Top Marketing Consultant Information:

Name:Ann Evanston, MA
Name of Company: Zena Enterprises (R)
Website: http://warrior-preneur.com

Tell Me About You and Your Background::

I have run my own business since February 22, 1998. I live in the San Francisco bay area, about 30 minutes from Napa (one of my most favorite places in the world). Earl and I have been together 14 years. I love to cook and garden. I have a Master’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Business Development.

I am actually the creator of 3 successful start-ups. One in college where I started a sorority, a non-profit transitional living program for pregnant and parenting teens, now nationally modeled. And of course my current business, where I have a team of five.

How Did You Get Started as a Marketing Consultant?:

Marketing consulting started for me when I worked with and created new projects/businesses. I had to learn to market the sorority; to market the non-profit and to market my current company. I have served on boards as a volunteer to help with marketing and that turned into companies wanting my help. Prior to that I taught sales techniques to companies.

How Long Have You Been a Consultant?:

Since 1998. I started speaking, coaching and consulting companies on leadership marketing (internal marketing strategy), brand building and sales strategy. In 2005 I shifted from a sales focus to a marketing focus that leads to sales.

What Qualities Do You Feel Make You Stand Out as a Marketing Consultant?:

My sword! I think what makes my consulting style truly unique is my psychology background. I have an uncanny ability to reach in and understand what’s holding people back, where their concerns and fears are, sometimes even before they know. I also use that psychology to help my clients understand the psychology of why people buy things, what makes brand loyalty and a process to see it evolve.

What's a Typical Day for You?:

When I am not traveling, my typical day starts early- I love being in the office 5:30-6:30am. (I know some think that is crazy, but I am most creative and focused then, my office is the most quiet and I love to get out into the California sunshine in the afternoon! Why be self-employed if you cannot enjoy the things you love, true? Every day starts with my own marketing for my company. Then I do most of my consulting online. I have built several “consulting and coaching” portals where I am able to work with my clients on their brands, their voices, their unique selling positions and their online marketing strategy.

What is Your Consulting Specialty?:

In 2007 I made the shift to working with small business owners who are women wanting to get off the marketing “roller coaster”. This is a personal passion; as I want women to see the power of owning their market and not just their businesses. I specialize in teaching them how to create a unique voice that stands out among the chatter.

How Did You Define That Specialty?:

Defining it comes truly from who I am, over what I do (interestingly a big part of what I work with on clients on). Knowing what I am good at, i.e. understanding human behavior; has really helped me to differentiate myself.

What Challenges Do You Face and What Advice Do You Have For Others?:

Challenge:Consulting? Clients that don't implement or do the work! Why pay the money, get the feedback, know you need to change and never implement what you learned? It’s so frustrating for me!

Advice for those wanting to be a marketing consultant
Be real. Be you. Don’t try and be like other consultants. Your personality matters. Practice what you teach.
Tips for those in the marketing industry
Small business owners that market when they need new customers are always stressed out. Build a plan; it works.

As a consultant, I recommend you learn to become a great speaker. Learn the art of dynamic presentation.