Ready to step into the spotlight? I’m here to help you shine bright.

As the creator of the Catalyst Marketing Framework—a forward-thinking, sustainable approach for small business owners—I've developed a unique system to propel your business growth and visibility.

A little confession: until very recently, I was struggling with marketing and being visible.

I’d often wake in the middle of the night worrying about whether or not I should post on LinkedIn, and I’d never tell my neighbor about my website.

After graduating from Columbia University, I began working at Ogilvy,  Jazz at Lincoln Center, and alongside award-winning artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

Working on campaigns and events for my clients, I never imagined I would put myself out there by starting my own business…

Hey there, I’m Julie! 

I’m a marketing strategist and a fellow solopreneur.

business development strategist

Wait?! So how did I get started? 

Back in the summer of 2020, the pandemic hit, and the whole city shut down. While I was stuck in my small studio in NYC, washing my hands every 30 minutes and applying my delicious almond-flavored cream to keep my hands soft from overwashing, an old lawyer friend called me.

She shared that she was losing a lot of clients due to the shutdown of the entertainment industry.

She barely had any digital presence and wanted to build a social media following. But like a lot of people, she was intimidated, not to mention she already had a lot on her plate with 2 kids to take care of…

Together, we:
  • identified where her clients were online,
  • created a 90-day marketing plan,
  • and within a few months gained her followers, podcast invitations, media mentions… and many new clients across the globe even from Norway and Denmark... (talking about the power of a strong online business presence!)

It’s been so rewarding to see how my work accelerated her firm. Taking the stress out of her marketing efforts has allowed her to focus on being a thought leader, and not handcuffed to her social media accounts…

Last year, at the opening of her second office in New Jersey, she inspired me to take the next step.

“Julie,” she said, “you’re so good at this, you should totally start your own business!”

I knew then that I was on the right path, and I decided to take the leap of faith and open my doors!

This is a place for awesome business owners like you who want to build a compelling brand and find peace of mind, whether you want to:

Simplify your never-ending to-do list (no, you don’t have to do everything at once, exhale)...

Find your unique voice and story (I know you have the magic within you!)...

Or attract your dream clients at scale without throwing your darts everywhere...

If you’re nodding your head to any of these, I’m here to help! 

What’s this place?

Should you take the leap? 

I was so scared to put myself out there, just like you.

I was like a vampire, avoiding any kind of exposure and happily working behind the scenes in my comfort zone, aka my sleek boss chair, sipping jasmine tea. Don’t get me wrong, I like the sun and going out and meeting people, but I just never thought that I had it in me.

It’s—or, rather, it was—a problem that kept my business stuck at square one.

Since then, I've managed to land 20+ speaking engagements and partnerships with Chase, Columbia Business School, Soho House... been published in Forbes, Nasdaq, and Entrepreneur magazine... and advised and mentored over 200 inspiring and powerful women entrepreneurs through NYC Small Business Services, SCORE, and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center.

I've won Marketer of the Year and Best Business Influencer of the Year from Stevie Awards, Women Entrepreneur of the Year from TITAN Business Awards, and got recognized by the NYC Mayor's Office for my work in business development for women and minority business owners in the city - it's been so rewarding to grow alongside my clients.

You’re probably thinking, “I don’t have the time, Julie. I don’t have a story worth telling. I feel like a fraud in all areas (hello, imposter syndrome!)”

Now, imagine breaking free from all these worries and overwhelming doubts, and getting seen and heard by your dream audience…

That would feel spectacular, wouldn’t it?

I want you to relax and breathe: I’m here to help you get known, booked up, and boost your brand!

Are you ready to supercharge your marketing?

I’m so excited to meet you! Click the button below and book a complimentary call with me to learn more about how I support you reach your business goal in 2024!

see services


Past Events


Columbia University

Penn Club of New York

Whitman College

Ellevate Network

WeWork

WE Connect  

Columbia Business School 

Soho House 

George Washington University 




sPEAKING TOPICS

How to Market Yourself as the Best Candidate

Position Yourself as a Thought Leader
 
Craft Your Future:
Building your Online Presence


3 Creative Ways to Boost Visibility For Your Business

3 Efficient Business Strategies to Grow Your Business in 2023

Position Yourself As a Trustworthy Leader   

AAPI Heritage Month: Storytelling & Conversations

3 Common Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make (You Should Avoid!)

SEE ME On the stage! 

“Anyone can talk about marketing or networking. Literally anyone. But not just anyone walks their talk. What makes Julie Zhu stand out as a professional, a speaker, a person is that she is living proof of the power of authentic connection—which is what the best marketing and business should be. She exudes empathy, curiosity, and charm. Audiences will fall in love with her. I know we did!!” 

– Terri Trespicio
author of Unfollow Your Passion 

(Named one of the Best Feel Good Books of the Year by the Washington Post) 


“Julie Zhu was one of the best speakers we had for the entire year. Her marketing workshops were informative, engaging, thought-provoking, and anxiety-easing.” 

– Judy Siegel
Ellevate Network

“Thank you so much for leading an informative, engaging, and visually beautiful workshop for our craft your future series. The audience is really benefitted from your insights and advice!” 

– Mitzy
wHITMAN cOLLEGE