"Networking has become easier than ever before with so many events having gone online" with Tracy Gold
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After running her own fashion business since 2003 and learning to use technology to take her business international, she founded Midlife Tech Geek which helps those who are technically challenged to get their businesses online fast.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
I have run my own fashion business since 2003 as a personal stylist, designer, YouTube influencer and QVC fashion presenter. At the beginning of 2020, I was hand-picked by Katy Perry to represent her shoe collection on QVC. When COVID hit, putting all of my projects on pause, I realized that it was time to redirect. That’s when I founded Midlife Tech Geek.
What inspired you to start your business?
Lock downs and restrictions has meant that we have to do business online more than ever before. I found that there are many people over the age of 40 who find pivoting to online challenging and very frustrating. I love technology and have learned how to use it to redirect, grow and pivot my business when needed. I realized that I could use my talents and skills, to help the technically challenged to learn how to get set up and grow their businesses online.
Where is your business based?
Everywhere really, because I am online, but I live in New York City.
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
I have learned that starting a successful business is about finding where there is a need and filling it. That’s what I did. I didn’t have everything figured out in the beginning. I just started by setting up a one page website and as I spoke with potential clients on how best to serve them, the services I needed to offer became clear.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
For me it’s always been about networking and having a strong online presence that has a clear and consistent brand message. Networking has become easier than ever before with so many events having gone online. I get to network with people around the country and around the world.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
My challenge right now, is setting this business up to be bigger than just me. I intend on setting it up to scale and run effectively with the help of a great team. I can see that growing a team will be a challenge, but one I’m prepared to take on. This isn’t my only business, so if I want to grow as a person and do various things, then this business needs to be set up to give me the freedom to do that.
How do you stay focused?
I am a list girl. I make a list of the things I want or need to do and then prioritize the ones that have to get done today. This keeps me focused and help me prioritize.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
I am over 40 and I wasn’t born with a cell phone in my hand, so I know how frustrating learning technology can be. My business is about empowering people to learn for themselves, not doing it for them. I don’t see many other companies offering this service to technically challenged people.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
Two things are working well for me:
1. I attend various networking events and then connect with individuals via social media to grow brand awareness.
2. I offer a free introductory workshop where I share some very valuable tips on how to get your business online fast and introduce my programs if they want to learn more. This allows me to build relationships with prospective clients and stay in touch with them through my newsletters.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
When considering if your business idea is a good one, ask yourself this question. What problem am I wanting to solve and is the pain experienced from having this problem enough that people will pay for the solution?
What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
I love Audible. I love books and learning new things, so I listen while I’m walking or am on the subway.
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
YouTube is a great resource for me whether I’m trying to solve a tech question, wanting some new recipe ideas or researching a topic.
Who is your business role model? Why?
I really admire Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary NYC. She self-funded setting up a beautiful co-working space in New York City and when COVID hit, they transitioned to virtual membership that made it possible for women to still learn, connect and support each other. She is also a super node networker.
How do you balance work and life?
Sunday is my Sabbath. I don’t look at social media and I give myself space to connect, pause, reflect and re-coop from the past week.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
I love going to dance classes, but since COVID, I’ve been going for daily walks in Central Park.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
That’s funny! I’m such a planner, but COVID has changed that. My plan is to take things as they come. Plan as best I can and release what I cannot control. Release is harder for me than planning, which is why it’s so important for me to do.
How can our readers connect with you?
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