Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in digital marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Viola Hutchinson, Founder of Effortless Marketing, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a digital marketing agency serving small to medium size local businesses since 2009. Most of our clients are in the health, wellness, and beauty industry, and we love working with them.
Tell us about yourself
After I quit my job as a systems analyst, a friend of mine who owned a commercial cleaning company asked me to build a website for his business. I enjoyed the process and the fact that he was happy that he got help with this business. That feeling of accomplishment and creating joy and ease for others stayed with me to this day and motivated me every day to get going and find out what is the best way to help a client. Every business has its unique challenges because every business is owned by somebody, and not one person is the same. I like to custom tailor working with each client to support them and their business the best I can. That is a major key to my success. Clients keep dealing with my company for years even though they are bombarded with other offers constantly.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I can think of many, but I think I am most proud of the fact that I managed to not only keep the business going for 14 years but also to grow it slowly. There are 6 of us working at the agency in a fun and easygoing environment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I find the hardest thing is to completely disconnect, to have a complete break from the business when I am on holiday or even just on the weekend. I can slow it down, but my mind is always thinking about the business to some degree.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Not in any particular order:
- Make sure you don't need to rely on money generated from your business for at least 1 year.
- Don't be afraid to hire, even if you don't think you can afford to; otherwise, your business will never go, and you will burn out.
- If possible, pick your clients. Work with people who appreciate your work and you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://effortless.marketing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EffortlessMarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/effortless_marketing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/effortlssMrktng
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/violaolah/
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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