We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber R. Rhodes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amber R. below.
Hi Amber R., thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
I went to a networking event for producers, writers, actors, and other filmmaking professionals. As I began ‘making my rounds’ as we sometimes find ourselves doing at events like this, I met an amazing author, Margie Walker. During our conversation I learned (and of course googling her later) she had over 20 publications spanning over two decades! I mentioned how I recently left IBM and started a consulting firm to help creatives and other entrepreneurs build revenue through marketing and IT. Coincidentally she told me how she had trouble with book sales and capitalizing her current works, including audiobooks. I was able to provide some preliminary insight and ideas off the top of my head and she loved the them! She accepted a proposal I sent the following day and paid my very first ‘kick-off’ payment as an entrepreneur! Before this experience, I considered that I left corporate America too soon; but this client, this first genuine transaction pushed me to continue to grow my business and leave all safety nets behind.
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
Essentially, we help entrepreneurs and businesses grow. Our core services enhance our clients’ digital marketing endeavors, but we also have a number of clients transitioning their IT infrastructure to ensure current processes are efficient, cost-effective, and automated. In regards to our digital marketing services, they include but are not limited to web design, programmatic advertising, geofencing, device ID marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO). We first start with a client assessment. This is an analysis of their current marketing efforts, results, revenue, processes, IT tools utilized, and more. We then create a blueprint for our project. If it’s an IT project or ERP implementation, we create a process design document that details all aspects of the new system and its benefits. In the case we run an advertising campaign for the client, we create a marketing strategy that outlines each aspect of the project with key performances measures. This ensures our clients we not only provide services, but we results.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Starting Emerge ERP Consulting was a bit of a pivot. I always knew I wanted to be in the film and television industry, specifically in storytelling/writing, but breaking into the industry can be challenging; and even if you do—there can be a lot of volatility. That being said, I decided to start a consulting firm in media & marketing because I love helping people achieve their business goals; plus I’m able combine both my experience in marketing technology (MarTech) and my creativity.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Current/previous clients–and I love them! About 80% of my clients are referrals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emergeerp.com
- Instagram: arrhodes_