Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Winter Cole.
Hi Kate, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started in Marketing in 2008- my family business was making a lot of changes in response to the economic climate. During that recession, we started to rethink our marketing budget and make the transition from primarily traditional advertising to a more digital approach. This landed on me- I’m pretty sure because I was the one with the Facebook page. Ha!
Over time, I was getting frustrated with the advertising companies coming to us and the advice they were giving out. I dug into learning marketing to help my family not knowing how far that knowledge would take me.
As we became more successful, other local companies were asking me for help. I was able to provide a unique service because I understood not only marketing but website design as well. This combination allows a small business to have one point of contact AND it gives me more insight as a designer.
I launched Kate Winter Digital Solutions in 2016 while continuing to work with my family. In 2019 I left the family business to make this my primary focus. I now offer design packages, marketing retainers, and coaching for the DIY type of business owners.
Since the pandemic, I’ve also grown into speaking, events, and workshops. I’ve spoken both virtually and in person on topics such as my journey as an entrepreneur, social media, specific social media platforms, and most recently at an industry-specific event in Mexico for travel agents.
I’ve also worked with my photographer and copywriter to design our “Social Media Masterclass”. This is our opportunity to work with small business and entrepreneurs in person during a half-day intensive session focusing on social media success.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course not!
I started this as a single mom. I was working for my family and taking care of my two sons. Most of my energy was spent on others. Learning marketing and design was my investment in myself during that time. Since then, I’m remarried and my husband Chris is my biggest cheerleader.
2020 was a unique challenge. I had only left my family business in June 2019 when March of 2020 through us all for a loop. However, I attribute my success during that time to focusing on serving my client’s unique needs at the time. My mission has always been to be a creative, reliable resource- and that perspective helped me grow when others were not. We built e-commerce platforms, reservation systems, and other ways to keep them in business during changing regulations and rules.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Tapping into my creative side brings me so much joy! Using my background in marketing, helping someone design a brand, or even REdesign a brand is so fun. We can get into the details of colors, fonts, designs, target audience, goals to create something together that they are really proud of.
It’s always really gratifying for me when I see my designs in public. Like seeing a logo that I’ve designed on a storefront. It feels good to know that I’ve added to someone’s success.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Focusing on networking is a great way to grow- most of my business comes via referral. However, networking can feel very ‘forced’ sometimes. I put my energy into my local Rotary club. By focusing on serving the community with other professionals, I’m able to build relationships that are deeper. I’m happy to help my local insurance agent/physical therapist/mortgage broker because we’ve boxed food at the foodbank together, and I hope they feel the same about me.
Also, find like-minded people. I have some great friendships that have come from my professional network. I love having these people in my corner for the tough days when I need advice, and to cheer them on as well.
Pricing:
- My website packages start at $2500
- My retainer minimum is $650/month
- My coaching program is $199/month
- All speaking fees are custom to the event.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katewinter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katewinterds/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katewinterds
Image Credits
Amanda Brisco Photography
