Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brian Moran, Founder of Small Business Edge, located in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, USA.

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

I have three companies: Brian Moran & Associates, Small Business Edge, and the SBE Marketplace. Our customers for all three companies are small to midsize business owners and marketers who target the small to midsize business market.

Tell us about yourself

I've been involved in the small to midsize (SMB) market for over 30 years. I started in publishing with Success magazine, then moved on to Entrepreneur magazine, Inc., and then The Wall Street Journal. I also ran my own publishing company. We had two of our own titles: Urban Success and Winning Bids. We also published the SBA's national magazine "Small Business Success" for almost 10 years. I am motivated every day to help business owners improve the efficiency and productivity of their companies. I love helping them realize their dreams in business. I also enjoy helping marketers better understand the different segments of the SMB market and how to connect with business owners in those segments effectively.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that I've been running my own company since 2002, with a short break from 2010-12, and I'm still here. It helps that I really love what I do, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else. So, my biggest accomplishment is that I found my purpose in business.

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

It can be the loneliest job on Earth...if you allow it. Too many business owners try to "go it alone" when it comes to making critical decisions. When they realize they made the wrong choice, and it could potentially put them out of business, it haunts them. Every business owner should have at least one adviser, and preferably 4-5 people who can help them with important decisions.

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

  1. Having a solid foundation from which to operate is absolutely critical. I talk about it in a workshop I give to business owners called Bricks or Sticks. Anyone interested in more information can go to www.bricksorsticks.com.
  2. Have a GPS Plan - This is what I call a business plan. Done correctly, a GPS Plan should give you a step-by-step plan on how to arrive at your goals on December 31st each year.
  3. DCA is the secret sauce to success. Discipline, Commitment, and Accountability. If you are missing any of these three key ingredients, your chances for success measurably decrease.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://smallbusinessedge.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessEdge/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessedge/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brianmoran
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmoran42/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.