Shannon Cherry is an advocate for businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations. She is helping them to identify and pinpoint the areas that are hindering their incomes and teach them how to maximize their bank accounts and their lives. She is an experienced marketing communications and public relations expert who blazed her own path and is here to help you do the same.
At your core, who is Shannon Cherry and what is her passion?
Justice and equality is at my core. I have worked for that all my life. It’s what lights my fire! I even created my business with that as a basis.
As a marketing strategist, you talk about “Finding the money trees in your business forest..” Once you help businesses/entrepreneurs find theirs, explain how important the “aftercare landscaping” is in order to maintain the original goal? Do you ever have people fall off the track you helped get them on and return to old habits?
Old habits die hard for some people. The thing I try to teach my clients is the landscape will change and you need to adjust to it. But the core strategies behind any marketing tactic always work. Sometimes people just need a refresher on the strategies in order to make it work for them.
You have a background in marketing- is this what lead to your forming your own brand or was there another catalyst to you branching out on your own to serve others?
Well as I said, my core value is justice and equality. My last job put that to the test.
I started working as a newlywed at a PR firm where the boss was a tyrant. He believed the best way to get results from his staff was to belittle them and scare them. One day, he brought me into his office with a client. I thought he was happy that I got the client on Good Morning America. But I was wrong. Instead, he insulted me and called me names as I ONLY got the client on one national broadcast.
I quit then and there. And cried to my husband on the phone. He asked me to meet him for lunch.
When I started blubbering about quitting, he quickly handed me a piece of paper.
On it was my first domain name. He said, “You can do it… better than him and on your own terms. Show him he didn’t beat you down!”
And the rest is history.
Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is a woman who has been in business a few years. She knows the basics, and is making a decent living but has hit a ceiling on her income. She wants more time for her family as well, but can’t seem to get out of her rut.
Can you tell us from your experience what you have found to be big marketing mistakes businesses make-especially small businesses?
Not understanding the strategy behind the tactics. For example, many people say to be on social med. But without understanding the medium or how to make it work for them, they tend to look like everyone else.
The other mistake is that many people are afraid to take a stand. They don’t want to rock the boat or ‘burn bridges’. Playing it safe like this ends up making them (once again) look like everyone else. And what’s really ironic, is in their person circles they are saying something is wrong.
What is the average time someone has been in business before they finally seek help in your arena?
Most are between the 3-5 year mark.
Tell us about your books or any recent/upcoming endeavors?
I recently moved from New York to the San Francisco area with my family. So most of my time is spent making new connections and getting my family settled. It’s been a long haul but I am finally seeing the light!
Tell us about your family life. Any hobbies?
My twin daughters, Lyra and Sophia, have Autism. So a lot of my time is spent advocating on their behalf. I try to help them understand our world and help the world understand them better. I volunteer at the girls’ schools, as well as for a couple local charities. My current obsession on TV is The Blacklist. And I am always on the lookout for a amazing wine at a bargain price!
What makes you a connected woman?
I work hard to build lasting relationships with people. I am fiercely loyal and always make sure I have time for them. That sets me apart from many who are often looking for connections as clients.
Now that you enjoy being about to sustain your business debt free while not working yourself into a frenzy, what have you found to be your biggest enjoyment?
My business has always been debt free, and since moving to California, I only work 15 hours a week. I love the Bay area: the food, the people (which can be a bit woo-woo) and the vibe. But most importantly, I enjoy watching my girls thrive out here. It’s amazing how they are becoming young women before my eyes.
How can our readers reach out to you?
If you would like to connect with me, I suggest take a look at my blog first. I am not everyone’s cup of tea so it’s a great way to learn more without having to commit to anything. (It’s at http://ShannonCherry.com/news)
What would you say to our women readers with businesses or women in general about taking back their schedules about the benefits of making their businesses/lives work for them?
Business is not life. Money is not wealth. You need a life and wealth before the other two come. Seriously! Stop making your life about your business and stop making it all about money. Or think of it this way: on your deathbed, what will you reflect on? You business? Money? Or something more important? Then set out to make that more important thing your priority.
