Julie Spugnardi is part-owner of a full-service marketing agency specializing in helping small businesses, particularly women-owned, launch or expand their brand. She has over 20 years of experience in B2B marketing, specifically in the insurance industry, where she oversaw marketing strategies for specialty products and innovative technology solutions for global brands. Her passion is storytelling, particularly for small business brands, as their stories are core to what makes them so unique.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your business, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
Our marketing agency provides an important service for small businesses as they are typically limited in what they know about marketing or in the resources they have to dedicate to it, especially when just starting out. We alleviate the burden of truly bootstrapping their marketing by stepping in to provide the strategy and support to get it done cost-effectively and with flexibility for their business.
What inspired you to start your journey as a coach and entrepreneur? Were there any specific events, challenges, or people that motivated you to take this path?
I was juggling a career and motherhood when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. My full-time job was demanding, as were the needs of my young children. The disruption to our world gave me a chance to pause and consider my situation. I realized I wanted to have more control over where I spent my time and the flexibility to be present with my children. I also realized that I was looking to work with more purpose and passion for what I did. Starting my own marketing business in 2022, I did so with the help of other women who had gone out on their own as well, who could offer guidance and support to me as I navigated my journey into entrepreneurship.
Looking back at the beginning of your career, what were the major challenges you faced when establishing yourself as a leader/coach? How did you overcome those obstacles?
My biggest challenge starting out was the constant self-doubt I felt as a first-time business owner. I was no longer part of a large team, which made me feel more exposed and vulnerable. Being independent forced me to accept who I was and who I wasn’t. By taking stock of my strengths and weaknesses, I began to show up for clients with more humility and authenticity, which led me to identify who I wanted to work with the most and how.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Today’s women leaders are more confident than ever before in what they deserve. For my generation, it was typical for us to feel we had to accept the path laid out for us, to follow the rules to get to where we wanted to go. Women leaders today are forging their own paths and rejecting outdated perspectives and norms. It’s an exciting time for women to reshape the culture of workplaces and set new bars for what we will achieve.
What message/advice would you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
I would tell any aspiring entrepreneur that you should not be afraid to feel insecure and uncertain as you start your journey. If you don’t question yourself or your decisions, you’re doing something wrong. Be honest with yourself, reassess your beliefs and assumptions along the way, and be prepared to make plenty of mistakes. It’s all part of the journey.
Please insert website or social media links (if any)
https://www.bootstrapmarketingme.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bootstrap-marketing-llc
