Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Stacy Karacostas (and then some...)

If you’ve made it here, chances are you’ve got a few burning questions like:

"Who the heck is Stacy Karacostas, and why should I listen to her?"

“How did she learn to do all this marketing and copywriting stuff?”

" Why does she give so much valuable information away for free?"

Stacy's Bio in a Nutshell

Stacy Karacostas began developing her knack for driving small businesses to success at a very young age…She was just six years old when she went to work in her parent’s animal hospital. By the time she was 14 she was helping run the practice, and the entrepreneurial spirit had seeped into her blood.

Today, after running four small businesses of her own—and working with more than 100 satisfied clients—Stacy truly understands the unique difficulties entrepreneurs face. So, although her impressive client list includes large organizations like the Small Business Administration, Eddie Bauer, Philips Medical Systems and REI, her passion and expertise lie in helping small businesses grow.

Stacy has written more than 100 articles on marketing, copywriting, sales and small business success. She is a dynamic speaker, and the author of the e-workbook ‘Putting Your Business on the Road to Success’ that makes writing a simple yet powerful marketing plan as easy as planning a vacation road trip, as well as the recently published e-book The Small Business Website Bible.

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“How did I learn marketing and copywriting?”

To be honest, I've always been a good writer. And I’ve always had a knack for sales and marketing. Maybe it comes from growing up around, working in, and running my parents’ animal hospital for half my life. Or maybe it’s just that I’m a sick and twisted individual. But to be honest, I’ve always found the art of persuasion fascinating—and I’ve always loved to write.

Of course, my path to becoming a savvy and successful copywriter, marketing expert and entrepreneur was anything but straight. I studied environmental education in college, and went on to a six-year career with the Forest Service. Along the way I learned how to connect with a particular audience, influence people to see a certain point of view, and motivate them to take action.

I also wrote signage for visitor’s centers and trail heads, scripted radio shows, and developed and presented all manner of naturalist talks—kids programs, slide shows, nature hikes…you name it.

Later I realized that, fundamentally, environmental education is really no different from sales and marketing. Only instead of selling products and services, I was selling people on the importance of wilderness and the benefits of Mother Nature.

I loved what I was doing (and I got to live and play in some pretty amazing places!). But as federal budgets shrunk, so did my career opportunities. Soon I launched a side business training local rafting and tour guides to be better naturalists. I also started a profitable paddling department in an outdoor store, and at the same wrote all the copy for their newspaper and radio ads.

Eventually it came time for a change...

So I moved back east to help my parents with their business again. Then I made the jump into training, management consulting, and sales. And no matter what, I always ended up doing some copywriting too.

After moving to Washington in 2000, I decided to combine my love of small business with my copywriting and marketing savvy to create my last business—The Write Ideas in 2002. I offered copywriting and marketing consulting to all kinds of businesses. In less than three years I was booked solid, six weeks out.

Since then I’ve written more than 100 articles on marketing, copywriting, sales and small business success. I've also published my Marketing Success Action Plan e-workbook "Putting Your Business on the Road to Success" that makes writing a powerful, 2-page marketing plan as easy as planning a vacation road trip, and the recently published e-book The Small Business Website Bible.

SuccessStream is my latest venture…

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Why do I give so much valuable marketing information away for free?

Because I’m a firm believer—and living proof—that anyone who wants to own a business can be successful. Most folks just need a little help along the way (after all, it’s practically impossible to be an expert at everything).

So although I’ve done plenty of copywriting for big corporations, my true passion is helping entrepreneurs make their dreams come true.

I’ve now owned four different successful businesses myself, and managed numerous others. So I can empathize with all the hours slaving and agonizing…the pitfalls and mistakes…the stresses and joys that come with owning a business.

Along the way I’ve learned a lot. In particular I’ve learned that the best product, service or business is worthless if people don’t know anything about it. And a business that is not making sales is destined to be short-lived. But unfortunately, most entrepreneurs don’t put near enough time learning about marketing—let alone actually doing it.

Which is a shame.

Because marketing is not rocket science.

In fact, for the most part it is quite logical once you understand how it works. But you have to remember that it is an entire discipline and field of study all on it's own.

At the same time, I know that not every entrepreneur is not ready to invest in having a skilled professional write their copy. Or hire a consultant to personally guide them through creating effective marketing. But that shouldn't’t mean they can’t succeed on their own.

Good information and a little guidance can go a long way towards building a thriving business. So I’ve dedicated this business to helping other entrepreneurs demystify these critical skills.

That's why I try to offer you all the knowledge you need to get going in the right direction. And I work hard to make marketing, sales and copywriting as fun, easy and effective for you as possible. You can tap right into all the knowledge in my brain by signing up for my free weekly e-newsletter, Bright Ideas.

I want you to feel completely confident that I can provide the services and resources you need to be successful. If you don’t find everything you want to know on my Web site, just give me a call at (206) 200-7594 and I can answer your questions personally.

Check out my Critiquing, Consulting and Copywriting services...

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