We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sandra Acham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sandra below.

Sandra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I had been in corporate marketing and communications for years, supporting some of the most innovative leaders in the tech industry. I loved creating stories that brought each individual (and their business) to light, but wanted to build something of my own that I could grow and explore without boundaries.

I spent 6 months (yes only half a year) dreaming up concepts, doing research, and talking to people to gain an understanding of what needs were out there and how I could support, and I decided that small business was where I wanted to focus my energy.

I had worked at global enterprises, mid-sized conglomerates, and scrappy startups too. I’ve partnered with literally some of the best leaders and marketing communications professionals across industry, and fit into the energy everywhere I worked. With that said, it was in the smaller established companies that I got the most thrill from.

Collaboration, partnerships, dreaming big, and making waves it what I’m all about. And that is what quickly shifted me from ideation to execution. I wrote a business plan (yes I did) – a lot of people said, you don’t need to do that. But to me, it was the thing I needed to do to envision and plan how best to serve businesses.

It’s so easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis. I gave myself space to iterate on ideas, pivot thoughts, and most importantly talk to a lot of professionals and family members I respect. What I learned is that if you have a will there is way and I am all about finding the way!

It’s been 15 months since I “launched” my business and I’ve learned so much. Once you’re in market, see what helps people, and get a taste of what it feels like to really help business, it becomes addictive – at least for me it does.

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.

I’m a marketing and communications professional who has worked in corporate tech for close to 20 years. I’ve lived both disciplines to the max, fully emerged with some of the most demanding innovative executives and their leadership teams. The bulk of my career has been supporting executive leaders and partnering with global marketing teams to ideate, plan, launch, and evolve global initiatives.

I started my own business to bring the same level of concierge integrated services to smaller business who typically don’t have access to my level of expertise. My focus is on messaging, positioning, brand storytelling, and ensuring consistency across all communication touch points businesses have with clients and business partners.

I’m different than other brand marketers because I’ve truly lived what it takes to breathe life into a brand and get real momentum. With the trust and respect from top leaders as a testament to my character and work, I’ve successfully flowed from the client side and the business side across global enterprises, local start ups, and mid-size companies. I’ve led multi-level global-to-local initiatives spanning research, business development, communications at all levels (executive, employee, customer, partner, and influencer) in conjunction with a solid foundation in marketing. And, I’ve partnered with dozens of global leaders and small businesses, always bringing a balance of strategic vision and tactical execution to every engagement.

I’m most proud of my ability to form trusted partnerships and make them work. Nobody can do great things on their own which is why I spend most of my energy on collaborative partnerships. I love the energy that can develop, the collective ideas, and being able to offer clients the best.

As AI continues to be part of our everyday lives, I feel that it’s even more important we all have our unique voice. It’s tempting for business owners to ask ChatGPT or Claude to write and do their marketing, but the risk is sounding like everyone else or being noticeably automated, and honestly becoming less real. It’s not too late to keep your human touch.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

You can’t be everything to everyone and that’s ok. When I started out, I tried to position my services so that anyone on a limited budget can get my support. While that approach attracted a lot of clients, what I’ve learned is not to discount the exceptional services I offer for those who don’t truly appreciate high value. I know the value of what I deliver and I stand firmly behind it.

The second lesson the past year, or rather reinforcement, is the power of partnerships. The right partnerships multiply impact, deepens thinking, and creates lasting value than any individual effort could.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Talking to people. Listening – really listening. Diving into all the things that makes you unique and amazing, and building customized services each time.

Another effective strategy is partnerships. Aligning with others you admire and respect and who shared same values. I reached out and opened the door to discussions and brainstorms. Some weren’t interested and that’s ok. The ones that were and continue to be is an even more beautiful energy to collaboratively strategize and grow together and for the good of serving clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ulumousllc.com
• Instagram: @ulumousllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandraacham
• Youtube: @UlumousLLC