We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Keller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I do. It comes from the movie, We Bought A Zoo.

“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”

This quote is everything to me! Again, I am not a risk taker in life, so this quote reminds me to just do it. Sometimes you just need the 20 seconds of courage to go for it. It reminds me to try and see what happens – usually something good happens.

What should our readers know about your business?
I was actually a teacher prior to my current career, but since I can remember, social media marketing has always been a passion of mine. When I made the transition from teaching to social media marketing, I started out with only a couple of clients. I found my strength in helping businesses grow organically through their social platforms, and I realized there was a real opportunity to create something. And that’s how I started Eight One Social.

I am incredibly proud of where Eight One Social is today. Thinking about where I was when I started the company and where we are today – what a difference! While slightly embarrassing to admit, I fully embodied the motto “fake it ‘til you make it” when I first started. Rest assured, I feel super confident in my abilities and deliverables today. I stay on top of social media trends and am always brainstorming how my clients can utilize these trends to target their audience. I constantly review the analytics to identify what’s working well, and where I need to pivot and do something different. There is A LOT of behind the scenes work that helps ensure the success of each post.

As with all new businesses, there were definitely some challenges I faced in the early days. I made myself available at all times. I felt like I needed to prove myself to my clients, and part of that was being available 24/7. What I have learned is that you can still show your clients that work ethic, but have boundaries for yourself. I have a work phone now to help with this. I set working times during the week and if I can’t get them something right then and there, I communicate with them. I really feel like balance is all about communication.

I have learned many lessons along the way. The most important one is making sure the working relationship with a client is mutually beneficial. I had to say no to a client when their contract was up for renewal. This was extremely hard for me to do; it felt like a sad breakup. I really enjoyed this client as a person, but the working relationship was no longer the right fit. As much as I want to make it work with each client, existing and potential, not all working relationships are meant to be.

My story is just beginning with Eight One Social. I had a dream about creating this company and finding a space for my creativity in the social media marketing world. It’s all coming to fruition. The best part of it – I get to see my hard work and passion benefit my clients and help their businesses grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Phoenix! We have so many great restaurants, bars, and hangouts!

My top 3 restaurants are The Collins, Mora Italian, and La Grande Orange.

My top 3 bars are the Porch, AZ 88, and Postinos.

My top 3 places to hang out The Churchill, Maverix Bowling, and Scottsdale Fashion Square (I love shopping!)

You really can’t go wrong with Phoenix. There are just so many good spots, but I will give a little shoutout to my favorite Instagram account, @eatinarizona. She posts the best spots and has so many great recommendations!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a Shoutout to Chelsea Kunde, owner of Building Blocks Family. She was my first client and took a chance on me. The journey of working with Building Blocks Family has been a true joy and I am thankful every day to have them as a client.

Website: www.eightonesocial.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightonesocial/

Image Credits
Kate Taylor Photography

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