Carly Brasseux is a determined and passionate sales and marketing consultant, published author, hunting influencer and business owner based in Dallas, Texas. She holds a broad knowledge of general daily business, communications, marketing, social media, sales and relationship management. She’s been successful in establishing an exceptional rapport with individuals on all levels and comfortable handling high profile executives, celebrities and politicos through her work at Allies in Service, Dallas Moms, Tony Fay PR, Sutherland Partnership, North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee and many more.
In a world where women are the fastest growing segment of the hunting population, she is also a major proponent of those women wanting to learn more about the outdoors and hunting. Her handle, Miss Pursuit, is an expression of her enthusiasm for all things outdoors, from educating women through her experiences learning to hunt over the last decade, to getting out with her kids to explore the wild. Her expertise in social media and marketing, as well as her vast network of people in the outdoor industry, have given her the influence to make an impact for years to come.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I knew I wanted and needed the freedom to be my own boss.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I always start my day sitting in a quiet room with a cup of coffee. This gives me a few minutes to clean-up easy notifications on my phone, delete spam emails, check daily calendar, update to-do list and of course, check social media.
I block out sections of time daily and weekly for each client, as well as put reminders on my calendar for breaks and to-do list items. This allows me to only book calls and meetings during certain times and to really focus my time and energy during that time frame.
How do you bring ideas to life?
My husband once told me to “just do it.” I started out planning and planning and then planning some more. He finally looked at me one day, as I was starting my business, and told me “Just start doing the work. Your business plan doesn’t have to have 100% perfect punctuation and grammar. Just get out there, start doing the work you’re great at and learn as you go.”
So now, I definitely take time to plan, but I’ve really started to “just do it.” It sounds so basic, but it’s so hard to actually make yourself just do the work, especially as a perfectionist.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I love all things digital, but things are starting to progress away from online communities and more to IRL (in real life) experiences. Yes, we want our Facebook Groups and social media channels, but after all these years of only connecting online, more and more people are moving offline and back towards in-person communities.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I track my time per client with an app. I can look back at the end of each month and know I spent way too much or not enough time. I can know that I made $X last month and worked X hours and it’s either worth the money or it’s not.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Yes, you need to always be professional, but you also are human and getting something out 95% sometimes is better than delaying for days to get it 100%.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Say yes to everything. We are told over and over, say no to things that don’t add value; don’t stretch yourself too thin; say no. Well, it’s not true. Say yes – you never know what projects you’ll love and learn from; you never know who you’ll meet at an event. I’ve built my success on never saying no and it’s gotten me further than most people!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I’d have to say, just move forward and say yes to new opportunities.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Take on projects that may not play to your strengths. You’ll learn it because it’s sink or swim. I believe a bit in fake it until you make it (never over promise and under deliver) because I know I’ll figure it out and do it just as good, if not better, than anyone else.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I haven’t failed, but I’ve sure as heck learned the hard way a few times. Get contracts on lockdown. You think that you and a client or vendor are on the same page and agree to most of the terms, but you don’t need to add it to a contract because you both are friends/friendly – not true! Get it in writing!
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Buy websites; they are simply online real estate.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I love using Fiverr for outsourcing tasks. I’ve heard lots of people say they’ve had bad experiences, but I love it! Need a quick fix with WordPress? I have my Fiverr guy do it. Need help with hashtag research? I have someone on Fiverr do it. Need a blog post written? Fiverr. SEO help on a few posts? Fiverr again for the win.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Fiverr and I’ve recently switched over from QuickBooks to Wave. Wave is FREE for what I need it for and easier than QuickBooks.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I love Purple Cow and Built to Sell.
What is your favorite quote?
“Just do it.” Promise – I’m not paid by any sponsor to say that!
Key Learnings:
• Block out sections of time daily and weekly for each client, as well as put reminders on your calendar for breaks and to-do list items.
• Just do it and move forward. Planning is great, but doing is what will make you the money.
• Say yes to opportunities you may usually say no to or are outside of your comfort zone.
• Outsource work to a task manager or virtual assistant.
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.