The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth30 Maalis 2021

Episode 31: Growing and Pivoting with Sophia Sulzner

Ready to get a little punchy? My friend and guest this week keeps it punchy a fun on all her socials and in life. Meet my guest Sophia Sulzner, aka: The Western Shop Specialist. In the past year, she pivoted her small-town social media marketing/website design business, and rather than sharing her services oriented for everyone, she niched down. Now, she and her team specialize in increasing brand recognition & revenue for western boutiques and creative businesses. They offer social media strategy trainings, Shopify web sales services, and coaching for small businesses in this arena. By niching down, Sophia was able to find her people. She could speak with these women at their level, using their slang, talking about their interests, and connecting them with one another. As a result, she's been able to grow her Facebook Group The Punchy Posse to over 1400 members since December 2020 and help women from all over the globe connect and collaborate around their love for western and rural businesses. As the group grew, Sophia grew her offerings and adjusted for the needs of her followers. Her story is a great example in the pivoting that is required of entrepreneurs and business owners. In addition to her professional life, Sophia is a young mom of three whose husband is currently deployed with the National Guard. We thank her husband and her family for their service and protecting the freedoms that we enjoy here in the U.S. In their free time, they enjoy rodeoing and living the small-town life in rural Iowa. This episode is full of little nuggets of wisdom that I know you'll find helpful, and I was scribbling notes during the whole interview. Enjoy this candid convo with my friend Sophia! Key Takeaways

"If I'm enjoying it, it always turns out 110% better." Don't forget to find the joy in what you do!
Lean into things you love about yourself and your upbringing. As a young girl, Sophia always felt like she was a little too country for her town friends, and a little to city for her rodeo crew. But she kept finding herself called back to that lifestyle and brought together a community for herself and people like her.
Facebook Groups can grow quickly, and the way to keep the vibe aligned the way you want as the admin/visionary, you need to set and keep clear boundaries. It's tough, but it is important in growing community.
Facebook groups can grow quickly, as I said in the prior point, and though this can seem like what you've always dreamed of, it also brings a new set of challenges and people management strategies for a business owner.
Facebook groups can grow quickly (is there an echo in here?) but that doesn't always equate to more dollars for your business. Growing a business may require you to work for free or minimal dollars that don't provide immediate ROI.
It's ok to grow and pivot as you go. Try things, ask for feedback from your audience, and adjust as-needed.
Investing in coaches and working with professionals can help you grow and scale your business.

Feelin' Punchy? If you want to learn a little more about Sophia's Punchy Posse business community here or shop their goods here. Or if you want to see the services Sophia offers and get in touch with her, you can visit her website. And if you want to connect at the Punchy Retreat, get in touch with Sophia to reserve your spot for the 2022 gathering of Punchy Professionals! Follow for More Follow Sophia on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Small-Minded on Instagram and Facebook Follow Molly Knuth Media on Instagram and Facebook For more about our Instagram workshops this month at MKM visit mollyknuthmedia.com/shop.

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