Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Smith.

Hi Bianca, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I started my entrepreneurial journey in 2016 when I had to PCS (move) again and leave my job in banking which I loved. As a military spouse I had to move often and leave jobs that I loved or not work at all.

My initial journey into entrepreneurship with an Etsy shop and craft fairs allowed me to hone my skills in product development, customer service, and basic marketing. Then, leveraging my MBA in Accounting, I transitioned to providing bookkeeping services for e-commerce businesses, which deepened my understanding of financial management and the unique challenges faced by online entrepreneurs. I then transitioned into becoming a virtual assistant and social media manager, and then a VA coach

That led me to where I am today. Through my work with e-commerce businesses and virtual assistance clients, I recognized a consistent need for simplified and effective marketing, particularly within the financial sector. I saw that many financial professionals were struggling to connect with their audience and communicate their value in a relatable way.

I started Simplified Marketing Services. Simplified Marketing Services is a marketing agency for financial professionals—CPAs, CFOs, accounting firms, and similar businesses. We help financial professionals simplify their social and email marketing using storytelling, brand humanization and authenticity. We believe that marketing should be enjoyable, and we strive to bring a sense of joy and simplicity to the process.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Life and business are never smooth. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced my share of challenges, and I believe those experiences have been instrumental in shaping my success.

Being a mom of three, a wife of 20 years, and a military spouse has brought its own unique set of challenges. Add in owning multiple businesses, and naturally, there have been struggles.

There were times when I had to make tough decisions, like leaving jobs I loved or shutting down businesses I was passionate about. With kids in high school, graduating, and heading to college—along with a husband who traveled frequently—I often had to pause and ask myself, what is the priority in this season of life? And whatever wasn’t a priority had to go.

I build my business around my life. My core value of ‘family first’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s the foundation upon which I built my business. It meant making tough choices, but it also instilled a deep sense of empathy and understanding that I bring to my client relationships. I understand that life happens, and I strive to create a flexible and supportive environment for both my team and my clients.

I don’t regret those choices. They allowed me to streamline my focus on my family while pouring my energy into my financial marketing agency—a business I love, where I get to help financial firms simplify their marketing. Now, as an empty nester, I have the time and space to scale my business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Simplified Marketing Services?

Simplified Marketing Services is all about making financial marketing easy, approachable, and effective for financial professionals. We know that marketing can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially in an industry with strict regulations and complex messaging. Our goal is to simplify the process, helping financial professionals build authentic brands, connect with their ideal clients, and achieve sustainable growth.

We focus on engaging social media content that humanizes financial brands, strategic email campaigns that nurture leads and build client relationships, and clear messaging that translates complex financial concepts into compelling, relatable content.

What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the financial services industry. We’ve been in our clients’ shoes, so we get the challenges they face—whether it’s compliance concerns, client trust, or just figuring out how to stand out in a competitive space. That firsthand experience allows us to create marketing strategies that aren’t just effective but also practical and aligned with their needs.

We also take a personalized approach—there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Every financial firm has a unique story, and we take the time to understand their strengths and values before crafting a strategy that fits them.

Reaching our sixth year as a financial marketing agency has been a huge milestone, and we’re incredibly proud of the long-term relationships we’ve built. Launching our podcast, “Simplified Marketing” has also been an exciting way for us to share insights, practical tips, and real-world strategies with a broader audience.

At the heart of it all, we want financial professionals to know that marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. We’re here to make it simpler, more strategic, and even enjoyable.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

What I’ve found really helpful is looking for someone who’s a few steps ahead of you and has ‘been there, done that’.

For me, finding a mentor who owned a 7-figure marketing agency was a game-changer. I knew I needed to learn from someone who had built a successful team and navigated the challenges I was facing.

I was also looking for a mix of learning from a group, but also getting that personalized, one-on-one attention. The online business world can sometimes feel a bit isolating, so having a group coaching aspect was really important to me. I love learning from others and sharing experiences.

But I also knew I needed that personalized attention to really dive deep into my specific business needs. And here’s a bonus – my mentor program has an accountability coach! It’s been three years now, and honestly, my business has grown in ways I never thought possible on my own.

Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about building genuine connections with people who inspire and support you. Whether it’s through online communities, industry events, or even just reaching out to people you admire on social media, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and start conversations. You never know where those connections might lead.

My mentor hosts a yearly in person networking event and as online business owners I think it’s important we get out of the house and meet up with people in person.

As you can see my mentor has been a huge part of my business.

Honestly, I truly believe everyone can benefit from having a mentor. It’s like having a cheerleader and a business therapist all rolled into one. So, if you’re thinking about finding a mentor, go for it! You won’t regret it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://simplifiedmarketingservices.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplifiedmarketingservices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedMarketingServices
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancamarissasmith/
• Other: https://pod.link/1746361667