Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Justin Chapman, Founder of Chapman Digital Marketing, located in Kelowna, BC, Canada.

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

Chapman Digital Marketing is, as the name states, an online marketing company. We specialize in Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, and website improvement. Our customers are small- to medium-sized companies looking to get more results at a better cost-per-acquisition.

Tell us about yourself

It wasn't necessarily that I "wanted" to start my business; it was more that I felt I needed to. After helping friends and family analyze their current marketing and advertising providers, I saw that there was a massive discrepancy between what these marketing companies charged and what they provided in the results. I've seen so many marketing companies implement one-size-fits-all advertising schemes that do bring results but are not optimized for each individual client. I love helping companies grow, and when I work with a company, I spend the time to get to know them, their goals, and their advertising needs because they deserve to get the best results possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think the biggest accomplishment I've had to date is winning the Distinguished Service Award from AHDI this year. It feels like a recognition of consistent hard work, which I strive to provide to everyone.

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

Time management. As a new father, balancing family time and work time can be difficult. I am looking to expand my business right now, so it is very easy to get caught at the computer for extended periods of time.

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

  1. You will never be fully ready. You can have the greatest business plan and an outstanding product or service, but you'll never truly be able to plan for every problem that will come. What is important is that you know how to adapt to situations quickly.
  2. You need to keep learning and improving. If you think you are an expert, you can become more of an expert. You can always get better and provide even more value to your customers.
  3. Balance. Often I hear people say that when you start a business, you are going to sacrifice everything to do it, and although sometimes that is true, I believe it is important to live your life. Some days you may put in 12 or 14 hours, but make sure you make time for yourself, your family, and your friends because it will make you more productive.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Do what you love because when the going gets tough, you'll work through it when you love what you do.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://chapmandigitalmarketing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapmandigitalmarketing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-winfield-chapman/

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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