We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria V. Carlton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria V., first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been an evolving journey, especially starting a business at the young age of 25. Initially, age was a significant factor that fueled these feelings. Launching Carlton Creative Co. right after completing my master’s degree put me in situations where I often felt I had to prove my worth and capabilities to decision-makers who were often times 25+ years older than me.
To counter these doubts, I adopted a mindset of unwavering confidence, not just as a facade, but as a reflection of my dedication to my work. I committed myself to excellence in every task, ensuring that the quality of my work spoke for itself. This approach left little room for second-guessing.
Seeking and reflecting on both internal and external feedback has also been crucial. It’s a practice that helps me ground my self-perception in reality and not in unfounded fears. Acknowledging that imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially among young entrepreneurs, allowed me to understand that these feelings weren’t unique to me, but rather a part of the growth process. Each step forward, each satisfied client, and each successful project serves as a reminder that I am rightfully on this path, and with each achievement, the imposter syndrome diminishes.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Carlton Creative Co., we’re deeply committed to growth – both for our clients and within our own team. As an entrepreneur, my journey has been one of continuous learning and adapting. The path of entrepreneurship doesn’t come with a manual; it’s a dynamic and often challenging venture, but it’s these challenges that inspire and drive me.
What’s most exciting about our work is the opportunity to collaborate with diverse clients. We help them amplify their stories and grow their businesses through innovative marketing strategies. Seeing the tangible impact of our work on their success is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about business growth; it’s about the relationships we build and the shared successes we celebrate.
Equally inspiring is witnessing the growth of my team. Each member of Carlton Creative Co. brings unique strengths and perspectives, and watching them develop professionally is a true testament to the collaborative and nurturing environment we foster.
As for what’s new, we’re focusing on expanding our service offerings and exploring new markets. We’re always looking for fresh, creative ways to meet our clients’ needs and stay ahead in the fast-paced world of marketing. Our goal is to not just keep up with the industry trends but to be at the forefront, leading with innovative solutions.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking on my entrepreneurial journey, three key elements have been instrumental to being successful: Breaking Down Challenges:
My father’s advice to ‘take everything in bite-sized pieces’ has been a guiding principle. The early stages of any venture can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel burnt out or consider giving up. By breaking down each challenge into manageable steps, I’ve been able to navigate complexities more effectively. For those early in their journey, I recommend adopting this approach. It helps maintain focus and momentum, turning daunting tasks into achievable goals.
High Standards and Proactive Problem-Solving:
Setting high standards for ourselves and our work has been a fundamental aspect of our success at Carlton Creative Co. This approach isn’t just about meeting client expectations; it’s about exceeding them. But what truly sets us apart is our ability to not only solve present problems but also to anticipate and address potential future challenges. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and preparing for what lies ahead. For those starting their journey, I encourage you to not only aim for solving the problem at hand but also to develop the foresight to identify and mitigate future issues. This proactive mindset can elevate your work from good to exceptional and is key to long-term success in any field.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Yes, navigating the current economic climate is a significant challenge for Carlton Creative Co. When businesses face fiscal constraints, marketing budgets are often among the first to be scrutinized or reduced. This is a concerning trend because marketing and communication are not just auxiliary functions; they’re fundamental to a business’s survival, especially during tough times.
Effective marketing and communication are critical for several reasons:
Maintaining Customer Engagement:
In economic downturns, maintaining a connection with your customer base is more important than ever. Effective communication keeps your brand relevant and top-of-mind, ensuring that customers remember and turn to you, both now and when the economy recovers.
Building Trust:
Consistent and transparent communication during hard times helps build trust with your audience. Customers value businesses that stay present and engaged, regardless of the economic situation.
Differentiating from Competitors:
When others cut back on marketing, it presents an opportunity to stand out. Continuing to invest in marketing can set a business apart from competitors who may be less visible during these times.
Long-term Brand Equity:
Continuous marketing efforts, even in smaller scales, contribute to building long-term brand equity. This investment doesn’t yield immediate financial returns but is crucial for sustained growth and resilience.
At Carlton Creative Co., we’re focusing on helping our clients understand these points. We’re advocating for the strategic value of marketing as an investment in their business’s future, not just an operational cost. Our goal is to provide flexible, cost-effective marketing solutions that align with their current financial capabilities, ensuring that they can continue to grow and connect with their customers, even in challenging times.”
Contact Info:
- Website: carltoncreative.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carltoncreativeco/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carlton-creative-co/
Image Credits
Rylie Fuline Photography
