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

Hi Michelle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work-life balance is so challenging for soloprenuers, right? The lines become so blurred when you’re working for yourself, and all of your company’s successes and failures are going to fall on your shoulders.

I would say that, at the beginning, my work-life balance was nonexistent. I’d wake up, and sit at my computer for 95% of my waking hours. This included weekends. I forgot to have hobbies, and forgot to foster social connections. I was an ostrich, my head was fully buried in the sand with no idea what was happening in the world around me. I’m sure that’s common. As time has gone on, I’ve realized that’s a recipe for burnout.

Still it’s hard. When you’re the cornerstone of your business, you really cannot just take a vacation and check out the way a traditional employee can… because when you come back, you’ll find that your inbox is overflowing and it doesn’t feel like the stress is “worth it.” I’ve learned that what works for me is taking mini breaks, more frequently. This helps me completely disconnect. I also have to resist the temptation to answer emails at all hours. I’ve realized that a person might email me at 9pm, and if I respond at midnight – the next time they email me, they’re going to expect 24 hour service again. As entrepreneurs, we teach people what to expect from our business. So try to create reasonable expectations early.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hey there, I’m Michelle Bast, your friendly neighborhood marketer at Pulley Media.

What sets me apart as a marketer? Well, I’m like the Sherlock Holmes of data analysis, the Shakespeare of storytelling, and the MacGyver of marketing strategies – I’m always trying to use any tools available to reach my client’s audience.

Becoming a professional marketer was a lot like learning to walk. I fell a lot. I took on clients that were a horrible match for my company, I took jobs that paid too little. Eventually, I established my confidence. I realized that what sets me apart is the same thing that might make me unappealing to others. I try to infuse humor and creativity into everything that I do. Does this make me a great match for, say, a funeral home? Probably not.

There are plenty of lessons I had to learn through experience. Marketing is like a mysterious dance with algorithms and audience behavior, but you gotta have fun with it! Humor and creativity are my secret weapons – they can turn a dull ad campaign into a viral sensation.

As for what I want the world to know about me and Pulley Media – we’re not just about marketing; we’re about marketing with a smile. We’re here to infuse life and true human connection into the digital realm, make people laugh, and maybe even teach them a thing or two about our products along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My go-to places for out of towners are usually a nature hike, maybe at Raven Rock, followed by coffee and a snack at Brecotea in Cary. I love the self-serve breads and danishes there. I’d take them to the art museum in Raleigh, or on a trolley tour. There is so much history in the city, just casually sitting amongst newer buildings. In the evening, I’d do Angus Barn (if I could even get a reservation) and maybe Dueling Pianos at night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate this to my two children – Mason (7) and Cameron (3). They’re my “why” today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life. Every time I’m able to take off of work to be present at a school party in the middle of the day, or volunteer at one of their school’s, I’m grateful for that moment. I know not every working parent is able to do that.

Website: pulleymedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulleymedia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2911109

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PulleyMedia

Image Credits
Pulley Media

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