How do you refine your business pitch, build partnerships, and scale your business without losing your mission? In this episode, we welcome back Christi Kmecik, founder of Written Hugs Designs, to dive into her entrepreneurial journey—what’s changed, what’s working, and how she’s using storytelling to scale impact.We discuss navigating pitch competitions, the power of product testing, vendor challenges, and balancing creativity with business strategy. Plus, Christi shares how her one-to-one giveback program is bringing meaningful connections to those who need it most. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and encouragement.Tune in to hear: ✅ How Christi refined her pitch through competitions and coaching ✅ The power of product testing before scaling ✅ Why tracking data can transform your business decisions ✅ The realities of working with vendors and big retailers ✅ How Christi’s cards are helping nonprofits and families in need🔔 Subscribe & leave a review to support the show! Go to RateThisPodcast.com/ridingtandem and follow the simple instructions.Unpacking this episode min by min: 02:59 The Mission Behind Written Hugs Designs06:05 Growth and Confidence in Entrepreneurship08:59 Pitch Competitions: Insights and Experiences11:49 The Importance of Structure in Pitches14:59 Navigating Challenges in Pitching17:51 Feedback and Its Impact on Business20:21 The Power of Connection Through Cards31:10 The Importance of Customer-Centric Storytelling33:49 Navigating Pitch Competitions and Effective Communication35:02 Product Presentation and Messaging Challenges41:06 Overcoming Roadblocks in Product Distribution42:02 Building Trustworthy Vendor Relationships44:59 Testing Products and Market Fit50:05 Expanding Product Lines and Consumer Insights56:00 Evaluating Vendor Events and Consumer Behavior59:48 Building Connections and Email Lists01:01:07 Diversifying Revenue Streams01:05:13 The Importance of Focus in Business01:06:39 Understanding Customer Acquisition01:12:06 Implementing a One-to-One Give Back Program01:18:32 Future Partnerships and Community ImpactRelated Episodes:# 33 How to get product into big-box stores: the inspiring journey of Christi Kmecik#35 Unleash Your Pitching Potential and Presentation Skills: Expert Advice from Kelsey Stupfell and Niki FergusonVivian Kvam:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviankvam/Email Vivian - [email protected] Reach out! Send your feedback and comments with this survey. Book a 1:1 Mentoring Session with Vivian here: https://550683.17hats.com/p#/scheduling/tbdbfdcsnbtngdfzkgwkrrgcbwcdcrctChristi Kmecik:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Writtenhugsdesigns/Website - www.writtenhugsdesigns.comInstagram - http://instagram.com/writtenhugsdesigns LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-kmecik-11395b271/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/Written.Hugs.Designs?fbclid=PAY2xjawIN4l1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpvaZmkLyxAupgFdGbOfmqp6UhWdIBqkbHUPyvWXAcCeR8jDq7RM4s64mIw_aem_As_i3bk0Rpw0hvka1vkdcA Tandem Works Team:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TandemWorksTeamInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetandemworks/Email the team: [email protected] Send your feedback and comments with this survey. FREE RESOURCES Shop Our Favorite Tools and Things here https://thetandemworks.com/our-favorite-thingsReceive the latest news, encouragement and inspiration from Vivian to your inbox by signing up here https://thetandemworks.com/newsletter-sign-upRiding Tandem with Vivian KvamA podcast from Tandem WorksEmail the team: [email protected]

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