Meet Karole Campbell | Principal – Madwoman Marketing Strategies

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

Hi Karole, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’d spent my career in media sales – traditional television, rep firm and cable television. When I realized I wasn’t happy in that environment anymore, I started exploring what I WAS suited for and how I might fit into that landscape as a viable business. I’d recently helped a client select a new agency and I noticed there were so many specialists in specific areas – website development, creative, research, PR, event planning, media buying, – who weren’t necessarily getting work because a potential client couldn’t see how that particular service would serve their business. I realized that I had a unique skillset – I KNEW how to generate and manage business and I had an incredible number of friends and colleagues who were highly talented (and super fun to work with) in those specialized areas.

I also have a highly strategic mindset and I targeted my potential customers to those who were too small for a traditional agency but needed a broad-based strategic plan specifically focused on achieving revenue-driven ROI goals. So often, our industry measures client success by OUR metrics (impressions, placed media, follows, awards, etc.) when what matters most to the client is whether or not the investment generates enough sales/revenue/results for the client to not only justify the expense but also to dramatically expand their business. The success of my business has been focusing on helping others succeed: my clients AND my friends/business partners.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I joke that my biggest talent is I know everyone I’ve ever met and they are all still willing to respond to my calls and texts. Every one I’ve ever known has been a resource to me (and hopefully, I to them) over the years. Whenever I get an opportunity, I’ve always got an expert (or several) to bring together as a team to create magic. Everyone I work with is a high level, strategic thinker and they are all dedicated to delivering for the client. I love our creative tension and I encourage everyone on the team to fight tooth and nail for their “piece” of the solution. They SHOULD believe that their part is the most important and treat it that way for our clients’ benefit. But all of my partners are big picture thinkers who will “stand down” and think collaboratively to ensure the right solution when it comes time.

I believe it has been easy-ish but that is such a relative term. Opportunities are everywhere if you are paying attention. I believe there is plenty of business for everyone and what “belongs” to me and my team is the right business for us. But I also admire our local competitors and when we don’t win a piece of business it’s easily obvious why the other business was the right answer. I’d much rather have good, tough, smart competitors so that all local businesses get solid marketing solutions. It’s better for our business community and it’s certainly better for me and my team and keeps us nimble and learning all the time. I am very fortunate that I happen to be good at something that I love and that offers me the opportunity to make a good living. Not everyone enjoys the privilege of loving what they do.

Funny story: when I started brainstorming what the business would look like and what I would call myself, I kept coming up with the name “Human Border Collie”. I once dated a guy who called me that and I thought it was hilarious and definitely defined me. The wiser part of me realized that I was the only one in on the joke. I’d always described myself as a madwoman – running around like a madwoman, busy like a madwoman and I liked the connotation. So many colleagues and friends felt like the name was too lighthearted and worried that it might keep me from getting business. I can honestly say I’ve only ever lost one potential project because of it and I’ve always had the attitude that if someone has a problem with the name of my company, they certainly won’t enjoy working with ME. And that’s ok because there are plenty of incredibly talented individuals and businesses in this industry and they are sure to find someone who is a better fit.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live up in the Ute Pass area and I have so many fun, off-the-beaten path hiking trails. I love to take folks down into the old Waldo Canyon from my house. Some of those who’ve returned are still speaking to me. And the others have asked me not to take them hiking again 🙂

I’ve been in this area since high school and here are just a few of my favorites

Outdoors – the old railroad tunnels west of Manitou Springs, Mt. Dewey, Lizard Rock up in Park County, paddleboarding on Quail Lake, kayaking at 11 mile or Catamount Reservoirs (when they are open), Royal Gorge Via Ferrata, Fancy Pass up near Mt. Holy Cross, Victor Mining Loop, Lovell Gulch and a super secret fun hike off Rampart Range Road, hiking or mountain biking at Catamount open space

Eating – The Pantry (of course), Blue Moose, Wines of Colorado and McGinty’s (all generally out of tourist season because they are pretty impossible during tourist season), don’t know the name but a cute little place north of highway 24 at Teller County 1, Adam’s Mountain Cafe, Streetcar 520, 503W, Bon Ton’s Cafe, Mausaum and Pacwan for Indian, Patty Jewett golf course for happy hour or brunch

Culture – Millibo (Circus of the Night – annual can’t miss!), First Friday Artwalk, Pioneer Museum, ICONS!, Butte Theatre Company in Cripple Creek, LOVE the creative events and installations at both the Fine Arts Center and Ent Center for the Arts.

Tourist – Victor! Bonus with Gold Camp Cafe, Homestead House in Cripple Creek, Manitou Arcade (MUST DO), Pike Ride – Midland Trail Manitou to COS or GOG, or ride around the Legacy Loop

Festivals – Pride! Taste of Pikes Peak, Manitou Wine Festival

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh gosh – so many people over the years. Friends, clients, employers, mentors, colleagues in the American Advertising Federation where I learned about the non-sales side of the industry. I’m so grateful to my now-adult kids, Brianne and Christopher. They were so patient and flexible and tolerated and even thrived throughout so many moves and job changes and chaos over the years. And my yoga teacher, Jessica Patterson of Root Center for Yoga and Sacred Studies. Yoga has been such an important part of my transition from employee to business owner and it’s taught me to hold things loosely and mindfully.

I’m also grateful for the “givers” of the hard lessons: the people who fired me (and I deserved it), the managers who made it hard for me to do business (which strengthened my resolve that I could do it better), the budgets I didn’t hit, the cancellations that were out of my control. The things that were the hardest or seemed like the worst possible experiences at the time were actually the ones that taught me the lessons I needed to learn, created the conditions for thinking differently about my career and created relationships and pathways that brought me to where I am now.

As far as one defining person to credit, it’s probably my dad, Paul Campbell. He worked in media sales his whole career and imbued me with his tireless work ethic and he demonstrated a commitment to the industry and pride in his work. His name opened so many doors for me in my younger years. I’m so glad he was respected and not a jerk!

Website: https://www.madwomanms.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karole-campbell-7a08732/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karole.campbell

Image Credits
Headshot – Tamera Goldsmith – Click Photography