The Grit Series with Anna Kate Goshko, Owner of Goshko Creative Studios

About The Grit Series

The Grit Series is a series of collaborations focused on small business owners putting in the grit to build something great. Each interview spotlights a business savvy member of The Initiative Mastermind and there's a ton to learn from each one about running a small business!

WHAT IS THE INITIATIVE MASTERMIND?

The Initiative Mastermind is a community of small business owners who rally around getting better at business together. Daily, we share insight on what works, what doesn't work, and strategy for adapting and pivoting in the ever-changing business ecosystem. Click to join The Initiative Mastermind.

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Anna Kate's Bio + Street Cred

Hi, my name is Anna Kate and I am a Jill of All Trades! With more than 10 years of experience in a marketing role, I offer my specialties and expertise to bloggers and online entrepreneurs.

I know first-hand the roller-coaster of social media algorithms, blogging best practices, SEO and more. As I navigated the blogging-sphere myself, I noticed the skills I acquired during my time in a marketing agency could also be applied to blogging and online businesses…so here I am to help you!

Anna Kate Goshko Small Business Marketing

Quick Q&A with Anna Kate Goshko, Owner of Goshko Creative Studios

In 2 minutes, tell us how you became an entrepreneur.

At the end of every workday, I left feeling sad, unfulfilled and unhappy. Constantly, I was searching for more projects at each workplace to fill a void. I even thought maybe I didn't have what it takes to make it in the business world. But no matter how much I loaded my plate and came up with new tasks for each position, I never felt fulfilled.

After pulling a few clients on board, I decided to take the leap and leave a toxic workplace. I've had several people "in my court". I largely credit my success to those people.

What do you do and who do you do it for?

I help online business owners, agencies and bloggers with marketing initiatives.

While I dabble in a lot of different areas, I specialize in marketing copy including social media, email marketing, blogs, web content, press releases...and basically anything that falls under the writing umbrella.

Have you found work that sets your soul on fire?

Since I was a little girl, I've loved writing. There are so many ways to convey one message through writing, and I am so grateful that's what I get to do each day.

What's the best business advice you've received?

I've got a few different pieces of advice I like to follow. More practically, this adage is always a classic: "If you don't ask, the answer will always be "no". If you don't try you'll never know."

My grandfather always says, "Keep your eyes on the road, gal!"

He taught me so many skills in life, and most importantly he taught me I can do anything that anyone else can do. Success is a matter of keeping your eyes on the road, or the goal in this case.

What has been your hardest entrepreneurial lesson learned?

Most importantly, I've learned we are in complete control of our attitudes and efforts. While we can't control a client derailing projects or skipping out on invoices, we can control how we react to those incidences.

Another fellow entrepreneur told me, "You can't course correct if you are standing still." Boy, is that true! We all have a little bit of fear inside of us, especially when it comes to making decisions that could make or break a goal. Sometimes, you just have to take the leap and reassess as you progress. Life's about taking chances.

Ships are always safest in the harbors, but that's not what ships are made for.

Ever gotten any bad business advice?

Just one piece? My favorite piece of bad business advice is "lower your price."

While there's an introductory period for every business owner where it's necessary to give a little, I hear a lot of people cornering freelancers or entrepreneurs to get them to lower their prices. Many people will even try to convince them they can find better services for cheaper.

If that's the case, encourage them to take it somewhere else! This is a passion point for me: Not only should clients pay for the time it takes to complete a task, but they should also pay for your expertise. Stick to your guns here. Never lower your price.

What's your scariest/wildest/most exhilarating moment in your journey so far?

That moment when I walked out of my corporate job. My hands were shaking so bad! I was scared, but I was also so looking forward to seeing this journey and dream play out.

Also, pushing out that first big contract was a total moment for me!

When it comes to getting work done, early riser or night owl?

Early riser! My productivity slowly disappears after about 4 pm.

What responsibility do you like the least in running your business?

Oddly enough, invoicing and putting together contracts are two things I loathe about running a business.

What's the secret to your success?

Staying organized with processes, having confidence in my skills, sticking to my guns when it comes to pricing, services offered, and what I'm willing to tolerate.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs just getting started?

Be willing to get gritty and learn anything and everything you can! Do what works for you and your sanity. You don't have to "do it" like everyone else. Be willing to go rogue!

Trust your gut! Stay away from prospects that nickle and dime your services and question you from the beginning. They will continue to do even more if they become a client.

Financially: Keep track of your income and expenses, but keep in mind you don't need fancy tools to run your business. You really just need a laptop and ideas!

Where can people connect with you?

Website: www.annakategoshko.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/goshkocreativestudios

Instagram: www.instagram.com/goshkocreativestudios

MEET SIMPLY INTEGRATED'S OWNER, FRANCIE HINRICHSEN

Hi and welcome! I'm Francie. I started my business, Simply Integrated, in 2015 and have fallen madly in love with teaching small business owners how to start, grow, and market the successful and profitable business they dream about.

My knowledge and experience comes from earning an MBA and from coaching small business entrepreneurs while managing and marketing their projects.

I focus solely on business strategy and marketing and created this blog to help others run more successful businesses. If you’re interested, you can read more about me on the About page of Simply Integrated’s website.

WE WANT TO DESIGN YOUR COMPANY'S MARKETING STRATEGY

If it turns out we’re a good fit to work together, I’d love to help drive customers to your business and positively impact your bottom line. Get in touch for a free consultation. To get in touch, use this contact form, email us at hello@SimplyIntegratedLLC.com, or call/text us at 309-431-2266.

Check out our list of services below:

The Grit Series with Anna Kate Goshko, Owner of Goshko Creative Studios