Marcie Hill: Successful Business Woman, Writer, Blogger, Author & Speaker

Sylvia: Hi Marcie.  Wow, you are one busy lady!  Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to interview with me.  Please tell us about yourself and your business?

Marcie Hill is Business Owner, Author & Speaker

Photo Credit: Marcie Hill

Marcie: Certainly, my name is Marcie Hill, and I’m a passionate writer, blogger, author and speaker.

My business, The Write Design Company, provides writing and blogging services and trainings to corporations, professional associations and colleges and universities. I manage five blogs with topics on business, writing, South Side of Chicago, blogger’s block and roller skating.

I’ve authored two eBooks and my forthcoming book, 62 Blog Posts to Overcome Blogger’s Block, will be published November 2012. And I have been published in international and local print and online publications.

 

Sylvia: You manage five blogs? Quite impressive! What does success mean to you?

Marcie: Success means having the audacity to pursue your dreams and not giving up regardless of what people say; regardless of what this current economic climate looks like; and regardless of what your bank account looks like.

 

Sylvia:  I love that word… audacity! How do you create work-life balance?

Marcie: I balance work/life by disconnecting from technology and taking time to actually talk to people on the phone and in-person. I try not to check e-mails before 10 a.m. I don’t have my e-mail messages coming to my Blackberry. And I actually call people on the phone. Also, I take the time to do what I enjoy doing: reading, writing, roller skating and hanging with my people.

 

Sylvia:  What steps are necessary for a woman entrepreneur who wants to move her business to the next level?

Marcie: I think entrepreneurs that want to move to the next level in business should find committed mentors and coaches that will help take them there. Mastermind groups would help, too. And don’t be afraid to go to the next level; you could be standing in your own way.

 

Sylvia:   It is important to give back.  In what way do you give back to your community?

Marcie: I give back to the community by sharing resources on my community site, Shorty: Your Chicago South Side Resource. I share information and resources that residents would not had known about otherwise.

 

Sylvia: That’s great Marcie! Resources are very important. What steps do you think are necessary for an entrepreneur who wants to move her business to the next level?

Marcie: I think entrepreneurs that want to move to the next level in business should find committed mentors and coaches that will help take them there. Mastermind groups would help, too. And don’t be afraid to go to the next level; be bold.

 

Sylvia: What challenges and opportunities do you see in the present economic environment?

Marcie: The biggest challenge in this economic environment is staying abreast of the rapid changes in technology. If you don’t keep up, you’ll be left behind. On the other hand, there are opportunities abound where enterprising minds who work hard can make loads of money.

 

Sylvia: How do you promote/market your business?

Marcie: I currently market my business through social media, presentations at workshops and conferences and guest blog posts. Also, I make cold calls to organizations. Next year I am going to step that up a notch by hosting my own events, workshops and webinars, submitting stories to mainstream magazines; and hitting the speaking circuit.

 

Sylvia: What books and resources would you recommend to other women in business?

Marcie: I currently market my business through social media, presentations at workshops and conferences and guest blog posts. Also, I make cold calls to organizations. Next year I am going to step that up a notch by hosting my own events, workshops and webinars, submitting stories to mainstream magazines; and hitting the speaking circuit. 

 

Sylvia: What advice do you have for women who are just starting out?

Marcie: Define your target market and conduct market research to make marketing and selling your products easier. Also, be confident, but realistic, in pricing your products and services.

People will always tell you that you have do some things for free; and you do. But the key is to NOT stay free. Also, you don’t have to do everything for free. Pick the projects that will provide the most exposure for you and your business.

 

Sylvia: So important! I work with a lot of startup businesses and I stress those key points as well. How do you stay connected in mind body and spirit?

Marcie: Praying, reading, writing and roller skating.

 

Sylvia: Roller skating… great exercise and fun! One of my girlfriends took her son skating last weekend and said she was too old for that. I told her not at all. What is your favorite quote to live by?

Marcie: My favorite is, I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Dr. Maya Angelou

 

Sylvia:  One of my favorites as well. Dr. Angelou is so inspiring!  Share with us two industry or general business related tips that could help other women business owners.

Marcie: Sure:

  • Research and know your target market
  • Your time is the most valuable asset you have. Spend it wisely.

 

Sylvia:  This has been great! Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with our members and subscribers.  Please share your contact information.

Marcie: Thank you Sylvia. My information:

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