Kris WittenbergSayNoMore! Promotions make mine a million $ business powered by: count me in

My Story

Prior to founding SayNoMore! Promotions in 1999, I did Kids Marketing within the Foodservice industry. This gave me a wealth of experience in marketing and promotions, overseas manufacturing and the safety standards associated with that, entrepreneurialism, and meeting deadlines, all of which have come in handy with SayNoMore! Promotions. In our nearly ten-year history, we have had a few hurdles. From caring for and losing my mother to cancer in the early years of my company, to meeting, marrying and having children with my husband (who has become a vital part of our company) while trying to run and grow a business, to "seizing all of the opportunities" that this economic downturn has provided…you know, “life happens.” These challenges are all things the other women in this community have dealt with at some point, to some degree. With each new challenge that arises, one of the sisters in M3 has wisdom to share from her own experience with it. The sisterhood here that I discovered in June of 2006 when we won the Make Mine a Million $ Business award has absolutely transformed my life as a woman entrepreneur, a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend. Our business has grown substantially, and I feel like I have earned an MBA just by being a part of this community. I am privileged and honored to be a part of this phenomenal group of women, sponsors and mentors.

My passion:

After my husband and kids, helping our clients be remembered.

Why I started my business:

I wanted to do a better job of taking care of my clients. My former employers were all about sell, sell, sell and I felt that when I focused on building the relationships, the sales would follow, which they have.

Why I joined the M3 RACE:

To grow my business and be in a community of other women entrepreneurs

Best business advice:

Believe in yourself. Okay, I borrowed that from Nell and Count Me In, but it is by far the best advice I can give. Had I grasped the importance of that earlier in life it would have made things a lot easier.

My biggest challenge:

Trying to figure out how to fit more hours in the day.

What helps my business grow:

Getting "out there" whether at networking events or via marketing outreach

How I balance work/life:

We have an au pair who lives with us to help with the kids. My husband is incredible and does the grocery shopping and cooking. We have a true partnership so I am very fortunate.

Within five years, my business will:

Be running like a well-oiled machine, with multiple offices across the country and a team of loyal team members who are personally and financially fulfilled as a result of working for SayNoMore! Promotions.

My professional affiliations:

WBENC, WPO, M4