Meet Catie J. Wyman-Norris, Owner of Energy Essentials, CNC
Tell us about your business.
Energy Essentials is the 3rd largest Whole Food Supplement and Nutrition company in the U.S. Our customer understands the difference between live, real food vs. synthetic supplements and targets ages 30 to 95 yrs with strong emphasis on the wise aging baby boomers.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
I was born with a rare, genetic blood disease and had given it to my children. When the Doctor said my son would die by the age of 2 just from the blood transfusions alone, I set out to save him before I passed. I knew from working with Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and Norman Cousins that the building blocks of the body were real, live foods and I worked laboriously to find answers and consequently also saved my life. Being a business owner from my perspective actually means helping change lives and maybe even extending lives through what I do. It just doesn’t get better than that.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
Undoubtedly, the greatest influence in my business has been my kids. I’m sure that’s not a common answer but it is true. Everything I do is to keep them alive and healthy and the end results of my efforts are that many others benefit from the fruits (& veggies!) (pun intended) of my work-from those seeking to increase health and energy, to the normal person seeing the benefits of real foods, and to the many celebrities who write about my products.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
My greatest professional accomplishment to date is breaking into an industry that has been entrenched in often sincere, yet still misguided information which has cost many human lives, much suffering and billions of dollars and becoming one of the top in this whole food industry. Our mission is to educate others to see and understand that their symptoms very often can mean a single nutritional deficiency (as the great Linus Pauling taught me) or deficiencies and that there are foods and food supplements out there that may truly help reverse these symptoms.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
My advice to anyone precious individual wishing to make their mark in the business world is to try to do what you are passionate about. Find what makes your heart happy and makes you think from your heart because you will truly be making a difference in this world and no efforts will ever be wasted.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
This may be likened to putting the cart before the horse but the most effective marketing strategies have come after several celebrity endorsements in books, major magazines and on T.V., in which we have used the print for enhancing brochures or T.V. clips to add to the internet site or DVD’s. These marketing materials have enhanced the already celebrity driven product sales to become even more popular. Keep in mind though, that the true marketing was creating the best products I possibly could which inspired these conscious celebrities to share these wonderful products with others. Thus they did my marketing for me because the product(s) truly changed their lives. You can’t buy that type of marketing most certainly.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
The one thing that has served me in business over the years is that authenticity is the key. This means being true to yourself and those you serve no matter what. This allows others to be themselves also and work is much more enjoyable and productive with this in mind.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
We use mail chimp to get info out to our customers and it has been really effective. We’ve seen a 12% increase in sales directly related to regular email blasts in the past 6 months. www.mailchimp.com
We also share our products with radio shows and television shows in which we feel fits our demographics and often get publicity from them.
We have invested in SEO (Google Search Engine Optimization) of our site which is an ongoing part of our business which has increased sales by 21% this year. (check into Google ads also).
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
For fun, I love to try new recipes, try new restaurants, swim, biking, and share great moments with my family and friends. Relaxation has been a learned skill and I sure am having fun at it! I love to read on my out door swinging bed, watch great movies, and cuddle with my honey, Tony.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
I am all about goals and can tell you that this may be a twofold goal since launching my true meal replacement weigh less cookie in a market that has settled for very little, I expect to accomplish 3 to 5 million in sales at least in this next year. This will allow me to work on my reality show to help others find their Cures in the Kitchen!®
You want to write a book on The Truth about Vitamin C (fill in the blank and feel free to explain). This book is crucial for people to understand the benefits of “Real” Vitamin C to their health when heart disease is a woman’s (and man’s) number one killer. (Please see other books written: Magnetic Miracle’s (best seller), The Truth about Calcium, on www.energyessentials.com under books, DVD’s).
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
It takes a never give up attitude and determination when deciding to become an entrepreneur. If you have a dream, work it, perfect it, make a plan and work your plan, set goals and let others know about them so they can support you. When you lie your head down at night in exhaustion, your prayers should be to welcome every obstacle you have daily as those obstacles are getting you closer to your goal. Also: even if you have a lot of sense, doesn’t mean you have common sense. That also can’t be bought. Develop your faith and wisdom to always guide you. Blessings always, Catie
How can our readers connect with you online?
My website is: www.energyessentials.com. I am also on Facebook and Twitter.
