We Build & Define Brands

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Smith, owner of 3 Ring Circus, LLC, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

3 Ring Circus is a collective of some of the world's greatest talent in the areas of marketing, branding, and creative. We take an integrated approach to every role and every project. Whether you need an interim CMO to get your company's marketing going in the right direction or need a full-service marketing team, including program and content creation or brand ID, we provide it. We work with companies big and small in every type of business, from start-ups and established brands to individuals within the C Suite. We are very flexible and nimble, which I think sets us apart from an ordinary agency.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in technology for over 15 years and experienced a pretty severe case of burnout. While I learned an amazing amount during that time, I felt that I could have more impact and a better work/life balance by starting my own collective. We believe great marketing, branding, and creative inspire people's thinking and ignite positive change. Brands are now required to take a stand from the consumer, and that is very exciting to me. I get up every morning helping companies and individuals figure out what their impact is and what their core values are. It's very inspiring, creative, and fun.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Growing the business in a wide variety of sectors. I did a brief stint in a partnership before forming the business and learned that if you don't ask, you don't get it. In other words, don't be afraid to take on work that you may not have experience in. Taking those learnings from my former partners, I began working my network, and the business grew quite quickly. I now have two amazing business partners, Jill Cleveland, and Chandra Lynn, a collective of creatives and strategists, and a wide variety of clients- all in 3.5 years!

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

For me, it was learning operations and the initial setup. My background is in music, videography, branding, and content strategy. When I first had to use quick books, I literally cried. Everything from bookkeeping to taxes during that first six months was very daunting. The second thing that was hard at first was business development. Letting people know who you are and what you do takes hard work, but it's worth it. You can NEVER let your foot off the gas in biz dev. Otherwise, you'll have gaps in the work.

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

Make a plan and know who you are before you get started. How do you want people to feel when they interact with your business? What are your core values? What are you promising your customers? What are your business goals for the next 2 to 5 years? Good ideas die without planning and strong brand values/identity.
Build a good ops team. Get a good bookkeeper, tax accountant, and, if needed, operations manager. There is nothing worse than getting distracted from the core parts of your business because you have to do 1099 filings or payroll. Hire good people and let them do it. It's worth every penny.
Be patient but never stop developing the business. It takes time to build and develop a strong business and brand. The ramp-up will be slower than you think, and once you get the business, never stop beating the bushes for more. Clients will come and go. Economies go up and down. Be prepared for this and know that all things are temporary - good and bad. Don't forget to have some fun!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.3ringcircus.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3-ring-circus-sf/

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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