Lisa Gunderson operates her business and helps her clients succeed by using her unique and ethical “people first” marketing approach. She wants her clients to know that she understands each business needs a tailored plan to be successful in their industry and has helped numerous companies using this technique in reaching their goals. Read our interview with the lovely Lisa below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
A little over three years ago, I was given an enormous opportunity to work from my home office as an independent contractor for a well-known Chicago law firm. At the time, the work that I was doing was all new to me, but to get through it, I used skills that I had acquired throughout college to learn about the legal industry such as research and writing. I quickly caught on and before I knew it, I had another firm asking for my services. Honestly, at the time, I barely understood the meaning of working independently and I certainly did not think that I would be where I am today as the founder of my own social media marketing firm. If this experience has taught be anything, it has taught me to be fearless in the pursuit of doing what makes you happy.
Tell us about your business.
LMG Chicago focuses on one thing, telling our clients stories. We fulfill this mission by weaving together content across multiple platforms to create unique stories that help our clients’ businesses flourish. Fortunately, just last month we celebrated our third year anniversary!
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
To actually get the business side up and running, the first and most important steps included getting the legal side of things on track, i.e, contracts, licensing and partnering with software companies and other organizations that provided us with more value.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
The most effective way of growing has been delivering exceptional customer service to our clients. We really look at our clients as more than just a “customer,” but rather treat each of them as a partner. When our clients describe us, they often say that we are a valuable extension to their marketing department. This causes repeat clients as well as a strong referral network.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Really understanding the business side of things. Before I had my own business, I was used to the weekly paycheck. But as an entrepreneur, I have had to learn to budget differently and really think future.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Really, sometimes there is no “overcoming,” but rather learning from a mistake to make each process better the next time.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
When you love what you do, there is a different type of fire inside of you that keeps you hustling – it’s that fire that keeps me motivated.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
The first thing I did was create a logo that was not the industry “standard.” My logo is violet color that feels more traditional. Most tech companies are blue, orange and modern, but I am just not most tech companies. The other way that I distinguish myself is loyalty. I don’t work with my clients’ competitors.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
I recently read in an article, “Act like you can and always find your joy.”
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Find mentors and take their advice.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Social media for communication purposes.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Facebook @LMG Chicago
Instagram @LMG Chicago
Twitter @LMG Chicago
Google+ @LMG Chicago
LinkedIn @Lisa M. Gunderson
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
It was actually a series of articles by Rich Women Rock called The Mentorship Series.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am currently working on moving to the next level of hiring. HR is a whole new world.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
In the next few months as fall and winter set in and the summer speed slows down, I want to get reorganized and prepare for next year because by the spring I plan to hire my first employee.
Elaine Rau
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