Brittany Whitlock of Big Mood Digital on why the thing you are afraid of is the thing you have to do!

Describe Big Mood Digital in a few words?

I train business owners, marketers and teams on how to conquer digital marketing confidently making it approachable and manageable through private sessions and courses.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I love working with passionate people who get excited to learn something new to grow their business in a purposeful way.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

12 years in digital marketing from Ecommerce with Warner brothers to lead generation in the commercial real estate space. I have been teaching in person and virtually for the past 5 years.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

When I was 7 years old I called relatives and sold them bracelets and paper baskets over the phone to buy a desk. Then later seeing Shark Tank and feeling this was a path for me I just didn't know what the business would be.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Even though I know paid marketing so well I purposely wanted to grow an organic following of quality people that I had some degree of a connection to. I hired a business coach and met amazing women entrepreneurs in that group and continued to find other women business owners. I realized I like having a human connection first especially since trust is a big factor in choosing me.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

When I decided to leave my corporate job and go full time I realized I had to ramp up and take on more work. I realized just because I can DO the thing doesn't mean I should do EVERYTHING. I started to note what type of work felt good for me and what didn't. This is my business and I wanted to make sure it was fun. I had to go through the examples to realize I truly love training others!

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Leaving my corporate job where I was the breadwinner in the family to take a risk and do something for myself that I have always dreamed of. Dreams can't stay in the dream category forever.

When hiring for your team, what is your go-to interview question? Please share any hiring tips you can share from your experience?

I haven't hired for my business yet but in corporate I always asked what's your favorite part about their job? I wanted to see if they lit up talking about it, did their eyes get wide, did their voice get excited. I was always looking for a passionate person.

How has your business or industry been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

I don't think I'd be where I was without it, I am thankful because everyone is online now with zoom calls etc. there isn't this absolute need to have to be in person all the time.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Currently I work with small business owners and small teams. I would love to expand and help corporate teams accelerate their marketing strategy by getting on the same page about all areas of digital.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

Do what makes you feel good in life and business!

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

The thing you are afraid to do or try is the thing you have to do!

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

Surrounding yourself with positive people and other women business owners who get it.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

I do, my tip is to break away from the traditional work parameters of 9-5 Monday - Friday and maybe have a 4 day week, maybe end early on certain days. It's very freeing.

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I ran D1 track for West Virginia University as a sprinter. It's taught me more lessons on life than any other experience I've ever had.

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

Get good sleep, listen to music that pumps you up even if you're not in a hype mood, do something each day that feels like a hell yeah! Even if it's an indulging snack.

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

It means being a woman business owner who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in while helping others bring out their best self!