An Inside Look at Strategic Communications with Linda Wesley

An Inside Look at Strategic Communications with Linda WesleyIn this episode, I'm joined by Linda Wesley, the owner of Story Path Communications, who discusses her journey into strategic communications and the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. She shares insights into her approach to understanding client goals, crafting compelling stories, and the challenges and lessons she's learned as a business owner. Linda further discusses her journey of starting her own business, Story Path Communications, after moving back to Oklahoma City from St. Louis. She shares her initial hesitation, the valuable advice she received from other women business owners, and the moment she knew her business would succeed. Linda also provides tips on managing travel and work-related stress and her must-have technology for running her business.Timestamps:[00:44] Linda's focus on strategic communications for small businesses and nonprofits[03:32] How Linda develops a customized communications strategy[07:00] Benefits of emotional storytelling for nonprofits and small businesses[14:01] Linda's insights on work-life balance and foundational systems[19:36] The value of finding the right tools and platforms to streamline operations [24:00] How Linda started her business in Oklahoma[25:12] Linda's decision to resign from her state agency job and start her own business[27:35] The most valuable advice ever received from other women business owners[28:25] Overcoming self-doubt and finding reassurance from supportive individuals[39:12] Linda's strategies for managing stress and unwinding as a business ownerQuotes:● Different people perceive different things about those different words. Um, but I chose communications because it really is about every aspect of communications. And so it's the words you put on paper that come out of your mouth. It's the image you put forward for your company. And I feel like communications really encompasses all of those pieces.● The reason I started my business and the reason I focus on small businesses and small nonprofits was that I knew that in this market, there really wasn't a lot of strategic support for those organizations at a price point they could afford.● Communications plan and the full implementation, always start with who's your audience? What are your goals? What are we trying to do? And how can I help? ● I knew going into owning my own business, okay, there's a lot of work ahead of me. Yeah. There are many lean months when you start 'cause you must build a clientele, get your name out there, and make those connections.● There's always that voice in the back of your head that questions, what if it doesn't work?● Stubbornness is a helpful trait for a small business owner sometimes.● I try to manage my stress on the front end so it doesn't build as much. That's not always possible. Um, but I try to get to the gym and swim, go for some walks with my husband and then, um, try to work in the garden a little bit and just get out in nature. ● I'd be lost, I'd be lost without my project management system. I would not be able to keep track of every client project in my head and where it is. Resources:Story Path CommunicationsWebsite: https://www.storypathcommunications.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoryPathCommunicationsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storypath-communicationsLet's connect with Linda Wesley on:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindawesleyClick up project management tool: https://clickup.com/