What services or products does your business, Allison Bishins Consulting, offer?
I am a social media marketing trainer and small business consultant. The core of my business is helping small and micro business owners to build community, generate trust, and create connections through social media. I also help business owners and professionals create efficiencies in their practices by letting go of unnecessary expectations and practices. Small businesses have greater rates of success when they are tied deeply into their local community – and I help this connection happen efficiently and effectively.
How did you get started on your Entrepreneur Journey in Tacoma Washington?
I came to my business via a windy route – I went to graduate school for Urban Design and worked as an Urban Planner for years before shifting into Environmental Policy. After having my first child, I couldn’t imagine going back to work 50-60 hours per week (as one does in Washington, DC) so I started a small business. My varied background allows me to adapt and understand many different types of businesses, and how I can – or can’t – help folks grow their businesses.
Was this business the first business you’ve started? If not, what was your first business?
I’ve owned several small and micro businesses over the last 10+ years, including vintage resale (Retrocycled Vintage), handmade jewelry (happy fox studio), event and craft fair planning (Handmade PNW), and business consulting (Allison Bishins Consulting.)
What has been your biggest takeaway thus far on your entrepreneur journey?
Lean into your local community. Not only is this a built-in form of support (70% of people look for local businesses to buy from), it’s also proven that locally-focused business survive economic downturns better. We saw many examples of this during Covid – businesses that already had relationships with local customers, or local supply chains, were able to communicate with their customers about their needs and challenges, in a way national companies couldn’t.
How do you motivate yourself to keep going and growing, when you feel like giving up?
When I feel unmotivated – I lean into that feeling! I rest, I journal, I draw, I spend time with my kids or dog. Then I take the time to ask WHY I’m feeling unmotivated – is what I’m offering meeting my clients’ needs? Is it meeting MY needs? If the answer to either is no, I take the opportunity to re-evaluate and adapt.
What has been your biggest lesson on your entrepreneur journey?
Find your people. So many business owners – especially women – try to struggle through business ownership alone. Don’t do this! There are people who want to support you – let them.
If you could share one truth with your fellow business owners and entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Be your darn weird self. Folks are looking for authenticity and looking to support business that share their values. If you don’t share about your self, your values, your “why” – folks can’t resonate with it.
What exciting things are coming up in your business?
I offer virtual consulting via Zoom. Pre-Covid, I would have argued that you can’t effectively consult on Zoom. Thankfully – I was wrong! I actually love linking up with people via Zoom as it’s often more convenient for busy business owners, parents, or folks who are going back to school. I’ve come up with a way to combine on-demand social media marketing classes with 1:1 consulting in a way that feels cozy, fresh, and brings real results.
What sets your business apart from others like yours?
I focus primarily on two aspects of business: building a community following and support, and creating efficiencies so that your business takes less busy work. There are a lot of social media teachers who will drill into you that you have to post more, more, more and copy what other folks are doing. That’s not me. I want you to grow, increase your revenue, connecting into your community – and also build in time for rest.
What do you value the most about your local community?
Everything – my current business started out of a love for the local business community, and my desire to help it grow stronger.
Do you or would you like to support other entrepreneurs? If so, how?
My whole business is built around supporting entrepreneurs. I often joke that my main clients are realtors, yoga teachers, and artists, because it really benefits them to build a brand on social media that really shows who they are. Of course, most businesses can benefit from social media marketing, but the more saturated your industry, the more crisp and clear your socials need to be.
What’s the most significant way a local business can impact their community and why is it important?
Businesses can shop local, just like consumers can. If you can change just a few things you buy to local suppliers, this strengthens the local economy and builds a better business community.
What do you love most about your community?
Art, craft fairs, parks, and the waterfront!
When you aren’t working, what do you enjoy doing?
Looking for orcas, traveling to little towns in the Puget Sound, and sitting at the beach listening to the waves.
Where would you escape to for a day trip on your day off?
Point No Point and Butcher and Baker for a sandwich.
If you had family or friends visiting, where would be the top 3 places you’d take them for food?
Le Sel, Bluebeard Coffee, Metropolitan Market salad bar
When friends or family visit, what is on the itinerary for sight seeing or activities?
Point Defiance Park, Anthony’s for dessert on the patio, orca spotting, Wright Park in the fall.
Connect with Allison Bishins of Allison Bishins Consulting!
http://www.allisonbishins.com
allisonbishins@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbishins/
www.facebook.com/allisonbishinsconsulting
www.twitter.com/allisonbishins
www.instagram.com/allisonbishinsconsulting
https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonbishinsconsulting
https://www.youtube.com/@allisonbishins
