Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kim Marie Branch-Pettid. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kim Marie , thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
I faced some challenges with being taken seriously in my role at the beginning. When I first started as a National Training Director with LeTip International Inc., a professional business networking organization, I gave every field employee a set of goals and nine months to meet them. All the goals were easily attainable. At the end of nine months, no one had completed their goals. Some employees said I was bluffing and that I would not fire them. However, I was serious about the goals and when they weren’t met, I had to let them go to maintain the integrity of the company. Was it right? Was it wrong? I will never know but it happened, and we are moving forward and getting better day by day. It has taken some time to turn the ship around, but we have people who care and work hard to make our members experience that one-of-a-kind satisfaction. The best kind, in my opinion!
There was also the threat of the pandemic that really forced me to make adjustments to the business so that my staff and members would be adequately provided with the resources to succeed. To offset barriers to connection in the pandemic, I invested in LeTip Wired, a new proprietary software and mobile app that helps members electronically track existing business networks and recruit new members. Introducing LeTip Wired helped my team feel like they belong to a nationwide community and ultimately ensured many small businesses wouldn’t have to close their doors. As a result, LeTip ended 2021 with a 70% increase in membership engagement because of the tool.
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.
My name is Kim Marie, I am the CEO and owner LeTip International, Inc., we’re the world’s largest privately-owned professional business networking organization. LeTip has hundreds of local chapters with thousands of members nationwide and it provides a structured environment for networking with loyal, hardworking, and like-minded business professionals. All members are responsible for regularly exchanging business tips with other members. LeTip is different from other types of networking organizations in that only one representative of any given profession is accepted into a chapter, so referrals and tips for any services or products are funneled to that member representing that industry. LeTip is open to those working in virtually every industry, including home services and real estate, banking and finance, health and medicine, insurance, travel, fitness, business services, legal, public relations, event planning, creative services, technology, and more. I’m proud to say that, to date, we have over 740 categories that can join LeTip, and more added as needed. It is for everyone!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I was first introduced to LeTip, I was a member in the banking category with over 30 years of experience in the banking industry and had decided early on that I wanted to excel in every opportunity that would be given to me. I was doing well at passing tips and making connections with the other members in my chapter. I felt like I belonged, it was a natural fit. The founder, and at the time owner of LeTip, Ken Peterson, personally asked me to interview for the job of Regional Director in Arizona. During my interview, I told Ken that I would someday own LeTip, he thought I was joking. I was dead serious and worked toward that goal from day one on the job. In less than 8 years, I was purchasing LeTip from Ken and here I am today. Working my way up the ranks happened quickly because I had a strong mindset and was determined to reach every goal I set for myself.
The strong relationship that I built with Ken as well as my reliable track record of accomplishments within the organization eventually resulted in me purchasing LeTip and becoming the CEO/Owner in 2008. Since taking the helm of LeTip International, Inc., I have led the professional business networking organization and trained over 20,000 members in networking techniques to grow their businesses. As the leader of LeTip, I have directly and indirectly helped thousands of small businesses achieve success across the country and closed business deals valued at over $1.5 billion.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
As a leader, one of the best things you can do to positively impact your organization is to create space to listen to others and try to understand the other side’s perspective. In the post covid world we need more leaders who are excellent listeners. Talk to people whom you want to learn more about and ask how their day is going. I believe this will inspire you to help others and create a more kind, tolerant, and understanding world.
Leaders also need to prioritize diversity in workplaces. It starts with your company’s handbooks and culture. Your employees, members, and stakeholders need to be on the same page when it comes to your mission and values. From there, having a multitude of perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences in the room will strengthen decision-making and allow us all to practice empathy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://letip.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letipintl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letipintl
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/letip-international/
- Twitter: @letip
Image Credits
LeTip International, Inc.