Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Myers.
Kristen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Not shy, but definitely introverted and curious, I’ve always been a people watcher. It’s fascinating to observe how we respond to one another, with new ideas and experiences and to marketing and advertising messages. That’s where my love for marketing really began.
Born fiercely independent, I was probably always destined to be an entrepreneur. I learned at a young age to interpret the concepts of risk, failure, and criticism as opportunities for creating abundance and learning to master my craft. I think that made me a little less afraid to quit my benefit-rich, steady-paycheck corporate job and venture out on my own to create a company (and a life) that was aligned with my values, goals and dreams.
Working often with new entrepreneurs, I’m reminded at times that my decision to do this as a 40-year old, single mom of two without a fat bank account was a pretty big deal! My response is usually, “Meh! As someone famous once said, none of us are getting out of here alive, so I intend to fully live my life.” Truth be told, now that I’m three years into my business, it would take an Act of Congress to lure me away. I absolutely love my career!
I give life to big ideas is how I describe my mission to my clients, some of which have as many as a few hundred employees and others who are just starting to walk through the start-up phase. As a professional services marketing firm, I work with clients on building their brand, developing marketing assets such as an engaging website, and executing a goal-oriented marketing strategy.
Always a go-getter and an avid voyager, I started Traverser Marketing with the goal of being able to serve my clients while I’m on adventures—a few times a year now, but eventually full time. How I chose my company’s name is a testament to that vision.
Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Eat, Pray, Love, she tells us that when she was learning Italian in Rome, she discovered her favorite word was attraversiamo, which means “let’s cross over.” As a French speaker, I knew the equivalent word was traverser.
And just like that, my company’s name was chosen. My interpretation as it relates to marketing is that we’re always trying to bridge the gap between the seller and buyer—to invite the buyer to cross over and use our services. Fortunately, we have an ever-growing arsenal of tools to accomplish this goal. Giving back is a core value I honor in my personal and professional life as well. I think that can take many forms, whether it be mentoring a child, taking an intern under your wing or championing a philanthropic cause.
I’ve had the privilege to do all of these at various points in my career, but my current passion is serving as Executive Director for Destroy Pancreatic Cancer, an Atlanta-based non-profit charity that aims to fund desperately needed, life-saving clinical trials for patients who face just a 9 percent five-year survival rate. While challenging work, it fills my heart and reminds me that most of the day-to-day frustrations we’re dealing with in our lives and careers just aren’t as critical as they seem in the moment.
It also reminds me that life is short, and we don’t have the luxury of time to shelve our dreams. Take the vacation. Start the new hobby. Open the business. Just do whatever lights up your soul, because that’s the best legacy we can leave behind for our children and employees. One that says, “Yes, you have a purpose in this life and you must live it.”
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, yes and no. I joke that QuickBooks will be the death of me. I’m a creative and a strategist; not an accountant. When you’re just starting out, you have to do everything yourself. Plus, I believe that before you outsource something, you ought to at least understand it. That way, you can outsource in confidence.
I’m an optimist by nature, so I think that made my start-up phase easier. I knew I was living my purpose and had faith that if I just kept making the next right decision, it would all come together.
I also enjoy the challenge of running a small business. I look towards growth, so every day I have to stretch my comfort zone and decide what needs to change in order to serve more clients, hire staff or take a bit of time away. Even for an optimist, this can be a little scary. In order to continue embracing uncertainty, I regularly reach out to a few trusted mentors who give me great advice on expanding my business.
I am a single mom, so balancing work and life can be tricky. I’ve learned the best way to handle the inevitable late nights is to include my kids in this journey. It’s not at all uncommon for them to help me choose a website design for a client or to help me with a fundraiser for the charity I work with. They love feeling appreciated for their contributions, and I love that we’re growing closer as a family.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Traverser Marketing story. Tell us more about the business.
Traverser Marketing offers a full suite of integrated marketing solutions for professional services organizations. We develop value-driven marketing programs that are strategically aligned with our clients’ business plans, missions and growth goals.
An alternative to hiring a marketing agency that may offer more than you need or adding another full-time employee, we step in and begin delivering immediate solutions.
Real go-getters, we started Traverser Marketing with a passion for the art of marketing and a heart for helping people succeed. Working with start-ups, growing small businesses and well-established organizations, we can serve as your total solution or lead a special project.
Services include Goal-driven marketing and business development strategies, website development, graphic design services, email and direct marketing, lead generation, content marketing, social media, and fundraising and event planning. I also offer coaching services to new entrepreneurs, and personally, find that very rewarding.
Essentially, we’re the people you hire when you’re overtasked, understaffed and in need of immediate marketing support.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
That’s a great question! Marketing is one of those industries that reinvents itself all the time, both because of technology improvements and cultural shifts.
Ten-15 years ago, a sound marketing strategy was fear driven and direct mail was huge! Now, we opt for email and social media and consumers have demanded a more positive message—thank goodness!
Rather than trying to predict what will work in the future, adapting your business strategy accordingly, and risk being wrong, I find it’s best to follow this simple strategy… test, learn, scale.
Today’s market is moving faster than ever. Multi-year strategic plans are less common. Learning to be nimble and adaptive is how we can best meet our client’s needs.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3330 Cobb Pkwy, Suite 324-181, Acworth, GA 30101
- Website: www.traversermarketing.com
- Phone: 404-850-0586
- Email: kristen@traversermarketing.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraverserMarketing/?ref=bookmarks
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-myers-8ab8395/
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