Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Ferngren.
Hi Cynthia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent two decades of my career climbing up the corporate ladder working for some of the top advertising agencies in the business launching brands for fortune 500 companies. Although I loved what I did and the experience I got, when I got to the top of the ladder I felt unfulfilled. I realized I was working 80 hour weeks, commuting long hours, and building someone else’s dreams and company, not my own. So I left to go out on my own. I now own and run Cynthia Ferngren Consulting, an Outsourced CMO firm. I work with clients all over the world to start and build their businesses. What makes my firms process unique is that the process begins with in depth market research to uncover target audience insights and get a deep understanding on what keeps them up at night, what their needs are, where they live online, and ultimately what messaging and brand story will connect with them emotionally. I then develop a comprehensive roadmap for the brand so my clients know the exact formula that will grow their brand.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If anyone tells you their road to starting a business is smooth they are lying. The first few years of starting my firm were challenging. There were many sleepless nights trying to figure out how I was going to stand out among the countless other marketing consultants. My biggest learning as a business owner is that you need to be continually pivoting and that you cannot be afraid to fail because you will fail a lot. Initially, I started a digital marketing agency. What I quickly realize is that not only was this space really crowded, but it was transactional. Clients would come and need a website built for them, but when the project was finished, they were gone. It left me in a constant state of pitching for new business. I wanted to build long terms relationships and also wanted to contribute more to a company than just helping them with marketing materials. I ended pivoting to focus on building what is now Cynthia Ferngren Consulting. I treat each client’s business as if it was my own and work with them on everything from helping to find the right manufacturer, to business planning, to messaging and campaign development.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With today’s technology-focused business models, the need to be nimble and adaptable is critical for any business. For many companies, carrying the overhead of a $250,000 – $350,000 CMO salary doesn’t always make sense and isn’t always necessary. Companies are often left with either carrying the costly salary of a C-level marketing professional or filling the role with a less experienced professional due to budget. We bridge the gap between the expensive full-time senior-level marketing professional and day-to-day team, providing both flexibility and value. As an outsourced CMO firm, we work to lead our Client’s marketing team and provide you the necessary leadership and expertise to help them grow their business. We consider ourselves part of our Client’s team and are passionate about seeing their company grow and reach new revenue goals.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important thing I have learned is to not be afraid to fail. In fact, embrace failing and fail often. I have realized that it is an opportunity to grow and learn and improve. I have also learned the value of asking for help and advice from those that walked in my shoes before me. As an entrepreneur, there is a tendency to want to try and figure everything out yourself. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that having mentors and advisors you can reach out to and ask advice to is important.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.yourmoderncmo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaferngren/
- Other: www.cynthiaferngren.com
