I met Julie Weishaar through Larry Brauner’s Small Business Network. You can learn more about Julie at her website, http://newhorizons123.com/. I was pleased that she provided such knowledgeable answers to my interview questions; I especially like her advice: “Network, network, network.”

1) How long have you been in the marketing profession? Did you work for other companies before starting your own?

I have been in the marketing profession for as long as I have been in the business world. While raising my children, I owned my own companies and marketing is a natural and necessary function for any business owner. When I came back into the work force I ran a non-profit association for five years, then went into corporate marketing, and then onto owning my own business again. Anyone who has anything to promote has to market it. So the answer to your question “how long?” – more than 20 years.

2) How long have you had a website? How do you use it in promoting your business – what role does it play?

I created my first website as part of my learning process when I started New Horizons 123 2 1/2 years ago. It is actually funny to see my first attempt at my first website and compare it to where it is today. A company’s website is ESSENTIAL in promoting any business. The website is the central hub of a business. All the online activity they do to promote their brand should lead back to their website. All my online activity is geared towards bringing potential clients back to my website(s).

3) How has social media helped your business? Do you have any favorite social media sites?

Social media is about building relationships. People like to do business with people they know and trust, therefore getting them to know you and trust you is critical. I use social media extensively in my business and have been fortunate enough to have met some very helpful friends and clients via social media networking.

4) What do you consider your niche in your profession? How do you stand out from other professionals?

My niche is the small business owner who needs help promoting their brand. I stand out from my competition because of the relationships I have developed and because I use video marketing extensively in my consulting, and video IS the way of the future for communications and messaging. I not only help small businesses utilize video in their marketing, I also create videos for the businesses I consult for.

5) What would you suggest to a young person getting started in marketing?

That’s an easy answer – network, network, network :) They should also find out who the thought leaders are in the niche they want to be involved in, follow them, interact with them on social media platforms, and become a perpetual student! It is also important for the young person to realize that just because they read something online, doesn’t mean it is true. Check out the reputations/reviews of the sources of information to be sure you are following the “right” people.

6) How has blogging helped you in marketing your own business?

Blogging alone is like operating in a vacuum. In order for your blog/website/social media profile to have any value to you or anyone else, you have to network, network, network! Get your blog listed in blog directories, join blogging groups on different social media sites, interact, engage, share, learn, teach, and did I mention, network, network, and network? I have developed some extremely mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals in my niche that I met on blogs (mine and others), in blogging groups, and on social media networking sites.

Thanks so much, Julie!

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