Part Two: The Leap Into Digital Marketing: My First Big Break

Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them. My journey into digital marketing began almost by accident—a serendipitous twist that would shape the trajectory of my career. Fresh out of my first entrepreneurial venture and eager for new challenges, I took a temporary position at a loyalty company. Little did I know, that temp job would evolve into a full-time role created specifically for me, offering an unparalleled experience that laid the foundation for my future success.

Turning a Temp Job Into a Career

When I started, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The loyalty company was a leader in its space, but I quickly realized how much opportunity there was to grow its member base. In the early days, I was handed the reins of a significant challenge: managing a $10 million annual marketing budget to acquire 85% of the company’s members. The magnitude of the responsibility wasn’t lost on me, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, I was invigorated.

Over the next five years, I threw myself into the role. The budget allowed us to experiment, optimize, and refine our strategies, and the results were extraordinary. By the time I left, the company had amassed 65 million members—a number that still astounds me when I think about it. That company continues to thrive today, and knowing I played a part in its success remains one of the proudest accomplishments of my career.

Lessons in Leadership and Strategy

What made this role truly special was the environment. I was fortunate to work under inspiring leaders who believed in me, challenged me, and gave me the freedom to explore creative solutions. They didn’t micromanage; instead, they encouraged innovation and trusted me to execute.

I also built incredible relationships during my time there. My coworkers became trusted collaborators, and I formed lasting connections with many of the partners and vendors I worked with. Some of these relationships have come full circle, with people I met during those years reappearing in my current journey as a digital marketing agency owner.

The experience taught me the importance of leadership—not just in guiding others but in being an advocate for myself. It also honed my ability to craft strategies that could deliver measurable results, a skill that continues to serve me well today.

The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing

One of my proudest achievements during this time was working on the Refer-a-Friend program. The idea was simple: leverage the satisfaction of existing members to encourage them to invite their friends. The execution, however, required careful planning, creative incentives, and seamless integration into our platform.

The results far exceeded our expectations. The Refer-a-Friend program brought in over half of the company’s total members. Seeing the impact of word-of-mouth marketing firsthand was a revelation. It taught me that people trust recommendations from those they know and that businesses thrive when they build strong relationships with their customers.

This understanding of word-of-mouth marketing has remained a cornerstone of my approach to growing businesses. Whether it’s through customer referrals, online reviews, or partnerships, I’ve seen time and again how powerful these connections can be.

Discovering the Lifeline of Email Marketing

Another critical takeaway from this role was the importance of email marketing. At the time, email was already a popular marketing tool. I saw firsthand how building an engaged email subscriber base could drive incredible results.

Through targeted campaigns, we kept members informed, engaged, and loyal to the brand. Email wasn’t just a way to send promotions; it was a way to build relationships, nurture trust, and create a sense of community.

I realized that email addresses weren’t just contact information—they were a lifeline for the business. They represented individuals who had already shown interest in our brand and were willing to hear from us. This understanding stayed with me and continues to guide how I help clients today. When I work with businesses, I emphasize the importance of building and maintaining an engaged email list, knowing it’s one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term growth.

Building a Foundation for the Future

When I reflect on my time at the loyalty company, I see it as one of the most pivotal chapters of my career. It gave me hands-on experience with large-scale marketing campaigns, taught me how to navigate the complexities of corporate decision-making, and showed me the power of relationship-building.

But perhaps most importantly, it ignited my passion for digital marketing. This wasn’t just a job—it was the start of a journey that would lead me to where I am today. It’s where I first understood the power of marketing to connect people, tell stories, and drive meaningful results.

A Personal Note

Hi, I’m Alyx—a mom, wife, and the proud owner of Chabot Business Solutions. My leap into digital marketing was an unexpected but transformative experience, one that shaped not just my career but also my perspective on what it takes to grow a successful business. Today, I use the lessons I learned during those early years to help my clients thrive in the digital world.

If you’d like to chat—about business, family, or life—send me a message. Let’s grab a coffee or tea and see where the conversation takes us!