[quote style=”boxed”]Be optimistic. Startups are generally hard work, and you’re not guaranteed success. With a negative attitude, you’ll surely fail.[/quote]
Carol Scott is Director of Marketing at Mattr. Mattr believes that personalities tell powerful stories. Mattr provides brands with a deeper and more colorful view into their social audiences. Through a unique mix of personality data and demographics, marketers can begin to discover what really appeals to their audiences.
Where did the idea for Mattr come from?
There’s so much useful data in social media. Many companies were already monitoring and managing all the data people were posting on social, but none were providing data specifically about those people and who they were. We’ve always excelled at data analysis as a company, so we added in the personality piece — through lots of research — and launched Mattr as a segmentation/market insights tool for social media.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My day is all over the map when it comes to marketing. I contribute to website maintenance, communications, and even event attendance. I think my flexibility and ability to multitask come with the territory at a startup. It’s also what keeps me productive. I would get bored easily checking off the same list of tasks every day in the office.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’m a thinker and an introvert. I produce my best ideas when I step away from the office — usually when I’m alone at home. It’s quiet there; I usually have a low-key Pandora station playing in the background because music helps me concentrate.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Social — I always tell people I get paid to be on Facebook. I don’t think it’s a trend. It will be around for a long time, in one form or another.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I am able to take on several things at once and do different things daily.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I worked for several retail companies long ago. I’m big on fashion, but I tended to get frustrated quickly while folding the same pile of clothes over and over! I did gain some fashion and business sense through those jobs, though.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
Not much. I’m very happy where I am. When I consider other things I might like to be doing, it normally leads to fashion or travel, but the startup world is just as exciting for me! Maybe one day I’ll launch a startup in fashion or travel.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Be optimistic. Startups are generally hard work, and you’re not guaranteed success. With a negative attitude, you’ll surely fail.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow Mattr?
One of our company strategies has been to hire for the culture. If you get good people who fit with the company, then good things will happen.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I once considered opening a boutique in Austin that sold unique, high-end, non-logo fashion items for University of Texas fans. Burnt orange flies off the shelf before football season, and it’s hard to find things that everybody doesn’t already own or that aren’t UT-branded.
It’s common for fans to head to dinner or downtown after a game, so I wanted that transition to be easier for fashionable girls (and boys) like me. I think other business owners caught on, and now there are more options around town.
Tell us something about you that very few people know?
I enjoy writing and would love to publish a book someday.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
I’m currently obsessed with Mint, the money management software. I’m somewhat frugal and a landlord, so I have various accounts. I am generally pretty good with money. Being able to see where I stand daily with my budget, investments, and debts is really satisfying for me.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I would say any “self-help” book. Whether it’s regarding your life, your job, your relationships, or how to build a new deck, those books can be very helpful. We’re all a work-in-progress, and there are always ways to be better than the day before.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
Kendra Scott is a successful entrepreneur, mother, and friend here in Austin. She is such a great mentor for women who are looking to do what they love and be successful at it. I suggest that all women who are looking to get a business off the ground while raising a family read her blog. And to also wear her jewelry because it’s fabulous!
Connect:
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Twitter: @Mattr_co
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.