We were lucky to catch up with Paige Wiese recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Paige, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.
I started my journey into the workforce early on and found that work was always something I enjoyed. Even in my younger years, it never felt like a chore. Having a strong interest in woodworking and home building, I pursued a degree in architectural drafting. Upon completing my degree, I secured a position at a design build firm.
However, just as I was settling into my role, the economy took a downturn, causing a significant slowdown in the housing market. Unfortunately, I found myself laid off without a clear understanding of why. It was a blow to my confidence, as I prided myself on being a diligent worker with a strong work ethic. At the time, I struggled to comprehend the broader impact of the economic downturn and took the setback personally.
Turning this challenge into an opportunity, I decided to explore new horizons beyond my home state of Iowa. I shifted gears slightly and transitioned into land surveying in Colorado. Yet, my newfound stability was short-lived as the firm I joined downsized drastically, leaving me jobless once again.
Adding to the complexity of my situation, I was diagnosed with epilepsy during this tumultuous period. The frequent grand mal seizures restricting my ability to drive, further limiting my options for employment. Determined to find a solution, I explored ways to generate income from home.
Drawing upon my natural affinity for computers and design, I decided to venture into website and graphic design. Despite my lack of formal training in the field, I launched an ad on Craigslist, determined to make a success of it. Through trial and error, I taught myself the intricacies of website design and marketing, gradually growing my business through referrals.
As my client base expanded, I identified areas for improvement and sought to enhance my offerings. Recognizing the importance of digital marketing, I started learning SEO, Google Ads, and social media strategies to better serve my clients’ needs. However, I still felt there was room for growth.
This realization prompted me to transition from a solo freelancer to a full-fledged entrepreneur, assembling a team of talented individuals to bolster our capabilities. Through dedication and perseverance, Tree Ring Digital transformed into a full-service digital marketing agency, serving clients nationwide.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. From humble beginnings as an unemployed individual with health challenges to the CEO of a thriving agency, it’s a testament to the power of determination and resilience. As Tree Ring Digital celebrates its 15-year anniversary, I’m deeply grateful for the journey I’ve undertaken and the hundreds of clients I’ve had the privilege to serve in their digital endeavors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As Tree Ring Digital continues to expand, my dedication remains unwavering in refining our processes to ensure an exceptional, personalized experience for each client. I am committed to crafting a holistic 360° journey for our clients by developing solutions that streamline operations, foster innovation, and provide a singular point of contact in the complex landscape of technology.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of assisting clients in their business growth and acquisition. This has not only opened up remarkable opportunities for Tree Ring Digital but has also become a focal point for our business growth strategy. It is the knowledge and expertise of our well-rounded team that enhances our ability to support our clients with all of their digital needs; from hosting and maintenance questions to web develop and digital marketing implementation.
Working across diverse industries and business models has provided me with insights into the multitude of ways businesses can operate, which is incredibly exciting. It provided me the opportunity to explore various business frameworks and pursue personal growth opportunities through business acquisitions and investments.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I attribute my successes to believing in myself, maintaining resilience amidst the challenges of business ownership, and having the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
For those starting their journey, my advice would be to have confidence in yourself, seek out and trust experts in areas that aren’t your strengths or passion, and assemble a talented team of individuals who are passionate about their work and empower them to excel. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share a common goal fosters a winning environment where personal and professional growth thrive for everyone involved.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I firmly believe in maximizing an individual’s strengths to their fullest potential, to the point where it’s ingrained as a core strategy in our business model. Throughout my professional journey, I’ve learned that focusing on my strengths and passions yields superior results compared to tasks or skills where I may not excel. It’s evident when I find myself procrastinating or dreading tasks that don’t align with my strengths.
At various points in my business, I’ve made strategic decisions based on my strengths, while bringing onboard others to support my weaknesses. For example, recognizing that content writing wasn’t my forte but crucial for a successful website build and marketing strategy, I enlisted the help of professionals in that area. This allowed me to redirect my focus on sales and business development, contributing significantly to our sustained growth and success over the years.
This philosophy extends to my employees as well. By identifying what excites them and allowing them to focus more specifically on those areas, it creates an environment where they can truly thrive. If their interests evolve over time, I encourage nurturing that shift whenever possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TreeRingDigital.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/treeringdigital
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/TreeRingDigital/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewiese/
Image Credits
Photography: Celebrate Again Photography Artwork: Tree Ring Digital
