Every week we’ll be featuring a smart, savvy female entrepreneur we think is just great. These are women who are out there in the trenches each and every day, making things happen and affecting other people’s lives for the better. So pull up a comfy chair, grab a cup of coffee and meet this week’s SheBrand Superstar. We can all learn a golden nugget or two from each other.
Name: Shelly Kramer
Website: https://www.v3im.com
Occupation: Founder + CEO, V3 Integrated Marketing
Twitter Handle: @shellykramer
1. What are three words that best describe your personal brand?
Direct, No Nonsense, Results-Driven
2. Tell us why you’re awesome in two sentences or less?
I’ll admit that I hate questions like these, because it’s not my nature to walk around reveling in my own awesomeness. I’m a fan of humility and quiet confidence instead. And I’m convinced that by doing great work and also doing all I can to support others whenever possible, that I’m living the best life possible.
3. What are your three biggest indulgences
1) Officing from home so that I can pick my kids up from school every day
2) Bliss White Chocolate (for which I blame my addiction on Alli Worthington and the Blissdom team)
3) Sending my sheets out to be laundered and pressed, because I’m worth it
4. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who aren’t qualified to do the work that they sell to clients, for which the clients ultimately suffer; people who spend all their time, effort and energies promoting themselves; people who don’t make time or care enough to be kind.
5. If you could have dinner with anyone (living or not) who would it be?
My grandfather. I miss him and he was, and continues to be, a major force in my life.
6. Why is having a powerful personal brand important to you?
That’s easy. My clients don’t buy what I’m selling, they are buying me. That means trusting that I will do what I say I will do, and that I’ll have their best interests at heart at every turn. To my way of thinking, my personal reputation and integrity are my greatest assets. This is my brand – and I take it very seriously.
7. What is your #1 marketing tip for fellow female entrepreneurs?
Raise your hand. Women are notorious for not getting work, not getting opportunities, for not getting attention. And I find that largely it’s because we are often so intent on getting the job done and on taking care of others that we don’t raise our hands often enough and step up to the plate and command attention. I’m constantly telling women entrepreneurs and women of all ages to remember to ask for the work, ask for what they want and essentially raise their hands – and I have to remind myself of that as well on a regular basis. If we don’t do that, certainly no one else is going to do it for us.
Great interview! I think women entrepreneurs need to “raise their hands” more and ask for what they want. I have been doing more of that this year and having great opportunities open up.
Terrific piece. My favorite part is the pet peeve “people who don’t make time or care enough to be kind.” I feel that way, too. But then again, I agree with a lot of what Shelly has to say. She’s not only brilliant and fabulous, she’s a great friend.