CALA-bash: From sleeping in her car to business owner

Claflin alum Brittney Carter McKinnon speaks at the master class. (Panther photo by Alexis Bookman)

Claflin alum Brittney Carter McKinnon returned to her alma mater to speak to students about branding and social media management during a master class hosted by the mass communications department.

McKinnon graduated from Claflin in 2011 in communications with a minor in public relations. After college, she moved to Washington with only $500 to her name and was forced to sleep in her car for two weeks. She had a dream and eventually becoming a successful business owner.

“For two years, I worked for no money,” she said.

McKinnon is the founder and chief social strategist of B. Carter Solutions, a top-performing social media marketing firm that specializes in social media management, content curation and email marketing utilizing today’s ttechnology and trends.

McKinnon has been named one of the top-30-under-30 entrepreneurs in the United States.

She said her company aims to elevate clients’ imagination by focusing on the mission behind their vision.

“I don’t take handouts,” she said. “It is important to create your own success, offer your services, do everything with a passion.”

“I build my business by word of mouth,” she said. “I love to talk.”

McKinnon gave students tips on how to attract people to social media platforms.

• Be consistent.
• Don’t hold back information, share what you know.
• Build meaningful relationships.
• Be SOCIAL!

McKinnon also provided tips for having a niche

• Select a platform.
• Map it out.
• Have a content calendar.

“Know your brand promise,” she said.

McKinnon plans to grow her client base and expand her business ove the next five years.