Lessons from Let’s Talk Business with Katherine Robinette
As business owners, we wear many hats; marketer, salesperson, strategist, and sometimes even cheerleader (for ourselves). But one of the most critical aspects of business growth isn’t just about what we do; it’s about who we know and how we nurture those relationships.
In the latest episode of Let’s Talk Business, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Katherine Robinette, a keynote speaker and consultant specializing in company culture, change management, and employee engagement. We discussed the power of word-of-mouth referrals, overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, and the importance of building a strong support system.
🚀 The Secret to Growth? Get People Talking About You!
Katherine shared that one of her greatest successes as an entrepreneur has been word-of-mouth referrals. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing, “I heard about you from…” because it means your reputation is working for you; even when you’re not in the room.
Key takeaway: The best marketing strategy isn’t about running endless ads or shouting about your business from the rooftops; it’s about delivering value so well that your clients can’t help but talk about you. When you focus on building strong relationships and providing exceptional service, referrals will follow naturally.
🔧 The Biggest Challenge? Learning to Pitch Yourself
Despite her success, Katherine admitted that her biggest challenge has been securing more speaking engagements. While she has spent over 20 years pitching other people, she found it difficult to sell herself. Sound familiar? Many business owners struggle to confidently promote themselves and their services.
To overcome this, she enrolled in Mic Drop Academy, a program that helped her refine her message and learn how to pitch effectively. This was a reminder that sometimes we need to invest in ourselves to level up our business. Whether it’s through coaching, courses, or mentorship, learning from experts can be a game-changer.
One tool my clients love using is the elevator pitch worksheet. Break down how you would speak to your direct client, a potential client, a referral partner and a group of people. This helps you find key differentiators when you’re having conversations with different people. Find the value you bring in each of those conversations and how you make the information shared relevant to them. Find the Elevator Pitch Worksheet in our free resources section.
👥 Entrepreneurship Can Be Lonely; Find Your People
One of the most overlooked struggles of entrepreneurship is loneliness. Katherine shared that she misses the camaraderie of a team; those small moments of celebration when you achieve a win. As business owners, we don’t always have a built-in support system; that’s why we need to be intentional about finding one.
How can you combat loneliness as a business owner?
- Join entrepreneurial communities where you can connect with like-minded professionals.
- Find an accountability group to celebrate wins and navigate challenges together.
- Work with a business coach (like me!) to have a trusted partner in your journey.
📚 Katherine’s Recommended Resource: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Katherine is currently diving deep into The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and finds it incredibly insightful. If you enjoy tough love, practical advice, and personal growth, this might be a great addition to your reading list.
📢 Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level? Let’s Talk!
If Katherine’s insights resonated with you, I invite you to take the next step. Here’s how I can help you:
- ✅ Download my free resources to improve your networking and business strategy
- ✅ Book a FREE 30-minute consultation to get personalized advice on your biggest business challenge
- ✅ Be featured on the Let’s Talk Business series! Apply to be a guest.
🤝 Want to connect with our speaker?
Success is about more than just strategy; it’s about community, connections, and continuous learning.
Let’s grow together!
