Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ona Stanton, Founder of Business Reach Marketing & Social Media, located in Rossland, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Business Reach Marketing & Social Media is a client-focused social media agency dedicated to helping small and medium businesses create authentic connections online. As a team of digital marketing experts and 'mompreneurs,' we know how busy life can get; that's why we strive to be flexible, friendly, and helpful while we guide you in creating and maintaining the social media identity your business deserves. With our simplified social media solutions and online programs, you can grow your business online with confidence and clarity!
Tell us about yourself
I've always rooted for the underdog. As the Founder of Business Reach Marketing & Social Media and a long-time social media consultant, I strongly believe I can make a difference in my community and yours. By supporting hard-working, impact-driven entrepreneurs, I've been privileged to connect with business owners just like me: driven and passionate, with a desire to grow and effect change. Helping entrepreneurs define and share their unique strengths, build a brand personality, and reach more people online motivates me daily. It's all about the 3C's - connection, community, and collaboration. That, plus building a business with flexibility and the ability to work anywhere so I can be there for my kids & family. Since starting my business in 2018, I have been able to take it with me and support clients from across BC, California, New York, San Diego, England, and many hotel rooms and hockey rinks!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building a business from a 'wishlist' of what I wanted to create in my life was a pretty big accomplishment. I was awarded the Business Person of the Year Award in 2021 from my local Chamber of Commerce, which was an amazing honour. To be nominated among respected business owners who've made such big contributions within our community felt like a huge honour. To win is just validation that what I'm doing is making a difference.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Pricing was and continues to be, the biggest challenge I faced when starting my business. Starting a business in an industry that didn't exist in my geographic area and didn't have an industry standard for rates and packages created challenges. Time management and setting aside time to work 'on' the business, not just 'in' the business, are priorities I continually juggle. Setting personal and professional boundaries is also really important, and it isn't always easy learning that I can't be everything to everybody took some time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a Community.
Having a community of other entrepreneurs is so valuable. I joined my local Chamber of Commerce, got involved with a women's business group, and made many amazing connections and lifelong friends. Having fellow entrepreneurs who lift you up, keep you accountable, share ideas, and brainstorm solutions is a must! - Charge What You Are Worth.
You bring a unique mix of education, experience, strengths, and creativity to the table. I started out charging what I thought businesses could afford instead of what my time was worth. Build a business that supports your life, determine what you need to make, divide that by the hours you are willing to work and how long it takes to deliver the service, and build packages based on that. - Set Boundaries.
When you set boundaries and reserve time in your week to take care of personal priorities and catch up on paperwork or accounting, your whole week goes better. Look at times of the day when you are most productive and schedule in time for the tasks that need you at your best. If mornings are your most productive time of the day, work on the critical tasks in the morning and book meetings in the afternoon. Time block your calendar and only make certain days available for booking to help your week run more efficiently. Take time off to recharge throughout the year, so you don't burn out; you are worth it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.businessreachmarketing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/businessreachmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessreachmarketing/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onastanton/
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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