Executive Summary: Kara Chase

1) What time of the day you are most productive?

I am most productive first thing in the morning (you know that time before everyone is awake and at the office and the phones aren’t yet ringing).

2) What type of music do you like?

I received an IPod for Christmas and it wasn’t until I was downloading my “playlist” that I realized what a variety of music I like…I love everything from Van Morrison, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, to Norah Jones, Maroon 5, Usher, INXS, Alicia Keys, OneRepublic, Blue October to Rihanna…and just about everything in between…I love music; it just makes me feel good.

3) What do you stress over?

I used to stress over everything and then I realized it was making me and everyone around me miserable; I have moments here and there when I stress over a deadline or a big presentation, but truly I work at trusting my gut instincts, my family, my friends and my staff; that way I don’t need to be stressed.

4) What big decision are you contemplating?

In this economy, I am hearing that there are a number of stellar designers and sales people looking for new jobs; and, while my business is steady, do I take the financial risk of hiring the talent now while I can, or do I wait until my business grows to the level where the hire is more justified – surround yourself with good people to go get the work…or go get the work and then find the right people?

5) What do you do to wind down?

Go home, turn on some music, have a glass of wine and cook dinner with my boyfriend; take my dogs for a walk and workout.

6) What is the biggest business mistake and lesson learned?

I have had moments when I get too comfortable in doing the same routine; pursuing the same type of clients; or even worse, spending too much time on existing business and not striking the right balance between prospecting and marketing for new business. I have learned that I must ALWAYS be selling – to my existing clients and prospecting for new; during the lean and the fat times.

7) What was your “I made it moment”?

I don’t think I will ever be able to say “I made it,” because I find myself always wanting more…needing to go after that next great “thing”…once I get there…I just set my sights higher; some day I will “make it,” but for now, I’m enjoying the ride there.

What business tool can you not live without?

My staff; I know they are not technically a “tool,” but put the cell phone, computer and email aside and we can still do business, a little slower, of course, but without the right people, none of the others really matter.

9) What is something about you that few know?

I am a bi-centennial Valentine’s baby.

10) What is your smartest business move?

Hiring a sales coach – it has made the world of difference to my outlook, the way I handle new business opportunities, and the way I earn my business.

11) When you are away from work, what do you like doing?

I love to travel; last year I made the time to catch up on the vacation time I just never seemed to take the four years prior; I made it to San Diego, CA, Scottsdale, AZ, and Las Vegas. It is just nice to disconnect, get away and re-energize.