“Celebrity Goddess,” Chris Brown

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Chris Brown, founder of Marketing Resources & Results. She offers us some wonderful words of wisdom! Her company offers a wide range of services and various programs that include Strategic Market Planning, PR, graphic design and websites.

Why did you start your blog?
I started my blogging about 2 years ago after reading other blogs. I found that although I had comments to add to other blogs, they were getting too long and off track... I had more to say. Blogging about branding and marketing is fun for me because I really love the subject. Unlike simply writing articles, writing a blog starts a conversation, where articles are very one way, one voice. The blog is more interactive. I find the more I share, the more I learn from others.

Can you share with us the challenges that you have encountered related to starting your marketing business?
Probably the biggest challenge I had was to work through self doubt about running a business. I wasn't concerned about doing the marketing for the clients, or even marketing my business. I was concerned about how do you do all the rest of the stuff—you know, being the CEO of a business is different than being the VP of marketing.
I had to learn accounting so I could invoice and also keep track of the bills. Figuring out the entire sales process of how to go from the initial handshake and exchange of cards to getting their signature on the bottom of the contract was new for me. And technology challenges! I continue to learn every day!!
Ways I overcame the challenges? I work with a business coach and joined the Boardroom Group that is a board of advisors—other women business owners who share their challenges and successes. We meet twice a month. I read blogs for business owners. Also I learn a lot by reading books like The E-Myth and Free Agent Nation. This month Marketing Resource & Results celebrates 10 years in the business and I still learn something new every day!!
 
What do you think of Chocolate as a branding and marketing opportunity?
I think chocolate has so many of the positive attributes that marketers try to associate with their brand. Rich, creamy, smooth, sweet, thick, a luxury, a treat, an indulgence, pleasurable, rewarding, and more. I think chocolate as a branding opportunity makes a really great match for brands that market to women. Although men love chocolate, women LOVE chocolate. From a practical standpoint, chocolate is very moldable so that imprinting a message, logo or icon is not difficult.  And lets face it, would you rather get another pen or mug... or enjoy chocolate!!

Parting thoughts and words of advice?
For branding: consistency. For marketing: just keep doing it. For starting a business: read and network. For blogging: start by commenting. And for chocolate: please pass it over here!!
For young women trying to decide their career path, check out: www.realcareers.blogspot.com.