Semi-finalist Q&A: ChargedUp Media

ChargedUp Media is an online branding company that helps businesses take charge of their niche through the use of social media and internet marketing.

Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I've been marketing online for several years. I didn't always know what I was doing was considered "marketing", but after a while I began to see the effectiveness behind all of my hard work. After experimenting with social media for about 2 years, people started to come to me and ask how to do what I was doing. My business mentors advised me to start a business in social media marketing, and that's how ChargedUp Media was born.

What do you love most about running your own business?

I love the freedom to do what I love every single day. Sure, there are days when I may have to do something that I'm not thrilled with, but most of the time I have a big smile on my face. I also love being able to connect with people and help them succeed in their businesses as well.

What makes your business unique?

Social media is very new to many people. While the majority of the population has a Facebook, MySpace or Twitter account, so many of them have no idea how to use it to their advantage. I teach people how to build their brand - whether personal or corporate - on the internet. I share with them how a small town girl (me) has developed into a public speaker and avid marketer, all because of social media. I'm also the only social media marketing company in my city, which means I'm bringing something new to the area that has a lot of potential to succeed.

What are some of your top business-related accomplishments, or business lessons learned?

One of my favorite accomplishments is the fact that I've been able to succeed in establishing myself as a speaker. I speak mainly on entrepreneurism and marketing. I did not go to college, yet the local college regular invites me to speak at their classes, and I'm now receiving bookings throughout the state. I hope to expand beyond my state lines very soon.

As for lessons learned, I look back and wish that I'd saved more money to start my business up in the beginning. I started out with nothing, which has added to the challenge of running my own business. So my advice to any entrepreneur would be to save some money in advance, if possible, before jumping into their own operation.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?

I love life and I love to make people laugh. I'm just an overall happy person. If I won the grant money, it would financially enable me to give back more to the community. I am passionate about seeing my area become successful and I hate that money sometimes puts a restriction on how much I can do. At 22 years old, I have a lot of energy, and I'm ready and willing to make a positive impact on lives wherever I go. Thank you all for considering me!