We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Welch recently and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My self-discipline, much like the core of my business, is rooted in a blend of heritage, passion, and purpose. Growing up in a family of small business owners, I was taught the value of hard work from an early age. I witnessed firsthand the grit and grace that it takes to run a business. My parents were my earliest role models, exemplifying that discipline isn’t about depriving oneself but rather about setting a foundation for achieving dreams. They managed to balance business responsibilities with family life, teaching me that dedication to one’s goals is non-negotiable.
When I entered the corporate world, I was armed with a work ethic that was instilled in me from my childhood. However, I quickly recognized the constraints that a corporate schedule could impose on one’s personal life. This realization was the initial spark that fueled my desire for more control over my time, and thus, my transition from employee to entrepreneur was born.
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t just about autonomy; it was a deeply personal mission to serve others. I saw a gap in the industry – small businesses with significant dreams but without the tools to make them a reality. Empathy for these business owners wasn’t merely professional; it was personal, reflecting my own family’s experiences and aspirations.
As a wife and mother of four young children, the stakes are high, but so is my resolve. My husband and I have intentionally designed our lives around our value system of Faith, Family, and Freedom. This isn’t just a mantra; it’s our daily operational guide. My faith is my anchor, reminding me of my purpose and fueling my spirit on challenging days. My family is my heart and motivation, urging me to set an example for our children that mirrors the hard work, integrity, and compassion I was raised with. And freedom is our collective goal – the freedom of time to be present as a wife and mother, the financial freedom to provide for our family and serve our community, and the spiritual freedom that comes from living in alignment with our values.
Self-discipline, for me, is not a burden; it’s a deliberate choice. It’s the quiet commitment I make every morning when I wake up before the sun to start my work, allowing me to homeschool my children and be present with them in the afternoons. It’s in the late nights when everyone else is asleep, and I’m refining a marketing strategy for a client. It’s the choice to stay focused when distractions beckon, knowing that the work I am doing is building a legacy for my family and creating a ripple effect in the lives of the entrepreneurs and businesses I am privileged to serve.
In essence, my self-discipline is a tapestry woven from my family heritage, my personal and professional experiences, and the future my husband and I are consciously crafting for our family. It’s not merely about getting tasks done; it’s about honoring the responsibilities and blessings of the life we’ve chosen, with an unwavering focus on impacting lives now and for generations to come.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At the heart of my professional journey is a passion for empowering businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to find their voice and thrive in the digital landscape. After spending several enriching years as a marketing consultant in both large and small advertising companies, I founded my own social media marketing agency in 2018. Today, I wear multiple hats: I am an entrepreneur, a marketing coach, and a fervent advocate for small business success.
My agency, Bridge Consulting & Design, specializes in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs enhance their online presence through strategic social media marketing. Whether it’s through hands-on services or personalized coaching sessions, I guide my clients in crafting authentic, impactful narratives that resonate with their target audiences. The unique aspect of my approach lies in my own entrepreneurial background and upbringing within a family of small business owners. This personal history is not just a part of my story; it’s an integral component of my service, as it grants me a deep and empathetic understanding of the challenges and aspirations that my clients face.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is witnessing the transformation that unfolds within a business when they master their digital voice. It’s not merely about metrics or numbers; it’s about watching a brand come to life online and seeing how that digital vitality positively impacts their overall business health, their self-confidence, and their connection with their community.
Beyond the business, I’m a stay-at-home mom to four wonderful children, all under the age of 8, and I homeschool them while running my business from our family home. It’s a harmonious blend of chaos and love, and every day is a lesson in balance and grace. This dynamic interplay between my professional and personal roles is a cornerstone of my brand. I firmly believe that it’s entirely possible to be both a devoted mom and a successful entrepreneur. I aim to serve as a real-life example to other women who are juggling similar responsibilities that their dreams are attainable, with the right strategy and a sprinkle of tenacity.
Excitingly, this year we launched a new online coaching program, The Social Society, specifically designed for small business owners who are looking to demystify social media marketing and develop effective strategies that are manageable alongside their other responsibilities. This program is close to my heart, as it’s designed to be not just informative, but also incredibly practical and sensitive to the unique pressures that small business owners face.
In essence, my work is a blend of professional expertise and heartfelt advocacy for the entrepreneurial spirit. I am deeply committed to serving as a guide and a partner for my clients, empowering them to craft their own success stories, just as I have been fortunate enough to craft mine.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three essential elements stand out that have significantly influenced my path as an entrepreneur, a coach, and a person:
1. **Adopting a “Go-Giver” Mentality**: Inspired by Bob Burg and Chris Hamm’s “The Go-Giver,” I’ve cultivated a mindset that emphasizes giving value as the pathway to success. Instead of focusing solely on what I can get, I focus on how I can serve, help, and add value to others. This perspective has not only built trust and rapport with my clients but has also established a foundation of goodwill and positive reputation for my business.
*Advice for New Entrepreneurs*: Start your journey with a servant’s heart. Seek to understand your clients’ needs deeply and strive to exceed their expectations. When you genuinely care about others’ success, your own success often follows in profound and unexpected ways.
2. **Developing Systems and Processes**: To balance being a mom, a wife, and an entrepreneur, efficiency became my close ally. I have invested time in developing systems and processes that optimize my productivity without draining my energy. This discipline enables me to serve my coaching clients effectively, as I can guide them to create their own streamlined operations that echo this balance.
*Advice for New Entrepreneurs*: Don’t underestimate the power of organization. Invest time early on to create systems that help you work smarter, not harder. Regularly revisit and refine these processes as your business grows.
3. **Choosing a Positive Mental Attitude**: Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” instilled in me the transformative power of a positive mental outlook. By consciously choosing optimism and resilience, I’ve been able to navigate challenges with grace and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. This attitude is contagious and sets a vibrant tone for my entire team and the clients I work with.
*Advice for New Entrepreneurs*: Your mindset is your greatest asset or your most limiting barrier. Cultivate a mentality that embraces challenges as learning opportunities and maintains a focus on your vision, even when faced with setbacks.
In essence, my journey has been guided by a spirit of generous contribution, a commitment to organized and efficient operations, and an unwavering positive mental outlook. These principles, drawn from inspiring literary works, are more than just concepts; they are lived practices that have shaped my professional and personal life profoundly.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is a passionate small business owner or entrepreneur who is dedicated to their craft and eager to make a positive impact through their work. They are people who recognize the immense potential of social media marketing but may feel overwhelmed by the evolving digital landscape or unsure of where to start. They value authentic connection with their audience and aim to build a brand that is a true reflection of their values and personality, rather than chasing after the latest trends or getting lost in vanity metrics.
Specifically, here are some key characteristics that define my ideal client:
Visionary and Passionate: They have a clear vision for their business and are deeply passionate about what they do. They aren’t just in it for profit; they have a genuine desire to serve their customers and make a difference in their community or industry.
Open to Learning and Growth: My ideal clients are eager to learn and open to embracing new strategies. They recognize that social media marketing is a powerful tool and are willing to invest the time and resources needed to understand and leverage it effectively.
Valuing Partnership: They view our relationship as a true partnership. They are communicative, responsive, and understand the value of collaboration. They trust in the expertise I bring to the table and are ready to engage in a dialogue that drives results.
Aligned Values: They operate their business with integrity and align with my core values of Faith, Family, and Freedom. They respect that my approach is rooted in these values and appreciate the genuine, heartfelt guidance I provide.
Ready for Action: My ideal clients are action-takers. They are not looking for a quick fix but are prepared to put in the work, knowing that building a solid, engaging online presence is a marathon, not a sprint.
In essence, my ideal client is someone who is as committed to their business’s growth and integrity as I am to mine. They are looking for more than a service provider; they are looking for a strategic partner who will walk alongside them, sharing insights and strategies rooted in real-world experience, to help navigate the exciting, but often complex, world of social media marketing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bridgecd.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hellobridgecd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.bridgecd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_D1MxOaPVsfFIBWxoaFRWA
Image Credits
Leah Hartley – Leah Christine Images – @leahchristineimages on Instagram
