Helping Small and Medium-sized Businesses Thrive in the Marketing World with Jocelyn Wykoff of Kiss It Jane

Meet Jocelyn:

Jocelyn Wykoff is the owner and operator of Kiss it Jane, a marketing company specializing small to medium sized companies who have a tough time with getting cost-effective marketing. Her strength lies in connecting dots, so she focuses on developing strong ties with business owners, guiding them through the complex world of marketing, and linking them up with the right partners. By doing this, she hopes to help create an organized and intentional space that will lead to creative solutions and business expansion.

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For the transcript and show notes:
https://laurakamark.com/62

Transcript

Laura Kåmark [00:00:01]:
Hey, everyone. Welcome to the Be Bold Make Waves podcast, a show bringing you inspiring stories of women who are growing and scaling their business. I'm your host, Laura Kåmark, a website and tech integration specialist who works with online business owners who love their work and not their website. Join me as we have incredible conversations about business, mindset, productivity, and, of course, the website and tech behind the business. Let's go ahead and dive in to this week's episode. Hello, and welcome to this week's show. For those of you who don't already know me, I'm Laura Kåmark, sales funnel and evergreen system expert who works with coaches and consultants who are ready to level up and simplify their business. I am so excited to introduce you to my very dear friend and our guest For the show today, Jocelyn Wykoff.

Laura Kåmark [00:00:55]:
Jocelyn is the owner and operator of Kiss It Jane, a marketing company specializing in small to medium sized companies who have a tough time with getting cost effective marketing. Her strength lies in connecting dots, So she focuses on developing strong ties with business owners, guiding them through the complex world of marketing, and linking them up with the right partners. By doing this, she hopes to help create an organized and intentional space that will lead to creative solutions and business expansion. Jocelyn, thank you so much for coming on the show today. Can you tell our listeners a little bit about kinda your backstory? How did you get to where you are today?

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:01:34]:
Yeah. Well, first, thank you for having me. I'm so excited to be here too. Wish I was having Laura weather in California now because it's cold and rainy here in Georgia right now. So, but a little bit about me, why I started Kiss It Jane. Kiss It Jane started because there was a need. I was in the marketing world, and I kept seeing the need for small to medium sized companies Who needed marketing support, but they didn't have access to good quality marketing support that they could afford. If they could get their hands on it, it was so expensive, and it just wasn't sustainable.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:02:16]:
So my idea was, okay. Well, I'll start this, and I can give them the support they need at a cost they can afford and sustain for future needs.

Laura Kåmark [00:02:29]:
I love that. What is the background behind the name Kiss It Jane?

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:02:35]:
So it was kinda fun. When I was going through The naming process. I have a really good friend. We were at this play. Anastasia was a play. So amazing if you've never seen it. And in between scenes, we were sitting there talking about my idea about This marketing company and what it was gonna look like. And I was trying to figure out a name.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:02:59]:
I wanted to be fun and kinda girly, but still neutral enough to where, you know, a a female owner or a male owner could could use me. But I did want it to be a little bit sassy. So I went to my friend, and I was like, hey. So I'm thinking, like, what if I name it Jane? You know? Like, Jane social media support or Jane digital agency. And she kinda looked at me, and she's like, can I give you feedback? And coming from this friend, that is a very, very Scary question. And I was like, yeah. Of course. And I was like, oh gosh.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:03:43]:
Like, what is coming my way? But what she said is, it actually changed the whole scope of the name because well, let me preface this. She's a very a successful business owner herself. She's owned and operated her own company for 15 years and is doing amazing. So anything she says, I take and hold at value. But she was like, so I mean, Jane's okay. She's like, but I don't wanna be a Jane. I don't wanna be a Jane Doe. I don't wanna be like a Tarzan and Jane.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:04:18]:
Like, Like, I don't want she's like, honestly, I would tell Jane to kiss it. So there lies where Kiss It Jane came from because I thought, oh, that's amazing. Because in the marketing world, you wanna be unique and you wanna be Laura own thing, and you don't just wanna be another company or another Jane. So tell Jane to kiss it.

Laura Kåmark [00:04:47]:
I love that so much. That's such a great story. Oh my gosh. I've been I've been meaning to ask that.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:04:53]:
Like you can't make it up. Like, it just happened.

Laura Kåmark [00:04:56]:
That's that's amazing. And just, like, a little background for our listeners. Jocelyn and I are in a mastermind together with Sarah Massey, and we just spent some A week together in Asheville, North Carolina for our mastermind retreat. It was so awesome, and I totally forgot to ask her that question while we were here.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:05:13]:
Already need to go back. Yes.

Laura Kåmark [00:05:16]:
But I've been waiting to ask that. I was like, oh, I'm gonna ask her on the podcast because I've been wondering about that. Okay. So I wanna talk a little bit about marketing. So marketing to me is, like, such a broad word. So when you say you help companies with marketing, What sort of things like a little like, drill it down a little more. What sort of things are you

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:05:36]:
So you're not the only one that feels that way. When people say marketing, they're like, oh, is that an ad? Well, I mean, it could be. It could be an ad. It could be a campaign. It could be social media. I mean, it could even be SEO, websites, Or Laura There's really a wide scope of what it can be. But what I like to do is go into the company and, 1st and foremost, like, I look at the company and I do an audit. Okay.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:06:08]:
What are you doing? What are you not doing? And how do I organize it? Organize this in a way that you can sustain it. A lot of times, the companies that I work with, they're either a solo act or they have a very limited team. So you can't just say, okay. You're gonna do these 100 things, and you're gonna knock it out of the Kamark. Because chances are, they're not gonna be able to do those 100 things because they're wearing multiple hats. Yeah. And a lot of times, the team members are wearing multiple hats too. So we go in and we create a plan that is sustainable and and manageable that they can phase into what they need to be at the at the goal.

Laura Kåmark [00:06:53]:
I love that. You started your business and grew pretty quickly. And you've worked with a lot of local clients, and I find that very inspiring As someone who has very, very few local clients, most of my clients I've never met in real life just through Zoom, and they're scattered all over the US and Canada. So I would love to know, like, what was your strategy with getting clients when you were first starting your business and when you were growing your business?

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:07:24]:
Yes. So I grew up in the city, but now I live in a small town. So I think that's part of What I love about what I do, and maybe what makes going to a digital world a little scary for me. I am an extrovert through and through. I love people. I love to talk to people. I am that person that talks to you in the elevator As we awkwardly stand there together, shifting between Laura. I'm like, so what are you doing here? So the local aspect for me is super important.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:08:05]:
But how I did it, I I got involved in chambers and nonprofits and schools. And like I said, I don't really know a stranger, so I would just talk to anyone who would really listen to me. And and because of that, over the years, I've grown relationships who have now, yielded Many blessings for my business because they have become refer referral sources as well.

Laura Kåmark [00:08:31]:
What sort of organizations Have you joined locally that has really helped with your business growth and your relationship building and connections and all the things?

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:08:41]:
Yeah. So the chambers of commerce, they're a huge part of it. In here in Georgia, we have them localized by counties. Okay. So most of the time, if you're in a county, you have a local chamber that services that county. As well as, at a state level, you have Georgia associations. So you have the Association of Chamber Executives or the Georgia Chamber, which pushes you to a higher level as well, as well as organizations like Kiwanis. I'm a huge advocate for Kiwanis International, and I have been a member of the group here locally, which helps kids in need.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:09:24]:
Okay. On a local level as far and and an international level as well. And then we have, The women's league, which is a local thing, which I'm sure is called different things across the US and and whatnot. And, And it's just different marketing committees for nonprofits too, especially nonprofits that can't afford to have a marketing team. A lot of times, they'll lean into, their communities for people who are experts in their field to come in and help them gauge their support as well.

Laura Kåmark [00:10:00]:
I love that, and I think that's I mean, that's giving me a lot of really good ideas of some places I could reach out to in my local communities because There I mean, there is definitely something to be said about be having local clients versus the online space. Again, not an industry I've necessarily tapped into that much. Mhmm. But, I mean, there's so many small business

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:10:26]:
fun space because you can learn about a good variety of industry In a real quick minute Mhmm. You know, where sometimes if you're only online, you're Siloed just a little bit because you're not exposed to the various industries as much, Where if you get involved in the chamber, you're gonna see a multitude of industries in 1 space at one time. And it's neat to see from a tech, you know, perspective or from a marketing's perspective how they cross function and align with each other too. What works for 1 may work for the other with some different tweaks. And you'll find, tech wise, that They're having probably around the same issues, just maybe different software or platforms.

Laura Kåmark [00:11:22]:
Yeah. Oh, I love that idea. I mean, for me, I I've reached out to, like, the Small Business Administration, the SBA, and it's not necessarily like a networking opportunity so much, But I've been working with them, this last couple of months with just having that utilizing their services that they provide to The small businesses in the United States where you can sign up with them, and they will have you know, I have a financial adviser who's come in and looked at stuff. I have a QuickBooks gal I'm working with who's helping me clean up some stuff, and I have, you know, even a marketing gal who were talking about some content things.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:11:58]:
And even take, for instance, like, Sarah's group. Right? Like, it it's it is predominantly online.

Laura Kåmark [00:12:06]:
Mhmm.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:12:08]:
That there are in person aspects to it, which makes it unique in itself, To where you can get like minded folks together and hash it out and talk and you can grow and you can create And present opportunities within that group too. So it's the same thing, essentially, except with a chamber It is gonna be more localized versus online. It's just the the percentages are swapped.

Laura Kåmark [00:12:39]:
And so with the chamber, is it more is it meant for networking? Is are there networking, like, events you go to? Or how does that kinda structure? I

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:12:48]:
have 100%

Laura Kåmark [00:12:49]:
yes. Okay.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:12:50]:
Yeah. So different chambers have different events. But majority of them will have, like, a coffee and connection or referral groups or lunch and learns, to where not only are you getting connect with other business professionals in your local area, but you're also learning how to amplify and uplift your community Because you're getting plugged into the government and politics within your community too. You know? For instance, the county that I live in is it's, it's a very happening place Right now, there's a lot of industry moving into it, which is good to know when I'm looking at forecast for businesses because I know that these huge industries are moving into our area, so I can be like, okay. This is what your plan needs to be because This is how economically it's gonna be affected. So marketing is not just looking at, Okay. What social ads am I gonna run? That is a aspect of it, but you do have to put some economics and and growth aspects into it as well to see if Your company can't sustain in the area that you live in.

Laura Kåmark [00:14:08]:
And then you've niched down in your business.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:14:12]:
Can

Laura Kåmark [00:14:12]:
we talk a little bit about what that experience was like to, like you know? I mean, it's so scary. Everyone's like,

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:14:17]:
pick a niche. Pick a niche,

Laura Kåmark [00:14:18]:
and, like, then you pick it.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:14:21]:
But, you know, I think, for me, it kinda happened more naturally than, me Picking it, I think it picked me. But I think it's because I I do have a passion for chambers of commerce, which is where I like to niche in, I I in in nonprofits as well. So, I know those areas. I'm very familiar with those areas, and it makes it, more beneficial for them for me to work with them because I know their processes and what it needs to be and who's looking at it. When you're working with a multitude of industries and you're so act like me, It becomes a little bit more difficult to become an expert in every industry, which is essentially what you need to do when you begin to write post or to write blogs or to decide how their brand or their tone should look. You need to know about the industry, not just Okay. Yeah. That's what you do.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:15:28]:
Great. Let me write about it. You have to kinda research and learn a little bit more. So With this, you know, going to chambers and nonprofit, I'm able to benefit them more and provide more value for them.

Laura Kåmark [00:15:45]:
I think you bring up such an interesting and important point about the reason why It's important to niche, and it's that you're able to systematize your processes and create something that's repeatable because it works within that industry. So

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:16:00]:
that's Yes. And we all know. I I love it that you didn't use, like, the word that, like, scares me the most, which is automate. But, you know, it is true, though, because the more I can create systems, The more I can be connected in 1 on 1 with the client because I'm not on the back end in the weeds. I'm able to be front and center and scratching the surface with them.

Laura Kåmark [00:16:32]:
I love that so much. What would you say that you're doing that's being bold in the industry? How are you different from other marketing agencies?

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:16:42]:
Well, I think I mean, me just thinking, you know, I was gonna open up my own company was gold for me. Like, oh, who's gonna like me? But I think what I What I aim to do is create opportunity with industries that may not otherwise be there. And the chambers of Converse for me is is The conduit for that because they reach so many small businesses and to let them know that You do have access. There is affordable help out there, you know, and this is how you can do it.

Laura Kåmark [00:17:33]:
I love that so much. How so when did you start your business? When did you go off and do that?

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:17:41]:
April of this year.

Laura Kåmark [00:17:44]:
So wild. Yeah. So you have accomplished a lot. I mean, at the time of this recording, December, so it's been just, like, not even a full 12 months for you. Christmas.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:17:56]:
Yes. Christmas.

Laura Kåmark [00:17:57]:
This will air into next year. But I would love to know you as you are well aware, I am a huge fan of celebrating our wins. As you know, I celebrate all my wins with cheese plates. Yeah. What is something you're really proud of when it comes to what you've accomplished in your business and that we can celebrate and you for.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:18:21]:
Yeah. So, Let me think about it. So I think something that I can say that I can celebrate and accomplish is that I'm still here, you know, and I'm still running. And I still have a smile on my face, you know, and still feel like I can provide The things that I set out to provide. And to me, that's worth celebrating. I have learned. I have succeeded. I have failed, that I have triumphed.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:18:55]:
And and to me, that's kinda cool. You know, that's part of it. And and If someone tells you they haven't failed, they're telling you a big fat lie, you know, because they need to in order to learn and to grow.

Laura Kåmark [00:19:10]:
So good. I love that. What would you say to someone who is one of our listeners who is like, I know I need to do more marketing, and I'm just struggling with where to start. Do you have any advice for them on, like, baby step it in?

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:19:26]:
Yes. So there's all I mean, There's a bajillion different things you can do, but I think just putting yourself out there. Like, that's the first step. It's putting yourself out there and just even if it's a messy step, You know, do it. And then you can gauge, okay, well, what's next? You know? And and don't be afraid to reach out to people to ask them questions. It's even if you don't know them, shoot them an email. The worst that's gonna happen is they're not gonna respond. But maybe if you Shoot out enough emails.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:19:56]:
They will respond, and you'll get a nugget of advice that will carry on forever. You know? So don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to say hello and and and to really just ask questions and learn.

Laura Kåmark [00:20:15]:
What would you say was some of the, like, mindset hurdles you had to overcome? Because, like, you know, that little voice that goes off that says the scary things when you're writing those emails before you send them off. Like, how do you overcome some of those mindset hurdles?

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:20:32]:
Yeah. So imposter syndrome is real. It I mean, it's it's probably one of the biggest things in in today's world right now. But I think, you know, surrounding yourself with a good strong group of like minded people who, when you're down and in those valleys, are gonna gonna hit you back up, it's important, you know, to to know that you're not alone in what you're doing.

Laura Kåmark [00:21:04]:
I think that's so important. I know for many, when I have found when I started investing in mastermind groups and, like, really finding my people who I wanna who get me, who help support me when I'm feeling, you know, scared or unsure, and really having that Support network has been huge for my business growth.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:21:29]:
Yeah. I completely agree. Because then you're I mean, you're with like minded people who understand the issues that you're going through And may have already gone through it and can provide a solution that is helpful.

Laura Kåmark [00:21:42]:
Yep. Absolutely. Jocelyn, I would love to know what is 1 piece of advice you would give to someone when they are scaling their business that would help them be bolder, be louder, and make waves.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:22:02]:
Be present. You know, be in the now. And and, like I said, don't be afraid. You know? Because Fear is gonna be probably your biggest challenge, and just get out there and and just do it. You know?

Laura Kåmark [00:22:21]:
I love that so much. I think that's such amazing advice. I could sit here and talk to you all day, and I'm probably just gonna box you a whole bunch later today.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:22:30]:
Yeah. But

Laura Kåmark [00:22:31]:
Yes. She's

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:22:31]:
gonna send me pictures of cheese.

Laura Kåmark [00:22:34]:
Pictures of cheese, of course. Yes. Where can you tell our listeners where they can come find you, where they They can hang out with you, all the things.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:22:43]:
Absolutely. So kiss it jane.com. You can find me there. It has all my contact information, my email, my phone, everything that you need to get in touch with me. And then, you know, don't be afraid to reach out. And when these people shoot me an email because I will write you back, I tell people, I'm like, it is me who's reading the emails. So if I don't write you back, it probably is intentional. I'm just checking.

Jocelyn Wykoff [00:23:07]:
But, it, it is me who's reading them and writing them. But, I love questions. I don't think there is a dumb question out there. So even if You're not one to hire me. That's okay. Just reach out to me because I may be able to point you in the right direction.

Laura Kåmark [00:23:28]:
Wonderful. Love that so much. Thank you so much for coming on the show today. This was so much fun. Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. Be sure to check out the show notes at lauracomark.com/podcast. And if you're ready to turn your website into a marketing machine, get more sales, save time, and simplify the back end of your business. Grab my free resource, Power Integrations for your website.

Laura Kåmark [00:23:57]:
Head on over to lauracomark.com/power. If you enjoyed today's episode, Make sure to subscribe, and also I'll just love you forever if you leave me a review. It helps get this podcast in front of other people that can help inspire. Thanks so much for listening. I'll see you next week. Bye now.