both of them speak many times before, but the concepts they talk about in this episode resonated with me so much because: a) I'm a sucker for a good sports metaphor, and b) I could apply the ideas to a hundred situations I've faced in work in the past. From leading from the bench and championing others to making failure your fuel and demanding the ball, it's all so good. Go ahead and give it a listen. There's a good chance you'll be fired up at the end! Link in comments.

Regardless of your thoughts on Facebook (and Zuck), how they communicate their mission and vision here is inspiring. Worth a look!

Such a good reminder that while the pressure to jump on trends can be tempting, it's not always the smart play in the long run. While influencer marketing is less relevant in the B2B space (it's so much easier for people to drive consumer product sales through a TikTok post), I still think lots can be learned from YETI's approach here. Worth a read. #brandstrategy #influencermarketing

I'm about to unplug from work and spend the next week or so right here. Outside, with friends and family (or solo 🤗), with my pup in tow...just letting my brain air out a bit. There's so much discussion about "ending the year strong" and "gearing up for 2024," which is a great sentiment, but that can sound a lot like "just keep going." 😩 I'd argue that the keys to ending the year strong and gearing up for the next are actually rest and reflection. I love to reflect on what went well, what needs improvement, what lessons I learned, what I want more of in the new year, what I want less of, what would be really incredible, and so on. Whether I actually write it all down or just ponder those questions on a long walk, reflection plays such an important part in guiding my next moves. And resting deeply is a crucial part of "ending the year strong," in my opinion. Once you've been able to truly rest, that's when the new ideas kick in, that's when your energy is restored, that's when creativity starts to flow, that's when determination and motivation become easy. (Skip that part, and you'll likely get the opposite effect. 😳) Here's hoping that the rest of 2023 is restorative and restful. See you in the New Year! 😉

I love a clever, creative marketing campaign; there were some good ones this year! Which one takes the cake, in your opinion? They were all brilliant but I've got to say that, personally, Snoop Dogg and Solo Stove really had me on my toes. 😂 #marketing #bestof2023 #creative #funnymoments

This post is just too good not to share... 😂