Referrals & Marketing - the Innovative Way

who? Kadie O'Connor
what? Referrals, Marketing and Business Education
where? Chicagoland Area
website? www.referralmarketingsolutions.com
QUOTE: "I believe that business owners put their heart and soul into their business..."

How did you start doing what you are doing today?
After working for some years with a company that promoted referral marketing products, I developed my own presentation on "the Power of Referral Marketing", which I still do at various companies and events. I left to start my own business called Referral Marketing Solutions. MyReferralDirectory.com began when I realized three things. First, many people use the internet now to find businesses. Second, people still like working with businesses that have been referred to them. Third, I have met many people with small businesses that have a difficult time trying to market themselves. It is very costly for consistent newspaper and/or radio advertising. So, I decided to combine the three into MyReferralDirectory.com.

What is your primary role at this point? Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
My job, as I see it, is to provide a platform for these "referral-worthy" people to grow their individual businesses. In 5 years I hope that the Directory will be used by both the public and other businesses to find each other in the Greater Chicagoland area.

What types of clients do you currently work with?
The Directory is for a wide variety of businesses, from doctors to calligraphy artists to lawyers to clowns! I have expanded the benefits of the Directory to include educations workshops, Member2Member marketing, networking events, and shared involvement in local business expos.

Who has been your inspiration throughout the journey of your career?
The person that comes to mind immediately is my husband, Pat. He has been my support, my sounding board, my business coach and my investor! I have learned so much about business from him over the years, having worked with him in our own rep agency. I know I can count on his advice.

Do you have any life experiences that other business owners may benefit from?
Everyone's experiences are different, so that is a hard questions to answer. However, I would definitely suggest that if you are going into a business with a partner, it is VERY important to have everything defined by a contract. Everything starts out on very friendly terms, but life has a way of presenting unforeseen situations. A buy-sell contract can protect your interests professionally and personally.

What are the challenges of owning your own business? What are some strategies in dealing with them?
Sometimes it can be overwhelming to come up with new and beneficial ideas on your own. It can also be extremely gratifying when things work out the way you want them! I believe that business owners put their heart and soul into their business, so I can empathize when things either go well, or go "south". The current business climate is VERY difficult for many people, and hopefully being a part of the Directory can help them in some way. There are a lot of companies that are staging "help" workshops and a variety of programs to help small businesses cope. It's important to find the ones that are worth the time and money, if any, invested. Local Chambers can be very helpful with this. Talking to other business people that are also in a distressed situation can really help.


Up until this point, what has been the most significant moment in your success?
I'd have to say that every time a Directory member tells me of a new contact or a new customer that they received because of being in the Directory are my very best moments!

How do you market yourself and keep your name in the forefront? What do you feel is working or not working?
I do constant search engine optimization for the Directory, and I am working with a publicity expert to find the best local PR contacts in the area. I have written articles which I will be publishing on the appropriate websites, and just recently started using a streaming video company that gives me the opportunity to send audio/video emails. I will be able to attach educational videos to my website and have real-time conferences with clients. I'm very excited about that!

How does ones business image {logo, website, print materials, presentation} impact your decision on whether or not to do business with them?
When I see a company with a clear, precise image that reflects that company's purpose and mission, I know that the owner has invested the thought and time into the very basics of their company. That is the first impression that a potential client sees, and can influence their decision on whether to work with that company - or not.

You updated your logo last year and are now doing a complete overhaul on your website, why is that?
I wanted to get started with my ideas - I am not a patient person, I guess! So I started out with something that would work, but I always knew that I wanted to find the right person to work with to upgrade my image, and that I could easily work with. I have learned that one person (myself!0 couldn't wear all the hats in the company! I have no training in graphics or website design, so I found YOU at a Chamber event, and my website developer at a leads meeting! Now you are both in my Directory, and I am VERY happy with our relationships! I also understand that both of you are now working together on other businesses websites and logos - another "significant" moment for me!!!

www.tashaleedesign.com