Today we’d like to introduce you to Janie Windmiller.
Hi Janie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My origin story starts when I was a 21-year old manager in the hospitality industry and began to work part-time as an executive assistant at a small marketing agency in Quincy, IL. I quickly fell in love with all things marketing: graphic design, branding, strategy, content creation, copywriting/editing, website design, event planning, etc. Through my professional network, I found myself being recruited for various marketing and customer experience roles within the Quincy-community. Six years later, during a period as marketing manager at a local casino, I had an assistant who referred to me as “the good”; she created a piece of wall-art for me, “BElieve THEre is GOOD in the world.” It became my mantra, no matter where I was, I’d made a commitment to “be the good”.
Fast-forward 15 years from my start in marketing, I moved to St. Louis-area and found myself seeking opportunities to fill my metaphorical-cup. I’d acquired years of experience working in gaming, global industrial manufacturing, technology and software, event/wedding planning, digital and print publications, hospitality. I’d supported nonprofits through grant-writing, volunteering efforts of graphic design and marketing. As I socialized in my new neighborhood and networking events, people had asked me, “Do you offer contract services?” or “Why don’t you start your own agency?” So in July 2025, I opened Be The Good Marketing with the core of my mission to ultimately support businesses (no matter what size) in their marketing strategy, web design, and customer experience efforts.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When embarking on a solo-endeavor, it’s not quite as “smooth” of an experience as much as one might think working for yourself might be. It’s been a roller-coaster journey of self doubt, imposter syndrome, with highs of experiences where I remind myself I am qualified and exceptional at what I’m doing. It’s a mental health journey of riding the waves of emotional “highs” and “lows”, learning experiences, and reminding yourself of “who the heck you are”.
Another struggle would be figuring out I’m not meant for everyone and everyone is not meant for me. It’s a lesson I preach to clients, but one I’m learning myself. It’s appropriate to be discerning about who you work with, sometimes the “vibes are off”, and that’s okay.
Sticking to my commitment to “be the good” means finding clients and providing work/services we both can feel comfortable in and good about. Defining the win-win is extremely important to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Be The Good Marketing?
Be The Good Marketing is a woman-owned, small business, offering marketing services, such as consulting, website support, content creation, strategy, and customer experience initiatives, like Voice of Customer/Customer Journey projects, survey execution, etc.
I specialize in strategy and consulting, digital marketing, and understanding customer experience. I’m known for teaching clients how to execute my services for themselves, whether through training staff, education on utilization of automation tools, or clarity on what their “vision” for there business should be. I believe there should be a clear message in marketing strategy with goals and key performance indicators to measure success. Sometimes business owners need an outsider’s perspective on their operations and what they’re doing, and my services are fully budget-friendly and scalable based on what they need. This approach sets me apart from other agencies who run off of retainers and present services to companies that only THEY can provide. My mindset is, “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.”; and if the person wants me to fish with them, I’ll have my pole ready.
I’m most proud of my brand of being the good and doing the most good. It keeps me focused on why I’m doing what I’m doing and not chasing the dollar. Again, this company for me is a passion-project and working with those who truly align with what I do and offer is the biggest blessing.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
When I got started in marketing, I was worried because what I believe to be my professional and educational experience with marketing was… zero. My boss told me, “Fake it til you make it,” and goodness, did I repeat that over and over to myself, my coworkers, future employees. Eventually I woke up one day (years later) and realized, “Oh… I’m not faking it anymore. I don’t have to.” The idea of being “fake” or “faking it” made me so insecure, it motivated me to learn and be a sponge to all things business operations, marketing, customer experience, business development. It contributed to this intense work ethic and hustle, so I could be confident in the fact: I am a marketer and a GOOD one at that.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.bethegoodmarketing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethegoodmarketing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethegoodmarketing
