Karolyn Raphael
President & CEO | Winger Marketing
Chicago I Chapter
What inspired you to start your business?
I didn't start Winger Marketing. I was an employee for 10 years before being offered the opportunity to purchase the company. I became the owner in 2006 and started making changes to create a workplace that offered flexibility and remote access - particularly for working moms.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?
I've been in the position of pitching new business while being hugely pregnant three times. While I don't think it impacted business growth, the circumstances created a lot of anxiety in my own head. Negotiations were also an area where I felt vulnerable, especially early in my tenure as owner. As a small, woman-owned firm, many prospects expected our fees to be smaller as well. Finally, one of the biggest challenges early on was not having a peer group of women business owners to discuss ways to jump over obstacles. That changed for me in 2016 when Sandy Marsico invited me to join the WPO Chicago Chapter.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Hire people for culture and attitude, not experience. There will be ups and downs in your business but don't panic, everything has a cycle. Diversifying your business services is an insurance policy.
.
.
What lesson have you learned that you can share with other women entrepreneurs?
If you believe that success if 10% talent and 90% work then you should know that the same percentages apply to other areas of business. It's 10% experience and 90% mindset. Creating a positive and successful mindset for yourself and for your team is not a nice to have, it is a MUST. I've also learned that even business owners need to be able to have a baby or get sick or take a vacation. Prioritize process so you can accelerate freedom.
In what ways has your membership in WPO impacted your personal or professional life?
WPO has played an important role in my life for the past 10 years. The group has helped me grow professionally and personally. WPO has given me a circle of women that I cherish. They are not just business associates, they are some of my best friends. When I was ill and in the hospital for two weeks and then in recovery for the next 8 weeks, I heard from my WPO friends every week. They sent gifts and called me, texted me and I even did a zoom call with them from my hospital bed. I know that I have an incredible group of women that will support me and push me forward and I love that I get to do the same for them. Professionally, I've also been able to generate business from my circle and implement changes in my business that I would never have thought of had I not heard it from my WPO chapter.
What are your goals and aspirations moving forward?
My goals are to continue to grow and transform my business to serve our ideal clients. Additionally, my goals this year is to launch my PR Training, Media Training and Speaker Training courses so that I can educate professionals and help them shine! WPO is going to be an important part of my life this year. My goal is to have a 1:1 session with every woman in my chapter this year. I want to get to know them more and also uncover ways that we can help each other grow.
About Winger Marketing:
Winger Marketing is an award-winning agency known for its experienced team and B2B expertise. Winger specializes in marketing, public relations, brand building, and sales enablement – aligning marketing efforts with business growth goals and delivering measurable results. To learn more, visit wingermarketing.com/.