Shannon Guild, Papermoon Branding Agency
After spending 15 years in various strategic planning roles at a Fortune 100 financial services firm, Shannon left to pursue her true passion: helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs grow their businesses and illuminate their brands. Her expertise lies in clarifying the big picture objectives and developing actionable strategies to bring them to life. Having been directly responsible for starting six entrepreneurial endeavors herself over the last ten years, Shannon has a keen understanding of business planning, branding, implementation, and the roller coaster ride that transpires along the way. Wearing the many hats of all things strategy at Papermoon, Shannon works 1:1 with individuals and organizations to help them define and simplify their who they are, what they offer, and why it matters. Her happy place is translating those foundational discoveries into core messages, offerings, and experiences for brands and individuals alike.
How did you get started?
I created my first hand-written spreadsheets before I could even spell my name (and WAY before MS excel came around)! And I developed my first tagline when I was eight years old. My friend’s parents were in a band and they were looking for a catchy slogan to use on a poster to advertise their upcoming gig. I was eavesdropping and overheard their conversation. I had an idea, I shared it, and they loved it. I believe that the seeds of small business were planted in my bones on that day! Fast forward 27 years, a marketing degree, and a lot of experience later, I co-founded Papermoon with my best friend and extremely talented business partner, Beth. Together, we work with businesses and organizations to help them clarify, create, and connect their brands. We believe that our work empowers other business owners to do their best work because it gives them confidence and credibility (which leads to cash)! Wow, that’s a lot of C’s…
Greatest lessons you have learned on your journey of entrepreneurship
There is growth in discomfort. If I’m uncomfortable or anxious about something, or nervous to do something – I pay attention to how I feel afterward. If I feel strong and empowered afterward, I do more of that. Because that’s where the magic lives. And I always trust my intuition. It has never led me astray.
Advice you would give someone who is considering starting a business
Plan ahead! Make sure you have a solid business plan and a solid nest egg saved. All of the passion and purpose in the world will not get it done without a plan. Know that there will be days of self-doubt, frustration, and insecurities. But they are often followed by days of courage, pride, and inspiration. Going into business for myself is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. But it’s also the most rewarding.
Daily routine that is a key to success.
The most important piece for me is planning my time every week. I like to chunk my time in 2-hour blocks so that I can make a meaningful contribution to whatever I’m working on (whether that’s a client meeting, administrative tasks, or creating something new for my business). I also make sure that I spend enough time each week on tasks that are directly tied to generating revenue (working “in” my business as opposed to working “on” my business).
Favorite book or podcast
I’m a podcast gal. I love the Creative Live Power*Profit*Pursuit with Tara Gentile. She’s a genius business strategist and has real conversations with successful entrepreneurs about how they’re making money and what they’ve learned. Amy Porterfield’s Online Marketing Made Easy is a close second. So good!
Something you do when you’re having a bad day
I snuggle with Odie Boy. How can anyone resist that face? (see Odie in top picture)
Favorite quotes
“Don’t worry if you’re making waves simply by being yourself. The moon does it all the time.” – Scott Stabile