About
Crystal Washington is the owner of a Houston-based marketing firm, organizer of several business organizations, and is a consultant and speaker that teaches entrepreneurs how to leverage image marketing and business networking to supercharge business growth!
What makes Crystal unique is that she not only shares knowledge that she gained as a result of her education, but she literally built her business empire from the ground up using these techniques. In other words, SHE ALREADY PRACTICED WHAT SHE IS NOW PREACHING.
Crystal’s journey started several years ago when she decided to leave corporate America to pursue her dream of owning a marketing business that would encourage and inspire business owners in Houston’s urban communities.
So what did a young entrepreneur whose very part-time business was just breaking even do to not only survive, but also thrive? She started building her network! Crystal began networking with business owners at networking events and online. She began the task of recreating her marketing business’ image to attract her target clientele. She built a business empire and network of thousands of businesses owners without a single loan, grant or investor. She leveraged her network and business image.
Where did this knowledge come from?
Crystal simply referred to the two fundamental truths that she had come to embrace in early childhood.
- Packaging influences perception.
- It’s all in whom you know.
Crystal realized early on that oftentimes teacher’s graded her work according to the elaborate packaging of her projects. She observed other students with better-written papers receive lower grades than her own reports that “looked” better or were professionally bound. She also realized early on that by making a point to visit with teachers and counselors she was afforded opportunities and benefits that other students were not.
In high school, she stayed in touch with counselors and made sure that her scholarship applications were as attractive as they were expressive of her academic efforts. Ultimately, Crystal went on to receive well over $60,000 in grants and scholarships. Many of these opportunities were never presented to students at large.
After purchasing a computer and car with part of the overflow of her scholarships, she secured a job as a secret shopper for an alumnus of her college. Unlike her friends that spent evenings busing tables and working in bookstores, Crystal was paid to sample fine cuisine, evaluate hotel stays and even shop at the Galleria for an additional company. She became acquainted with several individuals in the medical industry and participated in non-invasive hospital surveys.
Prior to graduation, Crystal secured her first management position through connections at her university. She then secured her next management role through university and past work connections. She knew that she did not have the prior experience to be granted this new position, but the hiring manager was great friends with her references.
In her position as Corporate Sales Manager, she quickly went on to dominate her market boasting key clients such as Exxon, Hewlett Packard and Shell. Crystal leveraged common connections to gain introductions and made a point of delivering proposals and contracts with “custom goodies”- everything from an elaborately decorated trashcan packed with gourmet goodies for a waste services company to a remote control eighteen-wheeler with contract and goodies attached for a trucking company. All in the packaging…
When Crystal started her own marketing firm, she had very few contacts in Houston’s urban business community; the market in which she desired to reach. She immediately began building an image that catered to her desired market and utilized both physical networking events as well as online social networks and tools to grow her network.
Crystal’s Approach
Crystal teaches entrepreneurs practical approaches to marketing their businesses. She starts with the basics:
- Name & Logo
- Goal-oriented Plan
- Marketing Materials
- Online Presence
- No & Low-Cost Advertising
- Networking & Leveraging Connections
This back to basics approach illuminates critical areas that many business owners overlook.
Crystal asks business owners to ask themselves the following questions:
- Does your business look credible?
- Does your product/ service make sense?
- Are you reflecting your personality or that of the clients you wish to attract?
- Who do you know?
- How do people know about you?
By asking these basic questions, Crystal is able to identify a business’ strengths and weaknesses and begin formulating a program for their improvement and growth.
This Information Is Perfect For:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs
- Business owners that are not getting results in their advertising efforts
- Entrepreneurs that desire growth
- Professionals that want to learn how to effectively network and build relationships
- Anyone having the desire to learn free and inexpensive advertising tools and techniques.
What Others Have To Say:
“Crystal is a smart, talented and connected person. She has a knack for bringing professionals together and helping them grow their business. Her expertise on the topic of marketing online as well as through social networking is best in class. If you want a marketing advantage for your ventures, I recommend Ms. Washington’s events, products, and services, just as I do with all my professional entrepreneurial clients.”
- John Whaley, The Entrepreneur’s Assistant, E2E Transition
“Crystal is truly a blessing to all whom she encounters. If there is one thing this dynamic woman knows is networking. Crystal’s committment to the community and to business owners is immeasurable. I highly recommend Crystal to any client.”
- Delilah Alexander, Executive Director, Image Essentials LLC
“Crystal is very perceptive. Her marketing and business development strategies are on point. I have grown tremendously, professionally and personally, from her guidance and advice. Her diversity and her ability to reach so many people are phenomenal.”
- Tonya Bradley, Owner, Coy Creations
“Crystal is a very dedicated and out-of-the-box progressive thinker in our community. She puts integrity, professionalism and a great deal of detail behind every assignment or task. She rises to the occasion with each challenge and is very accountable to her customers and is always looking for ways to make business relationships and business learning better for everyone she knows. I give her my highest recommendation.”
-Nekisha-Michelle Bakre, Life Redesign Coach,Vivacious Living Int.
“Crystal has wonderfully positive energy. She is a superiorly developed organizer and compassionate community contributor/activist who is well educated and informed. Anyone who knows this synergist will agree that she’s an extremely effective ace!”
- Barbi Oduyemi, CEO, Opal Hue
