Effective marketing requires a foundation of measurable data, but I always thought that it needed some level of experienced-backed intuition as well. Sometimes, what the current trends are telling you to do is not always right for your business. So when I needed a name for my marketing company, it only made sense to combine the two things you need to market well: strategy + intuition.
It’s hard to believe that two years have gone by since Sapphire Strategy was established. I set out to create a marketing agency that catered to tech companies, professional services businesses, and nonprofits to help them optimize their marketing efforts. I am proud to say that, with the help of so many people, we have done just that.
Sapphire grew tremendously in our first year, hiring our first team member in less than two months, meeting our monthly recurring revenue goal in less than four, and finding a home at the Union525 in less than six.
Our second year has been no less fruitful. We have more than doubled our revenue and graduated to a larger office to accommodate our four team members and one full-time contractor.
During our two-year history, I was honored as an IBJ Forty Under 40, which has been one of the highlights of my professional career. But my proudest professional accomplishment has been serving our clients. Sapphire’s underlying goal has always been to impact Indiana and our local communities by helping our clients grow, scale, and market more effectively. While we do serve clients outside of Indiana and are proud to, we have a soft spot for our home Hoosier state.
In the midst of telling you about Sapphire’s amazing growth, I would be remiss if I didn’t also say that being a business owner is hard. I commonly use the hashtag #hugabusinessowner on social media because we do need it. There are long hours, stressful days, and sleepless night. The amount of responsibility that is on your shoulders sometimes feel like that of Atlas’.
And yet despite the stress and the frequent 12-hour days, I wouldn’t change it for the world. The work we do means so much to our clients, their growth, and the economies of the communities they serve. I have hopes that we continue our growth so that we can pass on our success to our clients.
Sapphire’s collective success is due to all those that have given their time, effort, and advice to me and my business. It truly takes a village. I’d like to thank my family, friends, team members, and partners, for all they have done, and continue to do, for Sapphire.
I’d also like to thank:
- Doug Karr, my former business partner, for being my mentor, my boss, my partner, and my friend;
- My husband Ryan for telling me to chase my dream at the most inconvenient time, in the middle of buying a house and planning our wedding;
- Harry Howe for his never-failing guidance and leadership; and
- NAWBO-Indianapolis for being a place for me to connect with other women business owners.
Sapphire has accomplished so much in just two years. Here’s to many more to come!
Sincerely,
Jenn