Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in web design and marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christy Kiltz, Founder of Design! by Kiltz Internet Solutions, located in Grants Pass, OR, USA.

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

We are a high-touch digital agency providing websites, marketing, and strategy to service-based businesses in the US.

Tell us about yourself

I was encouraged to start my business in 2001 by my employer, who saw the potential and became my business mentor. From the start, clients were coming with pain points of not being heard or cared for by other providers. My goal then was to not just provide a solution but truly learn to hear their needs and translate them into a solution.

Because of the black box that existed then, and to an extent still exists today, I love the opportunity to educate and empower people so they can understand the geek that does exist and be able to make better choices and have better conversations when they talk with the professionals in the field.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to grow the business to the point of needing a team and learning the secret sauce on how to not just build but empower a team around me. Having a fully engaged team gives us fantastic abilities.

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

Figuring out what you don't know. There's no easy way to "know what you don't know," and many times, that information can be critical and business-changing.

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

  1. Lay the foundation first. Read The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber so you can own a business and not a job.
  2. Put customer service as your 1st & highest priority. The fact that most businesses don't will give you a running head start against your competition.
  3. Don't get comfortable. Always be hungry to learn... more about your industry, about the technology you have to invest in for your business to thrive, and how to be a better business owner. For the last one, read/listen to the top business books on the market - they are there because when applied, what they have to offer works.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Navigating the online world is challenging. I would like to offer a free "20" to anyone that has a pressing question they need help with. Here's my booking link to book a 20: https://go.oncehub.com/booka20

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://designbykiltz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignByKiltz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designbykiltz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christykiltz/

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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