An interview with Lisa Wood
Hi, I’m Lisa Wood from Sprout New Media. I provide custom designed WordPress websites, one-on-one coaching, and classes on web marketing. I can create a beautiful WordPress website for your business, help you develop a marketing plan, and teach you how to use social media tools in a way that works for you.
How did you get into your industry; did you have previous experience or work your way up?
I started working in web marketing back in 1999, at a time when most small businesses didn’t have websites yet. I always had an eye for design, and taught myself how to code websites by hand. Then WordPress came along and I fell in love with it and never looked back. I was teaching the benefits of social media before it was cool, and I just love teaching people how to use it for their businesses.
What challenges have you found in the workplace?
Running a business is a constant juggling act. It’s a challenge keeping up with everything sometimes. I’ve also noticed that solopreneurs often isolate themselves without realizing it. It’s easy to do when you’re engrossed in your work and you don’t have co-workers. It’s so important to get out and interact with others regularly.
How have you overcome those challenges?
Well, I’m not sure we ever completely overcome the time challenge. I’ve learned to prioritize. When you’re working on something, always ask yourself if what you’re doing is something that’s going to move your business forward or relieve some of the stress. If not, then don’t do it. I’ve also learned that if you try to be all things to all people you’ll drive yourself crazy. Prioritizing and being true to yourself is critical in order to get the important stuff done.
As far as isolation is concerned, I meet regularly with other business owners – we brainstorm ideas and support each other. We work on challenges and celebrate successes!
Who is your ideal customer?
My ideal customer is a woman who understands the importance of web marketing. She is passionate about her work, likes to have fun and wants to learn new things. She wants to spread the word about what she has to offer, but needs some help and guidance in order to do it right.
How do you find them? What marketing tips do you have?
Well, they actually find me. My business is almost entirely referral driven. I’m incredibly lucky to work with such awesome people. If you provide a valuable product or service and you take care of your customers, the referrals will come. I also get a lot of business through social media. It’s such a great way to build relationships.
What advice would you give to women starting out in business right now?
Read as much as you can, know your customer, your market and your competition, and craft your marketing plan around that. Also be kind to yourself. As women, we often forget that. It’s often the hardest part of what we do, but it’s so important.
It also helps to find a mentor that you can trust – someone who can steer you in the right direction and cheer you on. I mentor through my coaching, and it’s probably the part of my work that I enjoy the most. When someone comes to me overwhelmed and stuck, we’ll work together and get to the point where they’re relieved and excited about their businesses again. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to help like that.
Can you teach someone how to use WordPress?
Yes! I offer a course called “WordPress Without Overwhelm”. It’s a 5-week course that meets weekly via webinar, and the next one starts February 9th. http://wordpresswithoutoverwhelm.com
Lisa Wood helps make your web marketing easier. She offers private one-on-one coaching, group classes, and beautiful custom WordPress websites for your business.
http://sproutnewmedia.com
twitter: @lisawood
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Revenge: A dish best served cold?
I’m not a nasty person. I’ve never in my life deliberately set out to hurt someone, or cause them pain. But right now, and for the past three or four years, on and off, my thoughts have been filled with fantasies of revenge. Now I have the opportunity, and I can’t decide what to do. [...]
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