Back in December I interviewed with ShoutOut Arizona Magazine to talk about business, radio, and work/life balance. I also give “shout outs” to some of my favorite places in the valley!
We had the good fortune of connecting with Dani Cutler and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dani, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started my business in addition to co-managing KWSS Radio, I struggled with balance. Both marketing and radio are not typical 8-5 jobs with weekends off. What I’ve learned is how to be aware of my boundaries. If I’m up working late or on weekends, it’s important to plan future time accordingly for myself and my family. It is equally important to make sure clients know when you are taking time off too so they can better respect your time, and you won’t feel like you are always working.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I provide social media management, digital marketing, and training to small businesses with a focus on community-building. I learned through growing up in music it’s about listening, and connecting with your customers on a personal level. It means listening to their wants and needs, and responding to them directly. What sets me apart is my background in podcasting and radio. I understand the importance of using various forms of communication to connect with your audience. That was my biggest challenge, to set myself apart from being “just another social media manager.” My radio work and more casual approach to marketing and promotions makes people feel more comfortable and empowered to have successful campaigns. My “second job” is volunteering for Phoenix radio station KWSS 93.9fm. In 2007 I joined the station and since then I have also become the Promotions and Marketing manager, along with co-managing daily operations. In addition, I host the morning show every weekday from 6am-10am MST, and a lunchtime 80’s hour called Dani’s Diner. Probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stop comparing what I do to what others are doing. If you are passionate and care about the work you are doing, that will shine through. It doesn’t matter if you have a different or unconventional approach. In the long run, that will be appreciated more than anything.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh so many things! I’d take them to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), catch a movie or two at FilmBar, stroll the Desert Botanical Garden, and take them shopping at Strawberry Hedgehog for soaps and gifts. I’d browse vinyl with them at Stinkweeds and Zia Records. We would catch local music shows at Last Exit Live, Crescent Ballroom, The Rebel Lounge and The Van Buren. We’d catch some music at Pho Cao too, which we could enjoy while having dinner. We’d also dine at Mingle + Graze, and grab some Mexican food at Nandos.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t have even thought to start my marketing business if it weren’t for my friend Cheyenne Rowell, AKA Simply Cheyenne. She wanted to hire me for a project she was working on in 2012, and instead of bringing me on as staff, she said I should just start my own business. So I did. I also have to thank my husband Bret for the support and flexibility as I began my business journey, and continued flexibility that comes with being married to a business owner!
Website: https://danicutler.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcutleraz/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcutleraz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcutleraz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DCutlerAZ/
Other: kwss.org https://www.facebook.com/kwssradio https://instagram.com/kwss_radio
Image Credits
Ryan B. Clark David Majure Devon Adams