SheBrand Superstar: Marie Poulin

Marie Poulin is a Vancouver-based digital strategist who helps build and grow brands, communities and businesses online. With a rare trifecta of expertise in online business strategy, design, and development, she collaborates with everyone from small entrepreneurs to blossoming online empires, creating strategically planned and beautifully crafted online experiences that get noticed, are delightful to interact with, and actually build audiences and generate more sales. She’s been featured in BYOB: The unapologetic guide to being your own boss, mentors for She Takes on The World’s Conquer Club, and has been listed as one of 10 women you need to know in interface design. When she’s not behind a Macbook or a Kindle, you can usually find her climbing rocks or playing gaelic football.

 

Name: Marie Poulin

Occupation: Digital Strategist

Website: http://https://www.mariepoulin.com

Twitter Handle: @mariepoulin

 

1. What are three words that best describe you?

Passionate, Curious, and Creative.

2. Tell us why you’re awesome in two sentences or less?

I have a knack for helping people realize their potential by introducing them to possibilities they didn’t know existed. I do this both in business, and in life; I use my passion and excitement to ignite a spark in other people.

3. What are your three biggest indulgences?

• Books/programs/courses in the business and personal development categories (I am usually reading 10-15 books while doing 3-4 courses at any given time!)
• A daily dirty chai hemp latte
• Sleeping in

4. What’s currently your favorite…

Restaurant: Poppy (Seattle) and Acorn (Vancouver)

Shopping Destination: The shops along Main St in Vancouver.

Hangout: 49th Parallel Coffee, Vancouver

City: Portland

Food: Vegetarian

Cocktail: Gin + Tonic /p>

Book/Author: Fave book: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Author: Daniel Pink

Song/Artist: Knights of Shame, AWOLNATION

Website: GoodLifeProject.com

Magazine: Wired

5. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Judgemental-ness, bad tempers, closed-mindedness and general negativity. Aka, Bad Attitude!

6. If you could have dinner with anyone (living or not) who would it be?

Dalai Lama

7. What does it mean to you to have a strong, engaging brand and how has having one helped you?

Having a brand voice is super important. When you speak with a voice that is consistent and authentic, people are naturally drawn to you. The blog (or social media) posts where I’ve been honest and vulnerable have always been the ones that get the most engagement. I debated for many years about whether or not to operate under a brand name, but in the end, I realized that I very much am my brand. People find me through word of mouth, and they know I am just one woman. I am very personable in my approach with my clients, and that also translates into my writing, my services, and my products. It means people know what to expect from me, and that keeps them interested and engaged. I used to fight that personal element, thinking it wasn’t “professional” to get so personal with my clients. Eventually, I realized that it’s my secret weapon (and business advantage), and the thing that people love about working with me.

8. What is your #1 tip for fellow women entrepreneurs?

You are going to hear a lot of advice and information from a lot of different people. It is important to remember that it is up to you to distill that information and do what feels right for you. Don’t compare, and don’t try to be something that you’re not. Tell your story, and be yourself. People are naturally drawn to stories, and the more you can bring your story into your brand, the easier it will be to run your business. It’s not just helpful, it’s ESSENTIAL. Do what comes naturally, and be consistent about it. Be relatable, honest, and authentic, and the rest will fall into place.