Chatterkick

BUSINESS OWNER: Beth Trejo 

BUSINESS NAME: Chatterkick 

MAIN PRODUCTS/SERVICES: Creative Social Media Agency 

LOCATION: Sioux City, IA: Baton Rouge, LA: Sioux Falls, SD: Omaha, NE: Des Moines, IA 

WEBSITE: www.chatterkick.com 

Short description of your business: 

We are a creative Social Media Agency with Midwest roots, representing clients all over the world. Our team is made up of envelope-pushers, big thinkers, brainstormers, and conversation starters. Consumers don't want to feel like they are being sold to, and brands want their message and dollars to make an impact. We can help connect the dots and make sense of the vocab, data, and learnings from their community. We set ourselves apart by providing a human connection in the digital world and are dedicated to generating a glowing brand reputation, vibrant culture and an intense, passionate voice for our clients. 

What motivated you to start your business? What drives you each day? 

I wanted to change how businesses viewed the priority of social media and where it fits within an organization. I knew that relationships, transparency, and brand strength could significantly drive business, and I saw the potential of social media to impact that opportunity. In addition, there are many executives who understand the potential of business growth through social media but get stalled entirely on the execution, strategy, and analysis of results, helping them overcome that barrier is extremely rewarding. 

What’s unique about your business? 

We are an educated and approachable voice in a noisy space of blogs, articles, and "social media experts." Our clients trust us because we tell them no when needed and we help to realign their "I need this" with practical approaches to their problems. For example, many businesses go to agencies, and those agencies tell them everything to do in a perfect world with a large budget. I think we have unique expertise to break that down to say, “You know what, you don't need this,” or “Let's start here,” or “Let’s train Karen in your office do it”. 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as you’ve grown your business? 

One thing that has been challenging for me in the beginning, and is still today, is how to set priorities with time. Making sure I’m giving significant energy to family, friends, and work in ways that are impactful is something I’m continuously working on. 

What has been your greatest reward? 

I’m very proud of the ecosystem that exists between our Chatterkick team members and clients that allow us all to learn and grow together. 

How have you benefited from the startup community in Sioux City and the region? What resources did you use? 

In the beginning, I was awarded a top prize from the Swimming with the Sharks competition that allowed me enough money to buy a new computer. It seems silly and trivial but it did really help build the foundation of being comfortable taking risks. An essential skill for new business owners! 

Why is it important for the community to support startups and small businesses? What more can be done to help them? 

I think the best value one can provide a new business or start-up is helping them network or build connections that ultimately will grow their customer base. An intro email or a coffee meeting can go a long way. 

What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when starting your business? 

Celebrate the journey. Starting a business will provide you with an education like no other. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business? 

Surround yourself with people who support you in celebrating your strengths and supplementing your weaknesses. Self-awareness is key. 

How can the community continue to help your business? 

Spread the word! Social media is more than just one thing. It’s multiple networks, personal and business, ugly and wonderful, young and old. We frequently speak to groups and organizations on the responsibility and power of these platforms, so give us a call! 

What are some future goals for your company? 

To continue to educate our community and business leaders of how powerful social media can be when used for good.