Entrepreneur Spotlight・Terry Pappy
“Trust that the best is on the other side of this [pandemic], that it has served a purpose for all of us, and appreciate what it DID bring into our lives and businesses. ”
When Terry and I met for the first time we instantly clicked! We come from similar corporate backgrounds and share a love for all things creative and organization. Terry’s motto is to be 1000% you and I love that so much! There is so much noise out there telling us to be a certain way to be successful that we can forget ourselves in the process. Yet the only way to be truly successful – in a way that is meaningful to you – is to beyou. Thank you so much for this insightful interview, Terry!
Terry Pappy is the quintessential creative—author of six books on creativity and business development, award-winning writer, designer and creative workshop leader. She has worked with a diverse clientele including major brands such as IBM, Sprint, The Tribune Company, Florida Virtual School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Marriott International and American Suzuki as well as companies on the rise from the family-owned private business to solopreneur expert.
In 2006, Terry founded her marketing firm, Better3, which specializes in guiding solopreneurs to create an authentic, distinctive brand with easy-to-implement growth strategies. Host of the Simplify & Multiply show, Terry provides tactical, practical and inspirational guidance on creating a solopreneur lifestyle business. In 2020, she launched PappyClub, a 24/7 platform where solopreneurs access best practice training to grow their businesses and receive customized one-on-one implementation support.
1) Tell us about your business.
Since 2006, I've been helping businesses and solopreneurs build better, more professional communications and make more sales. I designed my entire platform on putting the customer first, and making everything from marketing to delivery a positive experience worthy of advocacy. Being a lifelong creative, my business has provided copywriting, strategy, website design and development, videography, product development and a host of marketing services, and is truly turnkey.
2) Has Covid changed the way you run your business?
Not really, but it has been an interesting year of self-reflection, expansion and pivoting. I built a membership site, PappyClub, on my Squarespace website and created a ton of new training and inspirational content for members. I've also evolved more into a strategic role as a personal brand and business development expert, an area where many of my current clients struggle. Revenue-wise, 2020 was one of my best years.
3) Tell us about a business challenge you have overcome.
Sales in the traditional sense has always been a challenge, and I still—to this day—struggle, but I'm much better at it. I've learned a lot about self-value, communication and other nuances that sales brings to the forefront. I even published a book on selling! How I sell now is still a hybrid of best practices in creating clarity on consult calls and helping my prospects achieve greater clarity.
4) What does your self-care look like these days?
Self-care is enjoying the beauty around me (I live in Palm Beach, Florida), and the freedom that my business affords me. I enjoy golfing, boating, dining and anything related to being outside in the sun. To keep my head and energy in a flowing, allowing mode, I often journal, go on long walks listening to inspiring talks or music.
5) Do you have any tips for other entrepreneurs during these uncertain times?
Trust that the best is on the other side of this, that it has served a purpose for all of us, and appreciate what it DID bring into our lives and businesses. Things are going to be so much better as we ease our way out of the fear and trepidation caused by such a global event.
