Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candace Urquhart. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Candace, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

It started with a passion to help others succeed and a need to express my creative thoughts. In return people were willing to invest in my creativity and suggested that I start my own business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

At CU Marketing Services we provide businesses with digital and direct marketing services, tools and resources.

My interest in marketing started back in high school after taking a few college courses and later turned out to be a long loved career. When I’d go out in public and see different advertisements or watch TV and people would falsely advertise their product; I’d tell myself that that’d never be me.

It isn’t easy starting your own business nor is it cheap but when you love what you do it kind of omits everything else.

It started with a passion to help others succeed and a need to express my creative thoughts. In return people were willing to invest in my creativity and suggested that I start my own business.

I have 10+ years in the marketing industry and have built great bonds with great people and businesses over those years and plan to keep going.

A few things that sets us apart is one, we are genuine. We don’t hide anything from anyone, we don’t believe in trying to be something we aren’t. CU Marketing Services takes pride in being 100% transparent with our customers and audience because in our opinion how can you trust what we do if you can’t trust who’s doing it? We all know that everyone has to start somewhere with what they have and we aren’t different from anyone else but we’re here for it!
Two, we aren’t just any kind of marketing agency; we an organization that actually cares about your growth. From businesses to individuals in the community, we care about assisting in your growth process; we want you to succeed. Our mantra is “if we eat; you eat”, so no one is left behind. We provide free networking to all businesses who purchase our services and a portion of our proceeds goes to providing necessities for the less fortunate.
Three, we are not an overpriced agency. Because we are in the business to your growth process, we don’t believe in being overpriced. We also don’t believe in trapping anyone into contracts. COVID has hit everyone extremely hard and some businesses are barely scrapping by. So with that being said, if a business only needs temporary services because they are low on funds, we want to give the option to opt out of services without the hassle of overpriced fees and contracts. (Although we have a green thumb, so that won’t be a problem 😉)

Just like the startup of most businesses, CU Marketing Services started out as a nonprofit service later to become a side gig and now a full on organization. Our mission and purpose is to Define, Design and Deliver.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

When it comes to building clientele there is more than one strategy.. I can’t really pinpoint one because they all kind of have to work together in itself to be effective but I can list some of the top few that has worked for me.

1. Make sure there is a need.

Knowing your target’s need will help to detour what I call the “No process”. This is usually a process that a customer or potential customer has going on in their head. Most customers prepare themselves to say no, but if you have what you know they need, it’ll be harder for them to say no.

2. Attitude

No one likes to purchase anything from anyone with a bad/fake attitude. Be authentic; be happy.

3. Don’t Sell

No one likes someone that tries to sell anything. Be a consultant. Consultants don’t sell; they solve problems.

4. Consistency

Honestly this one is second to the most effective. Being consistent is everything. Without continuously being in front of your audience, how would anyone notice you? Put out content or contact your target consistently; eventually you gain attention.

5. Transparency

Be upfront and honest. I tell salesmen all the time; you’ll gain more trust being upfront and honest with little to no experience than you would with all the experience in the world and no honesty. ‘How can we trust what you’re selling if we can’t trust who’s selling it?’

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing of being an artist is watching my client’s face light up. Whether its something I’ve designed for them, an idea or strategy I’ve presented to them; there’s that Aha moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cumarketingservices.org
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-f-8536351a1