Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Raebel.

Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Rebel Girl Marketing exists because of a profound love for storytelling, deeply rooted in a childhood spent immersed in the world of theater. Growing up alongside my dad, who ran the community theater in Woodstock, IL, I found myself captivated by the magic of transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. While I lacked the skill to memorize lines or hit my marks on stage, I discovered my passion for storytelling in a different realm – marketing.

After college, I ventured into corporate America, spending 15 years honing my skills in sales. Throughout this journey, I learned the importance of adapting to diverse personalities, both within the companies I served and among the clients I engaged with. It was a realm that demanded patience, perseverance, and, above all, trust in myself.

However, life took a new turn when I took a break from the corporate world to raise my children. During this hiatus, I found myself drawn to supporting friends who owned small businesses, offering my knowledge of sales and marketing to enhance their business development efforts. Whether crafting campaigns, organizing trade shows, or hosting workshops, I enjoyed the opportunity to help these businesses thrive.

My passion for small businesses was deeply influenced by my upbringing in a close-knit community. Witnessing the impact of corporate giants on my hometown taught me the importance of preserving the fabric of local businesses. Small businesses are not just economic entities; they are the lifeblood of communities, supporting families and fostering a sense of belonging.

Rebel Girl Marketing was born from a desire to empower small businesses to tell their stories with pride. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a business owner light up with confidence in their marketing strategy – knowing that they’re finally showcasing their true brilliance to the world.
By helping small businesses navigate the complexities of marketing, I’m not just ensuring their survival; I’m fueling a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual enterprises. Every company in the world started as a small business. Helping small businesses thrive enriches communities, provides jobs, and supports families.

Forbes identifies marketing mistakes as one of the four leading causes of small business failure, and I’m determined to change that narrative. Through Rebel Girl Marketing, I’m on a mission to empower small businesses, reduce that percentage, and foster an environment where every entrepreneur can proudly share their story with the world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

In the early days of Rebel Girl Marketing, I definitely made some missteps along the path to success. I fell into the trap of trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t true to who I am. Like many entrepreneurs, I found myself caught up in the world of “shoulds” and fears, doing what I thought I should do rather than following my true passions.

Initially, I tried to be everything to everyone, believing that I could offer marketing solutions to any business willing to pay. But as time passed and I gained experience through both successes and failures, I realized the importance of narrowing down my focus.

Through sometimes painful lessons, I learned to niche down my offerings and tailor my services to a specific target audience. This shift allowed me to refine my approach and better serve the businesses I worked with.

That’s why my masterclass is so focused – it’s designed to help business owners who have exhausted their current networks and need to reach out to new, unfamiliar markets. I teach them the importance of niching down their message and focusing their efforts on the markets that will yield the best return on their marketing investments. It’s a lesson I learned firsthand, and now I’m passionate about sharing it with others on their journey to success.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rebel Girl Marketing, LLC?
What I’m most proud of at Rebel Girl Marketing is the journey that led me here. After more than 25 years of experience in both sales and marketing roles within corporate America, I felt a growing disconnect between my role and my passion. I realized that marketing could be simplified, made more cost-effective, and tailored to the needs of small businesses. I was tired of making money for others, and I wanted to channel my expertise into something more fulfilling.

What sets Rebel Girl Marketing apart is our singular focus on helping small businesses with their marketing strategy. Many entrepreneurs dive into business without fully grasping the importance of a solid marketing foundation. They often dislike selling and struggle with marketing themselves effectively. That’s where I come in. I’ve developed tailored approaches to teach small business owners and their teams how to market effectively, saving them time and resources.

My unique blend of experience in both sales and marketing is another key differentiator. I understand the relationship between marketing and sales and how they must work together for successful business development. Building trust is at the core of this relationship, and I guide businesses on how to move prospects from awareness to trust to purchase.

But beyond expertise, what truly makes me proud is my commitment to honesty and authenticity. I surround myself with a network that challenges me and supports me, pushing me to grow and evolve. Together, we’ve achieved milestones I never imagined, from writing books to launching podcasts to becoming a professional speaker.

I’m proud of taking the leap into entrepreneurship, staying true to my values, and helping businesses thrive through honest, effective marketing strategies. In the end, it’s about empowering small businesses to tell their stories and succeed.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The world of marketing has always been in a state of flux, and I believe this trend will only continue over the next 5 to 10 years. With the arrival of AI and technological advancements, marketing is evolving rapidly. Those who embrace these changes will thrive, while those who resist risk falling behind.

However, I don’t see AI as a threat to our roles as marketing professionals. Instead, it’s a tool that has the potential to revolutionize our work, making it more efficient and effective. AI has already simplified and streamlined many aspects of marketing, allowing us to deliver higher-quality services in less time. This, in turn, benefits our customers in the long run, as we can provide more tailored solutions to their needs.

Looking ahead, I foresee a shift towards more personalized messaging in marketing. In an age where people crave authenticity and connection, businesses that can deliver personalized experiences will stand out. After all, people buy from people, and individualized marketing allows us to forge deeper connections with our audience. By focusing on personalized messaging, businesses can expect to see better results from their marketing efforts, ultimately maximizing their return on investment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rebelgirlmarketing.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelgirlmarketing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebelgirlmarketing/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/64wbK0gm0kTWRbtbQIX2eb

Image Credits
All professional shots are by Miriam Bulcher Photography: Headshot Photography Studio | Headshots | Madison, WI