Meet Deb Lester | Business & Marketing Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deb Lester and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deb, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My QR Code Scan Tees are a revolutionary way for small business owners to connect with their future customers. With a single camera scan, business owners can instantly connect interested customers to their online platforms. It is perfect for promo events, everyday advertising and let’s just say it- IT’S TRENDY & MEMORABLE.

The truth is, at the beginning of the pandemic, no one had a rule book. We were thrown into a world where masks, gloves and staying home became our everyday lives. We were then introduced to “social-distancing” & stay at home orders, which forced business owners around the world to get creative…and quick! Almost overnight, every single thing you could think of became contactless. Entrepreneurs were forced to immediately pivot and find new & unique ways to still serve their customers while staying 6-ft apart.

After seeing QR Codes rebound (they hadn’t been popular in years) as the new choice for menus, I wondered what else they could do. I also thought about how small businesses didn’t have as many resources as corporate giants. The pandemic was a growing reality that we couldn’t ignore. With a few, quick online searches, I was able to see how I could use QR Codes in my space, marketing. I quickly realized that with a few tweaks, I could create QR Codes that almost eliminated the need for a business card. With a quick scan of the QR Code, I could route anyone to my Facebook, Instagram, YouTube channel and to my website-all in a single code.

I began selling them as keychains and the idea exploded. There was a huge market of small business owners who now had a way to adjust to a new, completely contactless society. The QR Code Keychains have now been sold nationwide, shipping to almost all of the contiguous U.S.

The QR Code Scan Tees were introduced almost immediately after as another business card alternative for promo events. Just imagine people standing around you and they can simply scan your shirt and begin following you online. Easy, fun and another way to adjust to the pandemic.

What should our readers know about your business?
The truth is that is really takes a team and let’s face it-a lot of hard work. Entrepreneurship is like any other growth experience, you cannot possibly be prepared for the challenges and rejection that comes with starting a business. In the day and age where we see constant ‘overnight success’ gurus popping up on IG everyday, it can get discouraging. Working day and night only on an idea is scary especially once you start to invest your money. It’s so easy to tell yourself ‘this isn’t the right time’ or one that I hear often ‘I have too many other things going on.’ The truth is that entrepreneurship doesn’t stop everyday life from happening. You will have to believe in your idea, service or product no matter what. This is also where the magic happens.

Along the way, I leaned on people who loved and supported me. My coaching program has allowed me the opportunity to help first time entrepreneurs learn the foundation of marketing products online, positioning yourself an industry expert and how to turn their followers into dollars.

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?
Downtown Dallas is my absolute favorite to visit- I’m there almost every weekend! Some of my favorite brunch spots are Breadwinners Cafe, Ellen’s and Happiest Hour. I love catching the most Insta-worthy picture spots so XOXO Dining Room has quickly become a fave. It is completely pink on the inside with beautiful decor, perfect for girls’ night out.

I also love hanging out at Virgin Hotels Dallas for happy hour and awesome downtown views, especially at night. There’s also Chocolate Secrets-a gourmet chocolate chop with the most amazing chocolates because who doesn’t love chocolate? My husband brings these home often and they get better and better.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
With the mentorship of my Marketing Coach, Melanie Druery Allen of MDA Marketing, I knew exactly what to do to get my products in front of customers who would love them (& buy them too)! Melanie’s knowledge of marketing laid the foundation for the successful launch of both of my products.

Website: www.dreamchasersguide.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dream_chasers_guide/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debralynp

Image Credits
Photo by Sedrick Askew, Impact Lyfe Photography