Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Feliciano Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Stephanie , thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
Despite being an introvert, thriving and excelling in a social business might seem contradictory, but here I am, proving otherwise. I transitioned from a corporate setting, where I aimed to climb the corporate ladder, to taking a bold step to support my husband & now son! Leaving my career, New York, and family behind. I started freelancing… at a crossroads, navigating the realms of new motherhood while feeling the inner drive of the working woman I always knew existed within me. This journey eventually led me to the point where I own and operate a marketing agency.
Embarking on the agency journey solo, I found myself juggling numerous clients and managing their socials. While owning a business initially seems like a dream, the reality hits hard—the hours are long, and the commitment is immense. It’s not uncommon to find yourself tethered to your phone or laptop, sometimes both, around the clock. However, through this experience, I’ve gleaned some invaluable tips to sidestep burnout:
Delegate and Outsource:
One of the key strategies I employed was outsourcing. Recognizing the importance of delegation allowed me to focus on core tasks aligned with my strengths and expertise. By outsourcing tasks like content creation, graphic design, or even administrative work, I’ve ensured that I didn’t get bogged down by the nitty-gritty details, allowing me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. (My first outsource hire was a non-paid intern who then turned into a full-time employee)
Time Blocking:
My experience taught me the importance of time management. Implementing time-blocking techniques helped me allocate specific periods for client meetings, strategy development, and personal time. This structure prevented burnout by avoiding overworking and maintaining control over my schedule.
Set Realistic Goals: (like super realistic)
Setting achievable goals for yourself and your team is crucial. Realistic expectations prevented the overwhelming feeling of constant pressure and allowed me to celebrate smaller victories along the way, fostering a positive work environment.
Embrace Remote Work:
Recognizing the benefits of remote work, I embraced flexibility. It not only accommodated my introverted nature but also provided a conducive environment for focused, uninterrupted work. This adjustment contributed to my overall well-being & enhanced work productivity for the entire team. Imagine working in YOUR setting of choice, with your favorite music, or in the silence & comfort of your own home… Your mental health will thank you.
Client Communication and Boundaries:
Establishing clear communication channels and setting boundaries with clients helped in managing expectations. This prevented last-minute rushes and allowed for a more controlled workflow, reducing stress and potential burnout.
Continuous Learning & Networking:
My proactive approach to staying updated with industry trends and adopting new tools or strategies showcased my commitment to personal and professional development. This enhanced my skills and kept my work exciting and dynamic. Also, I found a comfortable way to connect virtually with other like-minded individuals, which led to the next tip.
Build a Support System:
This industry, and working remotely… can be very lonely. And yes, even introverts need support or hints of human interaction! Cultivating a network of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors provided a platform to share experiences and seek advice. Having a support system allowed me to navigate challenges more effectively and gain insights into different aspects of running a business.
And finally,
Regular Breaks and Self-Care:
Recognizing the importance of self-care, I incorporated regular breaks into my workday. Whether it was a short walk, meditation, or even just a few minutes of downtime, these breaks contributed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. (Especially as a new mom & Boss!)
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My Journey:
I’m Stephanie, the CEO of LeSorcier Marketing, a proud Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx, New York! Carving my path to success, shattering barriers, and opening new possibilities for Latinas and Women within this male-dominated industry.
I began my professional journey as a freelancer, highlighting my extensive background and expertise as a Social Media Manager and Assistant. Through meaningful conversations with supportive friends who encouraged me to recognize my capacity to lead an agency, I transitioned from freelancing to creating my brand. Initially known as TheSocialRose, we have since undergone a rebranding and now proudly operate as LeSorcier Marketing LLC.
The beginning of this journey dates back to mid-2021. Taking a leap of faith, I said farewell to a job I had diligently worked for, left my family, and the vibrant atmosphere and opportunistic city, the Big Apple. I boarded a plane, & reunited with my husband, a military member stationed initially in Korea and later at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Having already spent significant periods of separation, it became imperative to support his career path. During this decision, the unexpected occurred – I discovered I was pregnant!
As I navigated the adjustments to a new location, a different way of life, and the joy of impending motherhood, I found myself grappling with a sense of boredom. Before anyone jumps to conclusions, bear in mind that I’m a born and raised New Yorker with the hustle and bustle ingrained in my DNA. Seeking both engagement and supplementary income, the opportunity for a freelancing position presented itself, marking the commencement of an extraordinary journey.
My dedication to this field was unwavering, rooted in a lifelong aspiration that took shape during my youth. As a millennial, my dreams of working in marketing and advertising evolved with the advent of the internet, shifting my passion from traditional print to the dynamic realm of digital marketing. Though the medium transformed, the essence of my motivation remained constant – a fusion of timeless principles with a touch of “the future.”
Fun Facts About Me:
– Introverted Explorer
– First-Time Mom on a Self-Reliant Journey
– Obsessed with Harry Potter, Emily in Paris, The Devil Wears Prada
From the streets of Paris in “Emily in Paris” to the fast-paced fashion world depicted in “The Devil Wears Prada,” I draw inspiration from these stylish narratives that blend sophistication with a touch of drama.
– Blazer Aficionado (I LIVE in my blazers)
– My wardrobe is incomplete without an array of blazers, the epitome of my style.
– Iced Coffee is my jam – all year round.
About LeSorcier Marketing:
THE GOAL is very simple. We’re here to help you FALL IN LOVE with your SOCIALS!
At LeSorcier Marketing, we empower brands to radiate in the digital space through meticulous social media management. Our approach marries a fervor for authentic engagement, a flair for creative storytelling, and the precision of data-driven insights. The result? We’re dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, boosting brand awareness, and amplifying impact.
Consider us your all-in-one solution for marketing needs. LeSorcier Marketing is your partner in alleviating the burdens of campaign shooting, social media management, and ad oversight. Our goal is to close open tabs so you can devote your undivided attention to running your business efficiently.
What’s my favorite aspect of this journey? Witnessing the joy on our client’s faces when they’re genuinely thrilled about their socials!
Passion fuels our projects, and we’re not afraid to go the extra mile for our clients. LeSorcier Marketing is more than a service; it’s a commitment to transforming your digital presence and ensuring your business shines.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Adaptability, effective communication, and strategic planning have been instrumental in the success of LeSorcier Marketing. To those starting their entrepreneurial journey, I’d advise fostering a mindset of continuous learning, honing communication skills, and dedicating time to strategic planning. Can I add CONSISTENCY? The key to unlock it all! Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and always remain agile in response to the evolving business landscape.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, at LeSorcier Marketing, we are always open to exciting collaborations and partnerships that align with our vision and values. We are particularly interested in connecting with individuals or businesses that bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and complementary skills to the table.
We are interested in collaborating with creative minds who excel in content creation, including graphic designers, video producers, and writers. Collaborators with a knack for storytelling and a keen understanding of visual aesthetics are especially welcome. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, we seek collaborations with tech innovators. This includes individuals or companies developing cutting-edge marketing tools, software, or platforms that can enhance our capabilities and provide unique solutions for our clients. Collaboration with industry experts and consultants who bring specialized knowledge in specific niches or markets is valuable to us. This can include professionals with deep insights into emerging trends, consumer behavior, or niche industries relevant to our clientele. We are open to forming strategic partnerships with other marketing agencies or businesses that share our commitment to excellence and client success. Collaborations that allow for shared resources, expanded service offerings, and mutual growth are of particular interest. & of course, Influencers!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lesorciermarketing.com/
- Instagram: @Lesorciermarketing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lesorciermarketing/?viewAsMember=true
