We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Elizabeth Conklin of Split14 Creative.
Through Split14's creative marketing services, Elizabeth is passionate about bridging the gap between other marketing firms and small to medium-sized businesses and nonprofits in the Syracuse and CNY region. She believes in an authentic approach to client relationships and intends to be a partner rather than just hired help. With this goal in mind, she cultivates long-term relationships by making a positive impact on Split14's clients and their audiences through impactful marketing strategies.
Q: What inspired you to start your business, or begin in this line of work?
Elizabeth: “I started graphic design in high school, and though I was by no means an expert, I did win a few design contests and thought this would be a fun job to have. In college, I majored in graphic design and minored in art history, again I needed to figure out what I was going to do once I graduated. However, after graduating and spending many nights spamming my resume and portfolio out to anyone hiring, I got a job at a local advertising agency in Syracuse. I spent a little over 4 years there, learning a lot as a graphic designer, digital marketer, social media manager, etc - you name it I probably did it. Then I wanted to make the transition from an agency to an in-house marketing position, where I was hired at Pinnacle Holding Company as the Marketing & Branding Manager for all of the subsidiaries. My boss, Liz Bartlett, CBDO of Pinnacle, saw me as the missing piece she needed to finally launch our marketing division of Pinnacle, adding another service line to help our business clients and others in CNY. That’s where Split14 Creative was born! The name “Split” indicates that it’s half made up of Liz Bartlett and her years of experience in business development and me (the other Liz) and my experience on the creative side. We bring our expertise together to form a union that has the best of both worlds. And the “14” comes from our age difference! ”
Q: Can you describe what sets your business apart from others in your industry?
Elizabeth: “We like to think we have a different approach than most when it comes to our relationships with our clients. We believe that we are an extension of their team - a true partner wanting to help them grow their business, market an event, or whatever it is they need help with. We take the time to get to know them, find out what it is they want to get from our partnership and find the best way to make it happen. That’s why we have no standardized pricing or packages. We customize everything to fit the needs of our clients making sure they don’t pay for more than what they need. Not only that, but we have the backing of the Pinnacle brand behind us - we have connections and other resources that can help our clients that they wouldn’t have access to if they didn’t work with Split14.”
Q: What's your best piece of advice for someone just starting out?
Elizabeth: “I spoke at a high-school career day recently to future graphic designers and the best piece of advice I could give them on starting college, choosing a major, and career was to not be afraid to put yourself out there. I know it sounds cheesy, but the only way to show others you’re serious about what you’re doing is to actually show them! Whether it’s utilizing social media to post about your projects or submitting work to galleries and shows, the only way to get the right people to notice you is to put yourself out there.”
Q: What has been your biggest professional challenge and how did you overcome it?
Elizabeth: “Personally, my biggest professional challenge has been the nagging feeling of “imposter syndrome.” I’m fairly young (turning 30 this year, yikes!), and I can’t believe I’m in the position I’m in with my current role at Pinnacle Holding Co. and Split14 Creative. I feel like I’m too young, why would anyone listen to me as a thought leader in creative marketing when I hardly have the experience as our other competitors? What’s helping me overcome it is seeing the growth and success of our clients through the work we do for them. They show their appreciation for our help, making me feel like - maybe I do know what I’m doing.”
Q: Any exciting news, future plans, or projects you are working on or would like to announce?
Elizabeth: “This year we are excited to focus on growing our clientele and meeting new people through networking groups such as WBOC. We have seen in our industry, and others we work closely with, that the best marketing you can do for yourself is meeting people face to face and building a relationship with them.”
Q: What's your favorite non-business activity and why?
Elizabeth: “I love to spend my free time outdoors - especially if it’s with our dog, Dacks. My husband and I are avid hikers in the Adirondacks, completing various hiking challenges including becoming 46ers in 2022; we enjoy camping, going to camp at Sandy Pond, and spending the weekend at the beach or on the pontoon boat.”
Contact Details
EConklin@Split14Creative.com
315-295-3800
Split14Creative.com
Info@Split14Creative.com
5845 Widewaters Parkway, Suite 300, East Syracuse, NY 13057
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