Entrepreneur Interview: Paige Arnof-Fenn, Mavens & Moguls
By sue on Aug 05, 2011 with Comments 2
Business Name:
Mavens & Moguls
Website URL:
www.MavensAndMoguls.com
Year Founded:
2002
Business Partners:
None, I own the company 100%
Number of Employees:
48 contractors
What does your company do?
Mavens & Moguls is a global network of seasoned marketing professionals with expertise in Marketing, Branding, Market Research, PR, Web Services, Online Marketing, Social Media and Lead Generation. Our clients range from early stage startups to Fortune 500 firms like Virgin, Colgate and The New York Times.
Was there a specific turning point when you realized your business was moving to the next level?
We grew very quickly in the early years tripling and quadrupling sales tear over year. I took a month off to travel for my 40th birthday and did not know whether the company would survive but I came back to a thriving business and had my best year so I knew it was real!
What processes or procedures have you implemented that have helped grow your company?
I am only as effective as my team so cannot afford any weak links. As we have grown and expanded our services I continue to upgrade the quality of the team. We have to be able to trust each other so if someone does not play nice in the sandbox they do not last long here.
What is most rewarding about running your business?
I love the autonomy & flexibility you have as a business owner. The buck really stops here so you know what you are made of every day, it is exhilarating!
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
I had to get rid of an unethical colleague which was really disappointing personally and professionally. It sent a strong signal to the group and my clients that we are serious about our core values and strengthened the relationships we had. Karma always wins.
If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?
I’d have to be more visible on social media for sure, luckily we have a strong reputation and track record of success from before adults joined Facebook and started tweeting.
What advice do you have for other business owners?
I have tons of advice and wrote a column for Entrepreneur for years;
http://www.mavensandmoguls.
Bottom line though is to be genuinely passionate about your business and surround yourself with great people.
Please list any favorite books, tools or resources (software, website, etc.) you would recommend for others:
How To Win Friends & Influence People
The Tipping Point
Good To Great
Eat Pray Love 
What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I do not know how to cook (but I married at terrific chef)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Trust your gut
Never underestimate the power of good manners & common sense in your success
Don’t hire or work with jerks
Filed Under: Entrepreneur Interviews • Interviews - Entrepreneurs and Authors
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Arnof-Fenn never looses sight of the simple. Keep it simple. Always like to hear what she has to say. Thank you (notice I am practicing my good manners).
I had the opportunity to work for Paige for the U.S. Treasury’s 1996 Olympic Coin Task Force. Never in all my working career have I worked for a person with such integrity. Paige never failed to make each of her employees feel very valuable to the mission. What particularly impressed me about Paige her kind and carrying heart and her extraordinary commitment to excellence in customer service. Her genuine loyalty to her employees will go unsurpassed. This motivated us to always go the extra mile for her. She led by example which had a positive impact on the attitude and productivity of all who worked under her leadership, as well as her peers!