Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joanna Jones, Founder of InterQ Research, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

InterQ Research is a full-service market research firm founded and run by women. Based in the Bay Area, we specialize in consumer insights. Using qualitative research methodologies (focus groups, in-depth interviews, user experience studies, and voice of the consumer research), we interview customers and target audiences so brands can better understand how their products are used and perceived. Our research informs marketing and branding campaigns, product development, and future product ideas.

Tell us about yourself

I founded InterQ Research 7 years ago. My training was in psychology, and I worked in ad agencies for the first part of my career. I've always been fascinated by what makes people "tick." What makes a brand compelling? How and why do people use the products they do? Through research, we're able to answer these questions by having in-depth conversations with consumers. I love stepping into people's worlds and learning about them and what motivates them. People truly want to be listened to (they don't want to just fill out a survey), so they enjoy it when their thoughts and ideas are actually heard and used to improve products and services.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being self-funded. We've never relied on outside investors or loans, but I've built the business slowly by networking and doing great research for my clients. Additionally, I'm super proud of the caliber of clients we've done the research for, including Delta Air Lines, Audi, Google, and Salesforce (to name a few!)

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

For me, it's the juggling of so many things: In addition to being the researcher, I'm also managing the books, working directly with clients, and working on sales and marketing, so it's like having five jobs instead of 1!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be prepared to work a lot in the beginning! Running a business takes a ton of hustle and energy. Don't underestimate that.
  2. Find a community of other business owners/entrepreneurs. It helps so much to have a network to rely on for advice and support!
  3. Don't underestimate the power of content marketing to grow your business. Put out great, informative content online to help attract new leads.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a business owner is incredibly gratifying, but it's not for everyone. If you feel much better with a stable income and a lot of certainties, it may not be for you, and that's totally okay! Know your strengths and weaknesses before going into it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://interq-research.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interqresearch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InterQResearch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interq-market-research/

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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