Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Catherine Trotter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Catherine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

For me never quitting is the main ingredient to being successful. I have experienced many setbacks and challenges while building my business but the one thing that remains true is that I don’t quick. I adopted this mindset because I know that my life is attached to someone else and if I give up, I will not be able to pass the baton onto the next entrepreneur.

Catherine, 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?

Catherine was born and raised in Prince George’s County Maryland, educated in the public school system and graduated from Northwestern High School. Ms. Trotter received formal training from Morgan State University located in Baltimore Maryland, where she earned a B.S. in Political Science in 2002. In 2007, Catherine launched her consulting business providing business owners services for growing companies. Catherine is a statewide Licensed Life Insurance Broker.

Catherine is an accomplished author, speaker and strategist. Catherine niche area is in program development and strategic planning. Catherine offers workshops that teaches on community engagement methods that can be used for various regions.

She is a sought-after speaker for conferences and workshops offering professional development training and leadership development. She has consulted with several organizations as a project manager around strategic planning. Ms. Trotter was awarded a contract with ‘The Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement’ Executive Office of the Mayor and ‘Dramatic Solutions’ in Washington DC providing business development courses for their participants.

Catherine authored “Community Engagement from Concept to Implementation, 8 Steps to Unlocking Your Creative Ideas”, released on August 16th, 2014, at the African American Author’s Expo in Timonium MD. In 2018 Catherine released “Metamorphosis Shadow” in Orlando Florida at the Aloft Hotel at the Speak Life Tour showcase. In 2019 Catherine produced SLT ‘the TALK”, podcast radio show, featuring business owners statewide and internationally. In 2021, Catherine launched “When Queens Meet” Network Group to support women in their personal, professional and entrepreneurial journey. In 2022, Ms. Trotter launch NB Diversity Enrichment Academy, LLC a professional and entrepreneurship development program.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During COVID-19, to keep my business alive, I had to get creative and think outside the box. I started to implement virtual trainings sessions for my clients that I still implement now even after the pandemic has subsided. During that time, I had to reinvent myself and my business did not go under. During that time, it was a moment of what are you going to do Catherine? Cave in or rise up. I choose to rise. Throughout my time as a business, I have learned that reinventing yourself is part of the process. When I hit a brick wall, I dive into personal development so I can grow and learn how to deal with new challenges presented to me.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The first step in growing your client base is understanding your target audience. The second step is to define what markets and regions do you want to build your business in. The third step is to create a strategic plan for hitting your goals in 12 months. The fourth step is to do a financial forecast, you’re your business model so you can know your numbers. Don’t drag out your marketing implementation after you have done the first four steps. When designing your marketing campaign make sure you incorporate those four key elements.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.catherinetrotter.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ctrstrategysolutions
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ctrstrategysolutions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinetrotter/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOTGb-1pj9tqsjWN8Mivmyw
• Other: https://linktr.ee/ctrstrategysolutions

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