Sylvia: Hi Veronica! I am so excited that we connected. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to interview with me. Please tell us about yourself and your business?
Photo Credit: Veronica Drake
Veronica: Hi Sylvia, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Veronica Drake, an online business consultant, author, and speaker who specializes in copy writing and marketing for small businesses. Some call me the copy ninja!
I focus on working with consultant, authors, freelancers, speakers and coaches. I have a gift for producing highly effective communication that engages, and entertains readers because I understand the need for copy to be funny enough and relevant enough so that people keep paying attention. Getting people to buy requires a combination of art and science. I love figuring it out!
Sylvia: I see why they call you the ‘copy ninja.’ I had the pleasure of perusing your website and there was a wealth of eye catching content. What does success mean to you?
Veronica: Laying my head down on my pillow every night and knowing I did my best that day. Knowing that I honor and respect something higher than I am.. That I am living out God’s purpose for my life. To feel the completeness of each day is the ultimate for me!
Sylvia: How do you create work-life balance?
Veronica: I am committed to daily prayer and I find that I am always given the wisdom and strength to know when is enough. I worked very hard to know myself and I am 100% aware of when it’s time to shift gears. Every morning, I start off by asking to be balanced and productive. Throughout my day I make time to commune with God and I truly believe that helps balance me.
Sylvia: I can relate with you. I make it a part of my routine to incorporate daily prayer and meditation into my life. It is soothing to the mind and soul. What steps are necessary for a woman entrepreneur who wants to move her business to the next level?
Veronica: She MUST be willing to look at her limiting beliefs. I am a firm believer in whatever holds you back will keep you from growing up. Being a self made entrepreneur, I had to learn the hard way that all my “stuff” (insecurities) would all rise up to sabotage me. I truly believe if a woman is aware that this will come into play she can counteract it quicker.
Next, I would say be consistent with your marketing message. Know EXACTLY who you are looking to attract as a client and be prepared to change when you need to.
Sylvia: It is important to give back. In what way do you give back to your community?
Veronica: YES! Without a doubt. I am president of a local networking group whose mission is to support and empower women who are victims of domestic violence. I am also very passionate about homelessness and childhood hunger. Both of these causes tug at my heart and I do what I can locally.
Sylvia: That is so touching, supporting such a sensitive cause. My heart goes out to those that endure it. What steps do you think are necessary for an entrepreneur who wants to move her business to the next level?
Veronica: Great question! Here are my suggestions:
1. Define your niche
2. Create a business plan (can be a one pager)
3. Outline your mission/values
4. Create a consistent marketing plan
5. BUILD a CULTURE a FOLLOWING.. Make relationships
6. Always give more than you get!
Sylvia: What challenges and opportunities do you see in the present economic environment?
Veronica: I am not someone who believes the current economy has any bearing on my success. There is money out there and people will pay for what they value. The business owners job is to know their prospects heart and head and know what they value and then provide them with it! Always make yourself relevant to your prospects life. When you serve from that perspective the global economy rarely plays a part.
Sylvia: I totally agree with you. How do you promote/market your business?
Veronica: I am the queen of social media. Facebook all the way! I am also a frequent guest on radio and TV. And I have my own popular blog that women business owners turn to for guidance and encouragement. And, I do guest blogging as well.
Sylvia: Oh wow, that is great! I would love to write a guest post for your blog. What books and resources would you recommend to other women in business?
Veronica: I would suggest they look at the top women in history and study the ones who resonate with them, Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa Parks for me. I also suggest looking at the top women in their industry. But I caution them NOT to get so wrapped up in others that they lose their uniqueness.
Sylvia: Love it! What advice do you have for women who are just starting out?
Veronica: Be true to your values. NEVER compromise who you are at a soul level. Be prepared to fall down and GET RIGHT back up! In addition, have a pre-defined marketing budget. Without marketing you have no business.
Sylvia: Budget… so important! How do you stay connected in mind body and spirit?
Veronica: I am a very spiritual person and I find myself communing with God every morning. I spend time outdoors. I love nature and I love that I can feel God everywhere.. In the gentle breeze of the wind, in the smile of a stranger, even in a blade of grass. I love gardening and getting my hands dirty. The soil is filled with Gods love..Look at what it does for plants!
Sylvia: What is your favorite quote to live by?
Veronica: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” EE. Cummings
Sylvia: Share with us two industry or general business related tips that could help other women business owners.
Veronica: Take time to understand the importance of the written word… copy writing. It truly will make or break your business.
Understand how to research your target market so thoroughly that you know them better than they know themselves.. This truly is the million dollar secret to having a successful business.
Sylvia: You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with our members and subscribers. Please share your contact information.
Veronica: Certainly Sylvia, my information is below:
- Website: www.veronicadrake.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeronicaDrakeCoaching
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/veronica-drake-coaching
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonnieDrake
- Email: veronica@veronicadrake.co
Sylvia Browder is CEO of Specialty Home Services LLC, a Home Improvement Company; a Small Business Consultant at Browder Consulting Group, a startup consultancy firm to help women with startup assistance, marketing, website and graphic design work and other support services. In addition, she has co-authored several published books; publisher of ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs’ a lifestyle blog; and publisher of ShopSpendBlack.com Business Directory & Blog platform created to help consumers find black owned businesses in a searchable format. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years; 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren; church; friends and motorcycle riding.
