Meet Katie Sweeney | Marketing Coach and Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Sweeney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I started my business before we had any kids so my idea of balance has shifted over the years with the ebb and flow that naturally comes from having and raising young kids. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to welcome those shifts in my life and in my business. It has truly meant pulling back on client work when I’ve been swamped in diapers and night-time feedings and as the kids have entered more structured school schedules, I’ve pushed forward into new business offerings and upped my marketing efforts tremendously. My community is wonderful and allowed the shifts without too much heartache.

As you can see, balance is always shifting. It’s about having enough time to do my work (both at home and for clients) and still be able to have some fun. Balance looks different every day so I don’t like to put pressure on myself to strive for a specific formula of balance. I want to be proud of the work I do and I want to set an example to my kids of making time for myself and for fun!

What should our readers know about your business?
I run a marketing coaching business that specializes in teaching small business owners how to use free tools to market themselves. I try to reach those owners/managers who are already overwhelmed with the daily running of their business and need help marketing but don’t have a budget to hire out a firm. I think many small business owners can use social media and digital marketing without adding to much to their day with a few tips and mindset changes.

What sets me apart is how I can empathize with the small business owner. I understand how marketing budgets are often the first to get axed when you’re looking at needing to find a few extra dollars. I know how tiring it can be trying to understand and execute a marketing plan. I know how frustrating social media is. With that in mind, I love to teach and set-up my clients for future success on their own terms.

Nothing is ever easy but it’s been a great fulfilling journey. I’ve loved and learned a lot from all of my clients. My community has been wonderfully supportive and my husband has been a rock.

I want the world of small business owners to know it’s possible to market yourself without hiring out an expensive firm. You can do it! I want to help you realize how simple it can be!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What a fun question! We love our area so it’s not hard at all to fill a weekend itinerary. We would absolutely be riding bikes. We could ride bikes to get ice cream at Dolly’s in Pisgah National Forest. We could ride bikes in Dupont to some fun lakes where we could paddle board or up to some great views and insanely fun descents. We would take on bigger challenges and go ride in Pisgah where you get challenged but have oh so much fun!

We would also absolutely get on the water. Assuming this is a summer-time visit, we would likely float the Davidson River on tubes and then also float the French Broad on canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. We love being on the water and living up the summer life.

Lastly, in the summer, you have to go downtown. Brevard is busy this time of year but it’s worth it to walk around and see the buzz. You can’t miss Highland Books or the free kid movies at the Co-ed Movie Theater. You need to have lunch at Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop maybe an afternoon drink at the Bohemian. There’s lots to do and keep you busy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband is a huge part of my story. I’m still a one-woman show and he has been a steadfast supporter of my work for these 10 years. We worked together before I started this journey so he saw the sparks in the beginning and saw that my business idea was worthwhile and has never faltered in his support of what I do.

I also have a few local entrepreneur friends who are amazing. I chat to them about challenges, client troubles or even celebratory steps in this business. While I don’t have intentions to build up a team in this business (at least right now) I do like being able to brainstorm and vent to friends who understand the journey.

Website: https://www.katiecontentcoaching.com

Image Credits
George Carlton took the professional photos.