Award-winning Marketing Expert Danielle Reid Specializes in Increasing Profits For Small Business Owners
Award-winning marketing expert Danielle Reid specializing in increasing profits for small business owners, as well as diversity and multi-cultural marketing campaigns for organizations. Highly experienced in digital marketing and e-commerce marketing strategy, consultation, and management for brands.
As the pandemic hit, she secured a six figure retaining client after offering services through volunteering. She was also the first woman of color to oversee the Dept. of Navy’s marketing and advertising campaigns after restructuring the department’s recruitment practices.
“I knew that I needed to make a larger impact by serving people that would benefit directly from my services while appreciating my gifts and knowledge,” says Danielle.
Hustle and Soul Magazine got an exclusive interview with Danielle.
Danielle Reid
When did you know that creating a marketing business was for you to pursue?
Danielle Reid: I started my business out of a growing frustration of being hired as the “token” woman of color in a department and dealing with microaggressions and repetitive injuries. I experienced gaslighting in the workplace daily when a manager would invalidate what I knew to be true, forcing me to question the facts and, ultimately, myself and my ability to do my job.
I’m great at what I do, and to be placed in an unhealthy work environment that could affect my ability to make sound decisions, I knew it was time for me to leave and put my mental health first.
How has business been during the pandemic?
Danielle Reid: Unfortunately, many small business owners didn’t know how to pivot, while others quickly identified the challenges and needed to invest in expert help. So while I did lose some of my smaller clients that I knew wouldn’t be able to sustain my firm’s services, I gained multi-million dollar corporate clients that realized they needed a more robust marketing response that could weather the current climate.
Especially in the areas of DEI and in reaching demographics they failed to connect with in the past successfully. This is something many larger marketing agencies fail to do because they don’t understand specific demographics or how to communicate with them on a personable level and still have the same level of impact. I had an increase in clients who realized they needed more than what they were currently implementing. They needed a new website, social media management, and creating a solid marketing strategy for success that they had never considered doing before.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
Danielle Reid: I would say the ability to provide measurable results for my clients and be the “change” I wanted to see in a white male-dominated industry. I love seeing the impact that I can make for my clients when they have either just started a business and want to see it be the success they dream of, and also coming in to assist them when they have hit a hard point and tried on their own to successfully market with little-to-no results.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Danielle Reid: You can find me volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or one of many other local organizations in Memphis. I also enjoy reading, visiting museums, and traveling.
What are you currently working on?
Danielle Reid: Right now, I am working on a few projects for clients as well as myself. Keeping true to the mission on why I started my firm, I am working on a project to provide free websites to culinary entrepreneurs as a partnership with Black Restaurant Week’s Feed the Soul Foundation. I also am working to expand the footprint and reach for clients such as Prep Curry, The Black Pearl Nail Academy, and assisting some start-up companies that are preparing for launch, just to name a few current projects.
I’m also creating resources for women in abusive relationships to help them leave without judgment and start over. As a domestic violence survivor, I want to share my story and show them that it is okay to walk away and love yourself first. The grass is greener on the other side if you water it.
What is the best business advice you have ever received?
Danielle Reid: Rejection doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough; it means the other person failed to notice what you have to offer. Over the years, I’ve learned how to emotionally prepare myself for rejection and know that every opportunity isn’t for. And that any form of rejection will not stop me from pursuing my goals.
What are some qualities that make you an in-demand entrepreneur?
Danielle Reid: I work with all-size brands and organizations that understand the value of having an experienced and real marketing expert on their team for scalable growth. Many of our clients have gone from earning zero to increasing sales and profits by over 300% once we implement a unique marketing strategy customized for their brand. I’m also honest with clients on their expectations and how much investment they need to reach their goals.
What other projects or endeavors are you involved with?
Danielle Reid: I serve as a board member for Black Women in Media, which highlights women of color in a male-dominated industry by not only highlighting those making history and an impact but also inspiring up-and-coming women in the media industry.
How can our readers keep up to date with all you have going on?
Danielle Reid: That’s a great question! Readers can go to my website http://www.drandassociates.com/ and
follow me on all social media platforms.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamdaniellereid
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dreidmarketingpro
