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Q&A: How Marti Kerner reached partner status in just 4 months

The pandemic prompted Marti Kerner to change careers. Now, she’s a Mailchimp partner with a growing business.

This year has been a big one for Marti Kerner and her agency, Spring Ahead Media. Before joining Mailchimp & Co, Marti was, predominantly, a casual Mailchimp user—she used the platform to send weekly newsletters to her @everydayjewishmom followers.

Now, just 4 months later, she’s achieved Mailchimp partner status and trains small business owners in all things Mailchimp.

Read on to find out how Marti did it—and how her business has blossomed along the way.

Marti, you recently reached partner status. Congrats! Has joining Mailchimp & Co changed your business?

In a big way. Becoming a partner’s given me a business. It’s given me a focus.

How so?

Well, before I joined Mailchimp & Co, I worked in social media (Facebook ads and Instagram engagement). Then, suddenly, my one big client no longer needed me. I had all my eggs in that basket, so I needed to rethink what direction my business was headed.

Becoming a partner’s given me a business. It’s given me a focus.

- Marti Kerner, Founder at Spring Ahead Media

Why did you decide email marketing was for you?

Mailchimp made it easy for me to grow my business. They gave me the training, educational tools, and support I needed to become an email marketer. I also have ADHD, so email is perfect for me. With email, you dive in and then you’re done.

What kind of support did Mailchimp & Co offer?

Pro partner Emily Ryan is, essentially, my mentor. She’s sent me tons of leads, and she’s helped me improve as an email marketer (I’ve also worked for her and her feedback’s been invaluable to my professional growth). Emily even gave me the nudge I needed to actually reach partner status.

Oh yeah? What kind of nudge did she give you?

I was nervous about taking my business to that next level. I wasn’t sure about having my own clients—I was comfortable just taking overflow work from marketers, like Emily. I had a bit of impostor syndrome and wasn’t sure I was ready for that next step. But, after taking the certifications and becoming accredited as a partner, I started offering Mailchimp training. I really love teaching others to use this platform, and I’ve been reminded of how much I enjoy connecting with clients that way.

Mailchimp made it easy for me to grow my business. They gave me the training, educational tools, and support I needed to become an email marketer.

- Marti Kerner, Founder at Spring Ahead Media

How long did it take you to reach partner status once you committed to it

I finished my Mailchimp Foundations certification in April, and by July, I had 10 accounts connected. Recently, I finished my automations certification. Now, I’m working towards getting 20 accounts connected, so I can be listed in the experts directory.

How is life as a Mailchimp partner?

It’s great! I’m slowly connecting with other partners, though I definitely feel like a small fish in this pond. I’m continuing to grow my business in the direction that brings me joy and am looking forward to reaching pro partner status soon.

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