We were lucky to catch up with Brandi Chew recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brandi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is your team able to work remotely? If so, how have you made it work? What, if any, have been the pitfalls? What have been the non-obvious benefits?
We’re a completely remote company – and we love it! Our team actually thrives on the flexibility of remote work, being that our team is made up of creatives. We’ve fostered a collaborative environment by embracing digital tools for seamless communication and project management so that nothing goes unnoticed.
Beyond the daily tasks, we’ve prioritized personal development – diving into each team member’s strengths and goals. We have experts visit the team to provide completely FREE resources so that they’re not just developing professionally but personally too. I’ve seen some really deep connections among team members, regardless of physical distance.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey in the digital marketing realm kicked off back in 2017 when I was a college student eager to discover my niche. Guided by a mentor who became my industry sage, I delved into the dynamic world of tech and marketing. This quickly became my passion.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve evolved from a curious student to a seasoned professional. My company, BrandIt Strategies, was born out of the desire to revolutionize how businesses navigate the digital landscape. What sets me apart? Well, beyond the strategies and services, it’s the genuine connection I build with clients. I’m not just here to provide solutions; I’m here to understand your journey and help you thrive in the digital space.
I’m proud of the growth, not just of my business, but of the entrepreneurs and brands I’ve had the privilege to work with. Every person I work with, whether it’s on my team or our clients, if I’m able to make an impact, that’s how I view success. That’s something to be proud of.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Picture this: pandemic chaos, Zoom fatigue, and a sleep-deprived entrepreneur desperately juggling a thousand things at once. Yep, that was me. I kicked off BrandIt Strategies in the whirlwind of hustle culture – late nights, early mornings, and a caffeine addiction that rivaled a Gilmore. It seemed like the recipe for success, right?
But here’s the twist. Burnout hit me like a ton of bricks. The late nights turned into blurry-eyed mornings, and the hustle left me feeling more depleted than accomplished. In the midst of this chaos, a lightbulb moment flickered to life. What if success wasn’t about burning the midnight oil but rather about working smarter?
So, I decided to unlearn the myth of hustle culture. It wasn’t an easy shift, and my Type-A personality initially resisted the change. But gradually, as I embraced a more strategic approach, things started to click. Productivity soared, creativity flourished, and, most importantly, I found a semblance of balance. The lesson? Success doesn’t always come with sleepless nights – sometimes, it’s about working efficiently, not incessantly. And that, my friend, was a game-changer.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
Soin 2021, we decided to hit the pause button, not out of choice, but out of necessity. We closed our doors for six long months. Now, let me tell you, admitting that we needed a breather was like exposing a chink in the armor – vulnerable and, yes, embarrassing.
Internally, we were navigating the murky waters of burnout. The team needed a reset, a chance to catch their breath and rediscover their passion for our craft. It was a tough decision, and the fear of judgment loomed large. But, here’s the plot twist – we didn’t stay down for long.
During our hiatus, we didn’t just twiddle our thumbs; we revamped our approach. We introduced systems and processes, transforming our way of working. When we reopened those doors, it wasn’t just a return; it was a renaissance. And guess what? Within two years, our revenue skyrocketed by a mind-boggling 500%.
The lesson? Sometimes, you need to step back to leap forward. It’s okay to acknowledge burnout, hit pause, and rebuild stronger. This little saga taught us the power of strategic breaks, the importance of team well-being, and that, my friend, was a game-changer in our narrative.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.branditstrategies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandisocial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandi.chew.7/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-nelson-chew/
Image Credits
Ashley Jean Creative