Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Riordan, Founder of Amy Riordan Marketing LLC., located in Coeur d'Alene, ID, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm Amy Riordan, Marketing Strategist & Consultant for small business owners across the United States who are looking for help on social media with SEO, website design, newsletters & more.
Tell us about yourself
My business almost feels like it happened by accident. I started a blog about bucket listing back in 2010, & a few people asked me to help them build websites. I then started doing social media for small businesses locally, but I didn't like constantly posting for other businesses, & I was very focused on creating the content, so this led me to photography. This last year, I ended up doing a boot camp about social media, & realized that I could literally spend an entire day talking about social media. I love speaking to & teaching people, so I've officially found a home in marketing strategy. The beautiful part about it is not only the passion but the knowledge I've gained from exploring all of these different fields. I can proudly support small business owners who need help with social media, SEO, mailing lists, website design, podcasting, blogging & much much more. I'm motivated by the amazing people I've been able to surround myself with that share an entrepreneurial mindset, but also by my beautiful family. They make me want to be a better person every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Self-awareness! Knowing what I do & don't want as a business owner is one of the biggest things that I pride myself on because it's difficult when you're building a business & navigating all of these obstacles when you simply are not proud of what you do. When you know what you want & are willing to go after it, you figure out where your passions are & start building the business you were always meant to run.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Setting boundaries & communicating them to my customers. I cannot tell you how many times I let a customer take advantage of my time for free simply because I hadn't specified my boundaries to myself or on the contract prior to the project.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First & foremost, I'd tell them that it's ok to change their mind! The odds of you building the business of your dreams the first time are one in a billion. Let yourself learn & make changes. We are lucky to live in a world today where this is not only possible but almost expected.
Second, I'd tell them that if they are a small business that does not have a website or social media, you are seriously missing out. There are so many small businesses here in North Idaho that don't have a website or social media. The ones that are online are making a KILLING. Remember - social media is free!! You don't have to place ads; get your business on there!
Lastly, find community. Connect with others, online or in person, who share the same vision that you do. For the longest time, I connected with people who were happy working 9 to 5 jobs. That was great, but when I found a community of people who have the entrepreneurial mindset that I do, I was not only able to learn INCREDIBLE things through these people, I have advanced my business & found happiness on a completely different level. There is seriously something about being surrounded by people that share your same passions.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.amyriordan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyeriordan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyeriordan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyriordan/
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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