The Ms. CEO Show

Alicia Ingram, founder, President and CEO of ANI Creative is Ms. CEO of the Week. Her Atlanta based firm has carved out a niche in marketing and business services to create success. Visit her company online and check out our interview with her below for more about this week’s Ms. CEO!

What is the nature of your business and how do you increase revenues year over year? ANI Creative is in the results and communications business often known as “effective marketing”. We help my clients deliver hard-hitting messages, execute creative strategies and implement practical marketing solutions that make them stand out in the marketplace. As far as our revenues, we achieve growth in several ways: 1) Always maintaining existing relationships while building new ones at the same time; 2) Creating multiple impressions – also known as branding; and 3) In this economy, having sheer determination and constantly responding to my clients most pressing needs – that old fashioned concept generally referred to as “customer service”.

Have current economic conditions had an impact on your business—how so? Like for many, business is slower than normal, but this is also a time for re-tooling and new service offerings based on client needs.

If you weren’t running the business you are running what kind would you have—or what would you be doing instead? Hmm…I was in St. Thomas and I thought the guy who rented paddle boats on the beach had a pretty good job. So yes, I would be renting paddle boats on a beach; but honestly, I love what I’m doing now.

What do you do to de-stress? Work out, work out and then work out some more.

What businesswoman (women) do you admire and why? Shelia Johnson for her authenticity; and all women in politics or business who are trailblazers.

You have political aspirations—how will you balance between politics and business? Do you see them as contradictory or collaborative endeavors?
Very collaborative, business and civic leadership go hand in hand and require the same skill set of building relationships in order to drive results. In business, results are often revenue where has in politics, it’s often sound policy.

Are you in a relationship? If so, how does your significant other support you in business?
Currently, I’m not. However, from past experience, support from your significant other is essential. It’s important to have someone who understands your business in your passion and is flexible when it comes to having to pull late nights.

Do you think image makes a big difference in a business woman’s ability to succeed—and what kind of image do you try to project? A good friend of mine and I were discussing this very topic yesterday. Image makes a big difference and yes, for women more so than men. As business women, half of the battle is managing other people’s perceptions of you. This can be your image or your brand. Physical appearance is a part of that package. People make assumptions based on your image.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in business and how did you recover? So many, but most memorably, not wanting to pay attention to accounting practices…it makes or breaks a business. I hired an accountant.

What’s your favorite food; color; song; vacation spot?
Food: Pizza and Oatmeal
Color: Blue all day everyday
Song: Too many to pick just one but anything by Beyonce’
Vacation spot: Toss up between St. Thomas and Capetown