Laura Catherine Otero
MarketingwithLaura.com l LauraCatherine.co l @LauraCatherineO
(803) 586-3890
Bio:
Laura is a marketing professional, graphic designer, writer and lover of all things creative living her best life in Charleston, SC. On most days, you will find Laura sharing her artful adventures at LauraCatherine.co, as well as helpful online tutorials, app reviews and design bits of goodness on her MarketingWithLaura.com blog.
Blogging about online marketing has provided Laura an outlet to share much of what she has learned through her years in the online tourism and television markets. Her online marketing journey began in 2005, when she was internet marketing director for her local tourism bureau - when social media was emerging. She also worked in internet sales/marketing for a top NBC station in South Carolina, whose website drew more than 500,000 visitors a month.
In 2010, Laura signed up for Kelly Rae Roberts “Flying Lessons” e-course. She immersed herself into artistic pursuits away from the computer and shares her progress with her readers at LauraCatherine.co.
Laura enjoys art journaling, painting, tweeting, making jewelry, traveling and (of course) blogging. She has been known to hold a craft tweet-up and loves handmade items.
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QUESTION: Do you have a business mentor? What value does that offer to your experiences as a business owner?
Laura's ANSWER:
I have had a wonderful mentor in a broad business sense who has looked out for me and encouraged me since 2006. Like a grandfather, he was a former boss who has kept in touch. He gave me the courage to walk away from the news industry, where I was a digital sales director. He has always seen my worth, and has encouraged me to continue to grow regardless of where I may be employed.
That said, he isn’t an expert in the online marketing/design world. When I began designing websites and managing social media, I found it challenging to find a mentor willing to share successes and challenges with me, and (especially) a pricing structure. Several years later, I have learned that I’m the only one who can put a price on my time. I’ve gone from a professional who was undercharging for my work to a person who knows my value and can put a fair price on my services.
If you are starting out in the design biz or consulting world, I would recommend providing an estimate of the time involved in your services, but always leaving room/protecting yourself with the freedom to charge hourly should the quote exceed the hours estimated for your work. This may be the biggest lesson I’ve learned in the past few years.
Looking for bold, brave souls living their dreams? Check out Kelly Rae Roberts, Beth Nicholls, Liv Lane and Andrea Schroeder. I’ve taken an e-course from Kelly and multiple e-courses from Andrea. I follow each of their blogs closely and celebrate in their successes. Watching each of them “dream big” and work hard for what they envision for their lives has been beyond inspiring.
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For more information on the 101010 Project check out the 101010 Website. For a complete list of questions and the women hosting them on their Websites, see below.
(Note: Due to life's unexpected twists & turns, this session of the 101010 Project features eight participants instead of the intended 10.)
THE WOMEN, THE QUESTIONS
Laura Otero: #1. Is it necessary for your business to line up with your soul purpose? What value is there to having that aligned?
Me: #2. Do you have a business mentor? What value does that offer to your experiences as a business owner?
Shari Sherman: #3. What animal would represent your first year of business.
Robin Norgren: #4. What business/businesses have you chosen to model your business after?
Dani Keith: #5. At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
Paula Joerling: #6. What part of your business have you delegated or put on hold in order to focus your energy more efficiently?
Valerie Weller: #7. How did you finally decide on the look of your brand? What did the evolution look like?
Phyllis Dobbs: #8. Who is that one person you would like to sit and talk with about your business? What would you talk about?