We were lucky to catch up with Lissa Mahler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss? What did you learn from them? Maybe you can share a story that illustrates the kind of boss they were or maybe you can share your thoughts on what you think made them an awesome person to work for?
Reflecting on my time wording alongside Julie Harris Oliver several years ago, I can help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having such and extraordinary boss and mentor. Julie wasn’t just a leader, she was a beacon of brilliance, determination, pride in her work and compassion. What set her apart was her ability to infuse kindness and humanity into our professional lives. In moments of challenge, she uplifted our spirits and provided invaluable guidance, making it easer for all of us to navigate the complexities of our work.
Beyond the professional role, Julie became a dear friend, offering lightness and laughter (and the occasional tears) that proved invaluable during tough times. Julie’s leadership style wasn’t just about managing tasks; it was about seeing and treating individuals with the utmost respect, encouraging each person to recognize their own greatness. This philosophy became the cornerstone of her leadership, shaping not only how I approached my work but also how I interacted with others.
One of the most transformative experiences under Julie’s guidance was our foray into software development, a field that seemed worlds away from our roles in Marketing. Faced with the challenge of onboarding clients burdened by extensive paperwork and credit approval processes, Julie secured the “green light” to create an electronic onboarding system. Her determination led to the formation of exceptional software team, and together, we navigated the complexities of multiple departments to bring the system to life. Julie’s unwavering support paved the way for me to discover a passion for software development, a journey that continues to shape my professional endeavors at DPD Marketing. In every sense, Julie exemplifies the essence of a true leader, and the impact she had on me and my career is immeasurable.
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?
Welcome to DPD Digital Marketing, where the fusion of strategic expertise and personalized business solutions takes center stage. I’m the founder, bringing in a wealth of experience cultivated over 23 years across diverse industries, including client service, sales, software development, and product management.
Our core services revolve around Ads Management, Social Media Content Creation, and comprehensive promotional activities. In Ads Management, we delve deep into targeted advertising, covering everything from PPC setup and management to website traffic retargeting. On the Social Media front, it’s not just about posting content; we curate a narrative that resonates with your audience through content creation, calendar management, and scheduling.
Public Awareness Initiatives form another cornerstone of our offerings, utilizing press releases and collaborations with local media to shine the spotlight on your brand. Additionally, our commitment extends to SEO mastery, aiming not just for visibility but for prominence in search engine results.
So, what makes us stand out?
Firstly, our 16 years of hands-on experience traverse various industries, from B2B software development to sales and marketing. This breadth of knowledge allows us to tailor solutions precisely to your business needs.
Secondly, our dedication to your success is unwavering. Every move we make, from campaign strategies to sales initiatives, is geared towards propelling your business to new heights.
Lastly, we take pride in offering personalized attention. Our strategies go beyond understanding your business; they’re crafted to align seamlessly with your aspirations, ensuring a customized approach that delivers tangible results.
On a more personal note, my journey into digital marketing kicked off during a furlough in the Covid era. A perpetual learner at heart, I seized the opportunity to explore social media management, content creation, and the intricacies of Google Ads. The ever-evolving digital landscape, from algorithms to AI, became an enthralling challenge. After exploring various professional paths, I realized that what began as a hobby was, in fact, my true calling. At DPD Digital Marketing, we’re committed to navigating the complexities of the digital world, ensuring your success isn’t just a goal but a reality we passionately work towards together.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building our social media presence at DPD Digital Marketing was a journey rooted in authenticity and strategic engagement. We began by crafting a content strategy that not only aligned with our brand but also resonated with our target audience. Consistency played a pivotal role – a regular posting schedule across platforms ensured a steady flow of relevant content. We leveraged the power of storytelling, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of our work and highlighting the human side of our brand.
One invaluable piece of advice for those embarking on the social media journey is to understand the unique dynamics of each platform. Tailor your content to suit the preferences of your audience on each platform, whether it’s the visually-driven nature of Instagram or the professional tone of LinkedIn. Interacting with our audience was equally crucial – responding to comments, initiating conversations, and actively engaging with our followers helped foster a sense of community.
Now, for a bit of an insider tip: harness the potential of user-generated content. Encourage your audience to share their experiences with your brand, products, or services. Not only does this create a more interactive and dynamic online presence, but it also serves as authentic testimonials that can significantly influence potential clients or customers. Remember, the key is not just in building numbers but in cultivating a genuine, engaged community that values the content you provide.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Starting the entrepreneurial journey brought its fair share of challenges, and wrestling with Imposter Syndrome was a hurdle I faced head-on. One transformative read that significantly impacted my mindset was Brene Brown’s “The Gifts of Imperfection.” Brown’s exploration of vulnerability, courage, and the power of embracing imperfections provided a much-needed paradigm shift. It reminded me that authenticity is not a liability but a strength, fostering a healthier, more resilient approach to both business and life.
When it comes to navigating the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, Gary Vaynerchuk’s “Crushing It!” proved to be a guiding light. Vaynerchuk’s insights, drawn from his own experiences, offer a blueprint for leveraging the power of social media and personal branding. The book not only provided practical strategies but also instilled a sense of confidence, encouraging me to embrace the digital landscape and amplify my business’s presence.
In the realm of timeless wisdom, “Master Key System” by Charles F. Haanel has been a revelation. Originally a correspondence course from 1912, Haanel’s work delves into the power of thought and the principles that shape our reality. This profound exploration has not only broadened my perspective on what can be achieved but has also become a foundational resource for shaping my management philosophy. It’s a testament to the enduring nature of insightful wisdom that transcends the ages.
Image Credits
Schlick Art