Karen Goodbrand, The Goodbrand Collective
Karen Goodbrand is a leader in the field of social media marketing. Karen talks to The Industry Leaders about why it's vital to be continually learning and why she always looks forward, not back.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
I worked in B2B sales for 19 years, working my way up and being the highest revenue performer across the UK year-on-year for several years. Following a serious illness, I changed my career to follow social media - it had always been a passion project for me and then I decided to make it a career.
What kind of work does your role involve?
I'm a self-titled "Creative Business Development focussed Marketeer" - so basically, I use marketing and creativity to drive sales.
In my business, I work with clients on anything from 1:1 Social Media training for beginners, through to business development, content strategies, and marketing director-level consultancy.
What gets you excited about your industry?
The best thing about social media marketing is that it doesn't stand still - it's always evolving! There's always something new happening, a new function or trend, and I love to help my clients understand this, embrace it and then shine!
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Ohhh, so many pieces of advice.
"Fail to prepare, prepare to fail", and "Don't look back; you're not going that way!" Two pieces of advice that form part of who I am today.
What, or who inspires you?
Success inspires me - this comes in so many different ways, not just a growing client book! I love to see my clients doing well, taking my advice, and it working for them.
I'm inspired by so many people for many different reasons. It could be a high-flying business owner that saw an opportunity and is flying high, but it could also be the single mum with four children - the one that's homeschooling them, working full time and still smiling.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?
I allocate time every day to read industry news and research - this is essential! I attend courses, conferences, webinars, and summits by industry leaders on a regular basis too, it's crucial in such a fast-paced industry.
What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?
From day one (6th September 2020), I've been lucky enough to have a full diary, a growing client book and consistent growth month-on-month in my business. After my best month yet, in February, that all slowed right down - lockdown hit so many people hard, and the realisation and uncertainty were understandable. I took the gift of time and concentrated on working on my business instead of in it. The results have been so incredible that I've scheduled one day per week to work on new projects, growth and collaborations. I've also committed to a fantastic networking group, WMB - this community has been an excellent support already this year!
As we close out the final week of February, I'm looking at expansion with a support team and far more new opportunities that I would have had if I'd have been flat-out busy in February.
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
Right now, I'd pay our mortgage off and book a huge holiday for my friends and family as soon as it was safe to travel. While away, I'd work on setting up an academy for those wanting to work in social media marketing and give scholarship places to some. I'd also spend more time on my own social media, one being my original passion project - @missionstyleuk
How do you switch off after a day at work?
Cooking! Once we're out of lockdown, this will also be seeing friends and enjoying a drink or two.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
That it was all-inclusive - by this, I mean that you could be successful no matter what you look like, how old you are, where you live, or your circumstances.
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
There is an incredible podcast by Dr Chattergee where he interviews James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits - It was a gamechanger for me earlier this year!
How should people connect with you?
You can find me hanging out on any of the following:
The Goodbrand Collective Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodbrandCollective
My Facebook group - Let's Get Social (where I share daily updates from the social media landscape, advance, hints and general ideas) https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegoodbrandcollectiveletsgetsocial
Or, my first social media account where I share my personal style, home renovation and behind the scenes of my life - https://www.instagram.com/missionstyleuk/.
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