This month, I celebrate 12 years in business. In recognition, I started writing a post about 12 things I learned in 12 years — but reconsidered. A recent project my team is working on with Character.org led me to another idea…
What if I talked to 12 people — contractors, clients, vendors — asking them for a collective “12 things” of what it means to work with #Strella? I ran the idea by Jennifer, our people/operations lead. She loved it, so I went with it.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work with #Strella — in any capacity — here’s an overview!
12 Perspectives On Working With #Strella Social Media
1. Dan Mullenger, #Strella Team Member
Working with the #Strella team has been amazing! It has been a perfect storm of professionalism and family. Everyone is so friendly, supportive, and willing to work hard together towards our common goals.
2. John Webster, Website Provider
When I work with #Strella, I never have to worry about communication. The details, instructions, and timeline are always crystal clear. The whole team works to ensure the project is always kept on track and quickly communicates any changes.
3. Chad Call, Client
You guys are the best, seriously. You do such an amazing job on our shows and brand. We talk about it all the time — you completely have our confidence. We have many vendors that we have a hard time working with because of our leaning in on the value side of our shows, and you guys get it and get going with it. That is so amazing.
4. Karen Try, #Strella Team Member
As a member of Team #Strella, I can tell you it is a team indeed. Each member specializes in their area of expertise and when blended together, we have a winning formula for success. Team meetings, client meetings, and one-on-one check-ins connect all the members to a dedicated and sharing environment.
5. Ella Gunnell, #Strella Team Member
After 12 years in business, #Strella is a well-oiled machine. I have only been with the company a little over a year, and the amount of growth and success I have seen in my short time makes me excited to see just how far we can go.
6. Cindy Utterback, #Strella Team Member
Being a #Strella team member has been a truly exciting and rewarding experience for me for several reasons. The leadership team goes above and beyond when it comes to their business ethics and flexibility, and their core values are amazing and practiced in all areas of the business. It’s very motivating and inspires confidence in the future growth and success of the company!
7. Jennifer Hanford, #Strella Team Member
#Strella's recognition of each individual's accomplishments and the encouragement we all receive to strive for more is something I truly admire. Maintaining collaboration and efficient communication on a team requires managing relationships. It's so great to be a part of a team that works together so well, even though we all work remotely.
8. Laney Goff, #Strella Team Member
My experience working with #Strella has been nothing short of amazing. There is such a sense of community and leadership that it makes it hard not to love being a part of the team. Every day I am challenged with something new and exciting, but there is so much support from Rachel and the rest of the team that it's easy to tackle anything!
9. Debra Yates, Former Client
I got to know Rachel a few years ago through the American Business Women Association. Next, she helped with my business’s social media. The #Strella team are so reliable and spot on with their messaging. Great team! I follow Rachel and her blogs on current issues that we all can relate to.
10. Jenn Barnes, #Strella Team Member
I have been so lucky to have found #Strella later on in my life! As a mom of nearly 30 years, it has been so fun to work again…and get to know new people and acquire new skills!
11. Lauren Galli, #Strella Team Member
Working for #Strella over the past decade has taught me so much about myself, about the industry, and about working with other people. Plus, there is the bonus that I now know all about African Safaris, HVAC, Commercial Real Estate in Houston, and so many other topics.
12. Jennifer Grigg, #Strella Team Member
What it means to be working with #Strella…Teamwork with people who want everyone to succeed.
My Reflections on Our 12 Years
It warms my heart to read what my team and clients have shared about working with #Strella. Building a brand on vulnerability, accessibility, and reliability has generated trust — and it's an honor to work with people who value what I value. They are growing #Strella bigger than I could ever have imagined!
With their support and hard work, I continue to climb my way to securing #Strella Social Media’s spot in the 25 percent of businesses that make it 15 years or more. (I discovered the statistical probability of success when I wrote my 10 Years in Business post.) According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of new businesses fail during the first two years, 45 percent during the first five years, and 65 percent during the first 10 years. Only 25 percent make it to 15 years or more.
Three more years to defy the odds. And I’ll wager we’ll succeed.
