Movers and Shakers Interview with Carla Williams Johnson

Published by: Dillon Kivo

Tell us your name and a little about yourself.

I am Carla Williams Johnson, the founder of Carli Communications and I help business owners and entrepreneurs increase their visibility through creative uses of the media.

My business superpower is giving my people creative, out of the box solutions to market their business and get them noticed by the right people, at the right time so you can make the money they deserve right now. Give me the information and I will give you innovation…..with a dash of inspiration.

What exactly does your company do?

I offer sound advertising and marketing advice to persons who are interested in building a business in the ‘real world’. On the surface, I help clients with promoting their business but what I really do is assist my people with finding the best and quickest ways to truly connect with their ideal clients so that they can serve them and, of course, make some money in the process.

What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

For me, I would say time management. I have a clear understanding of what I need to do and how to go about doing it but somehow I always feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Between my business, my client’s work, my family and my children I sometimes feel like I’m going crazy!!! I’d do many little things but always fall short of completing the bigger goals. What has helped me was the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown. The author walks you through his four-step framework on focusing only on what’s important to achieve success. That has helped me tremendously.

Another challenge is connecting with other business owners and entrepreneurs. It’s always great to have a person you can trust who will not only keep your thoughts and ideas confidential but who can give you real, honest advice. You may not always agree but a spirited conversation about how to move your business forward is always welcomed. I have been blessed to have met a few diamonds on my journey that I will never let go of.

Lastly, I would say making self-care a priority. This is something I had to learn the hard way; my advice is to schedule self-care like your life depended on it…..because it does. There are times I get so focused and engrossed in what I’m doing that I forget to eat!!!! Being unkind to your body by not exercising or eating right and not giving the brain time to recharge can have terrible consequences. Now I schedule some me time and keep that appointment as sacred as I do any client meeting.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

To Expect the Unexpected

My business and my life have been filled with twists and turn that no one could have seen coming. It just goes to show that you can plan as much as you want, but there is a higher power at work whether you choose to believe it or not.

Sometimes things are revealed over time, causing you to make drastic decisions to save yourself. Other times you might feel so low and you have no idea how to get out then, in an instant, one client comes along and things turn around for the better.

It’s all part of the growth process. Take it all in stride and enjoy the journey.

Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?

Jennifer Kem has truly been instrumental in my success. I met her virtually in 2016 and I have been hooked ever since. She is extremely knowledgeable in building brands and really showing you how to go make your money.

I also love Gary Vaynerchuck for his realness and honesty in his approach. He says what he needs to and very unapologetic in his approach. I recently started following Selena Soo and Chris Windfield and I am impressed with their knowledge of media and public relations. Having worked in media for most of my life, it’s nice to see persons who still understand the value and impact of traditional forms of advertising in building a business.

I love real people who are honest and who don’t care what others think….they are who they are, they’re experts in their field and you just have to accept it.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?

There are so many people who have helped me in so many ways, but I would have to say my best friend who has been cheering me on from day one!

Odessa Laulys has been by my side and is literally my rock. She’s been there for everything in business and in life and I have no idea what I would do without her.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

What I’ve realized that so many persons need someone like me who can tell them the truth, even if that truth is something they don’t want to hear.

Honestly, I fulfill my dreams helping others fulfill theirs. I love that I can truly support people who need it. My vision is to help as many business owners as possible promote themselves in the right way to the right people and to make their lives better.

I intend to leave a powerful legacy for my children.