Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amber Vilhauer, founder, and CEO of NGNG Enterprises, located in Windsor, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We work with some of the most heart-centered, innovative people on the planet. Those who really want to course-correct humanity socially, economically, and environmentally. NGNG is the engine to power their voice, growth, and impact.
When these authors, speakers, or entrepreneurs become serious about wanting to make a difference, they often turn to online business professionals to design their marketing plan and build their online platform in order to capture the attention of those they are compelled to serve.
We work with these entrepreneurs and influencers across all industries to scale their online platforms through strategy, marketing, branding, website design, bestseller book launches, and monetization support. Our work is custom (no generic, cookie-cutter stuff here). The relationship we have with our clients is personal and long-term. We have worked with brand new start-ups with no platform and influence to highly influential thought leaders such as Mark Victor Hansen, Brendon Burchard, Whitney Johnson, Dr. Daniel Amen, Lisa Nichols, and Les Brown.
Tell us about yourself
I started NGNG in 2007. I taught myself to code, built my own website, and blogged about the things I was learning (from SEO to social media, digital product sales, and more). Prospects started reaching out through my contact form, asking if I could build a website, set up a funnel, and offer online business coaching. I steadily said yes, and 15 years later, we are one of the most influential and innovative marketing agencies in the country.
My #1 priority is simple. To Elevate Every Experience. My life's purpose is to help others feel seen, heard, loved, and valued. I am highly fulfilled in my work which centers around helping impact-driven influencers (both big and small) get their message out to the world in the most efficient and powerful way through digital marketing opportunities.
I currently reside in Northern Colorado with my little boy, who is a bright light in my life. We frequent my cabin in the woods to soak in nature and focus on play and being good to others. I focus on amplifying my core values of Meaningful Connection, Unwavering Excellence, Better Together, Lean In, and being Deeply Fulfilled in everything I do. All of these things highly motivate me to keep serving and keep driving connections.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Achieving a 15-year first-time business in a highly competitive industry as a female professional, plus achieving the coveted Inc 5000 list for one of the top fastest-growing advertising agencies in the country. That was very special, fulfilling, and empowering!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I would say leading a team is one of the hardest pieces. Humans are unpredictable, largely private and cautious, and working in an extremely pressurized and distracting world. Great leadership requires a significant amount of time, empathy, asking the right questions, never making assumptions, constantly redefining expectations and goals, never letting up on training and mentorship, and so on. You have to LOVE people if you want to grow a successful and profitable business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- We have proven that by thinking through your customer journey first + having a strong focus on developing a personal connection with your following. Your online platform can attract qualified buyers who are primed to buy from you. Consistency of connection-driven marketing is key to having steady sales cycles. Add a word-of-mouth strategy and customer retention strategy on top of that, and you won't have to wonder where you're next client will come from.
- Be extremely clear on the qualities that make up an excellent hire. Be deeply specific about your needs, expectations, and core values upfront. Ask story-seeking questions during a cam-to-cam interview. Give test projects. Be absolutely sure you're hiring the right individuals. Onboarding new team members are very costly, so it's best to make sure you have your hiring process nailed down.
- Be willing to pivot and hold your head up high in the process. Markets are changing faster than ever before. Humans are evolving mentally, emotionally, and spiritually at an accelerated pace. Having a finely tuned awareness of these changes can help you adapt in your marketing, sales conversation, retention practice, in your leadership, and in your core offers. Business is not for the faint of heart, so exercising courage, patience, inspiration, and strength of mindset will help you overcome the ups and downs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ngngenterprises.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NGNGenterprises/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambervilhauer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmberVilhauer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambervilhauer/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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