Story & Lesson Highlights with Jen Mcfarland of SE Portland

Jen Mcfarland shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Jen, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I’d hire me because I’m so grounded. It’s difficult to shake me. For example, during a recent webinar, I had a zoom-bomber and I calmly took care of the issue and carried on with the presentation. With marketing and business advice, you need someone in your corner who offers a steady hand and calm experience. That’s what I offer my clients.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jen McFarland, founder of Women Conquer Business, a digital marketing consultancy and community built for values-driven solopreneurs who are so over bro marketing and burnout.

I work with women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ founders, mostly professional services business owners, who want clear, ethical marketing that works. Most of my people are in the thick of growing a business they care deeply about, but they’re stuck in the weeds of social media trends, SEO myths, and a never-ending to-do list. That’s where I come in.

Whether it’s through individual consulting or my online community, I support you with training, templates, tools, and community. It’s marketing support without the gimmicks, the gaslighting, or the grind.

I’ve helped hundreds of businesses (and taught thousands) cut through the noise and grow with confidence. Before this, I led large-scale tech projects for the City of Portland, including helping them hit over 1 million website visits. Now, I help solopreneurs do the same, without needing a huge team or budget.

Right now, I’m especially fired up about ethical AI marketing, building a user-friendly marketing app called BlogPolish.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
One of my father’s mentors always said, “you get out of something what you put into it.” That’s how I work and lead my life.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yeah. I’d always wanted to be in the Peace Corps. Joining with my husband was a lifelong dream. Our first host family mistreated us. I remember sitting outside on a log, splitting a Snickers bar with my husband and telling him I didn’t sign up for this. We stayed, but reported it to the Peace Corps office. We were moved and it was an AMAZING experience. I’m forever grateful I didn’t give up. And, going through the early struggles made everything even more worthwhile.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The marketing industry likes to pretend it doesn’t have a credibility problem. I’ve read surveys where people trust marketers less than used car salesmen. The get-rich-quick, one-funnel away schemes that permeate the online marketing space do a disservice to marketers who uphold ethical practices.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that people will say I’m a caring, loving person with a quirky sense of humor and a passion for helping people.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Eliana Mendez, Darina Neyret, Jen McFarland

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