We recently connected with Alexandra Schrecengost and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alexandra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
As the head of communications and digital at a wine importer and distributor, I found myself struggling to balance the demands of a male-dominated wine world with the responsibilities of motherhood, family and a global pandemic. There was and is very little flexibility. Faced with the loss of friends and family jobs, I made the bold decision to start a virtual experiences and tasting box business, despite skepticism from colleagues, friends, and investors. Navigating the challenges of running a virtual business and dealing with a spinal cord injury, I learned the value of workplace flexibility and the need for virtual team-building experiences. Despite setbacks and personal struggles, I remained dedicated to my vision and the potential for virtual business meetings to foster human connections and drive revenue for global corporations. After dedicating time to recovery and personal growth, I returned to Culture With Us with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, determined to show the value of inclusive experiences in driving business success. Through perseverance and innovation, I have successfully demonstrated that virtual experiences, business meetings and inclusive giftboxes can be as effective as in-person gatherings, offering a solution for global companies to build team camaraderie and drive revenue, regardless of location or circumstance.
Alexandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As the founder of Culture with Us, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved. Our ability to create virtual experiences and tastings for global corporations has revolutionized the way business is conducted across the world. Through our programs, we have been able to break down geographical barriers and bring people together to enjoy the finest food, wine, and spirits. Working with some of the largest global companies, we have been able to tailor programs that cater to their unique needs and allow for employees to connect and bond, no matter where they are located. This has led to an increase in productivity, collaboration, and overall business success. Our delicious food kits, wine, and spirit tastings have been met with overwhelming acclaim, and it is truly amazing to see the impact that our programs have had on the corporate world. It is a testament to the power of innovation and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing business landscape. I am excited to continue our journey and see what the future holds for Culture with Us. We are committed to providing top-notch experiences that bring people together and foster a sense of community, no matter the distance. I am excited to see the continued growth and am so grateful for the partnerships we have with the likes of Penske, FedEx, Salesforce, Monetate, Contentsquare, Amazon, Microsoft and so on. Thank you all for your continued collaboration.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Last year was undoubtedly the most challenging period of my professional life. As the sole senior leader at my organization, I found myself in and out of doctors’ offices and hospitals, grappling with health issues while attempting to manage a junior team. The weight of responsibility felt particularly heavy without the support of other senior leadership. Amidst CT scans, blood tests, and persistent discomfort, I also had to navigate the tumultuous waters of fundraising and leading revenue-generating initiatives. To add to the complexity of my situation, the beginning of 2023 saw me returning to work only to find an organization in disarray, with dismal revenue figures and no coherent sales strategy in place. It seemed as though the odds were stacked against the concept, with skeptics opposing my vision for a virtual experience to buoy our global business. Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges, we as an organization powered through as a lean team. Through strategic growth initiatives and the rebuilding of my team, I was able to infuse the organization with renewed energy and purpose. As I came to terms with living with spinal cord damage, I also witnessed a remarkable turnaround in both my professional and personal life. Global customers began seeking our support, validating the efficacy of our virtual experience strategy. In hindsight, the toughest year of my life ultimately led to a triumph of resilience and determination.
Upon returning to work in January 2023, I employed several strategies to rebuild my team and improve revenue. 1. Team restructuring: I first assessed the current team dynamics, identified any skill gaps or redundancies, and restructured the team to optimize efficiency and productivity. 2. Training and development: I invested in resources for my team to enhance their skills and knowledge in their respective areas, ensuring they were equipped to meet the changing demands of the business. 3. Clear goal setting and performance metrics: I set clear, achievable goals for the team and implemented performance metrics to track progress and ensure accountability. 4. Client acquisition and retention: I focused on both acquiring new clients and retaining existing ones through targeted marketing and personalized client engagement. 5. Cost-cutting measures: I examined all operational costs and identified areas where unnecessary spending could be reduced without impacting the quality of our products or services. 6. Diversifying revenue streams: I explored new revenue streams and business opportunities to reduce reliance on any single source of income. 7. Leveraging technology: I embraced new technological tools and platforms to streamline processes, improve communication, and gain a competitive edge in the market. By implementing these strategies, I was able to rebuild my team, improve revenue, and position the business for long-term success in 2023 and beyond.
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
In an ever-evolving global marketplace, the importance of a strong and inclusive brand cannot be overstated. As a leader in the industry, we recognize the significance of promoting a culture of inclusivity and supporting global companies to drive business and team camaraderie. With this in mind, we made the strategic decision to market ourselves as a brand that not only values diversity and inclusion, but actively seeks to build cohesive and long-term partnerships with like-minded organizations. Our commitment to culture inclusivity is not only a priority for our organization, but it is also a core component of our external marketing efforts. Through targeted campaigns and partnerships, we have successfully aligned our brand with global companies and organizations that share our values and vision. This has not only enhanced our reputation as a global culture and tasting experiences brand, but it has also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth. By marketing ourselves strategically and authentically, we have been able to establish sustainable partnerships that have proven to be mutually beneficial. Our dedication to culture inclusivity and revenue strategy has not only strengthened our brand, but it has also contributed to the success and growth of our partners. We firmly believe that by continuing to prioritize culture inclusivity in our marketing efforts, we will be able to build a more connected and prosperous global marketplace for the future.
Virtual tastings and experiences can positively impact global business relationships and connections in several ways: 1. Increased accessibility: Virtual tastings and experiences allow individuals from different parts of the world to connect and engage in a shared activity without the need for physical presence. You cannot be there ALL THE TIME. This can help bridge geographical barriers and make it easier for businesses to connect with partners, clients, and potential customers in different regions. 2. Enhanced communication and networking: Participating in virtual tastings and experiences can create opportunities for organic conversation and relationship-building, which can be a valuable way to strengthen business connections. This can lead to increased collaboration, partnerships, and new business opportunities. 3. Cultural understanding and appreciation: Through virtual tastings and experiences, participants have the opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, and customs related to food and drink. This can help foster a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity, which is essential for building strong global business relationships. 4. Cost-effective and time-efficient: Virtual tastings and experiences can be more cost-effective and time-efficient compared to in-person events, making it easier for businesses to connect with a larger audience and engage in regular interactions that contribute to relationship-building and networking. 5. Flexibility and adaptability: Virtual tastings and experiences offer flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing participants to join from different time zones and accommodate diverse schedules. This flexibility can help facilitate global business relationships and make it easier for individuals to connect and engage with one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://virtualwithus.com/
- Instagram: @alexschrec; @culturewithus
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-schrecengost-0039758?challengeId=AQFKQ8Uv0fvMTwAAAYvf8eobmALUeu21yOo39Ke6tsNl_XSp1Wv2e2amo-YzMPNbY0F9Eq7kPli38Tw3UN2w9kqxtMckddbCLQ&submissionId=936e0200-e191-9817-151a-91d068286c5d&challengeSource=AgGLQgSSu9eUZgAAAYvf8fQJLeXF_q6ePMPIzA_gd-w1zLuofqMqGuU1gr5o6Hs&challegeType=AgEz688h0JjLKwAAAYvf8fQNwkWprXvoVDMyMn7Zc8B2l1QriUKUh-c&memberId=AgFnp5EQ3V4wSwAAAYvf8fQRkV3pvzH7L1mFs47_2DSM0Kk&recognizeDevice=AgHo8XOKKXFVKwAAAYvf8fQU3XsRsMGDGt8tThvudWDF8vFV6dib
Image Credits
Evan Sung + Culture With Us Corporation