Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Dowden, Founder of Dowden Consulting, located in Middlebury, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a data-driven, solution-based consulting firm specializing in digital auditing first and strategy second. We offer 4 different digital audit levels incorporating six sigma tools (by our certified six sigma consultants) that help us investigate and provide digital marketing solutions based on the client's data.
Tell us about yourself
After months of not being satisfied and feeling undervalued in my previous role, I decided it was time to take some risks. I started teaching digital marketing for various Universities across the U.S., and I realized I really enjoyed teaching.. a lot, but teaching part-time wasn't going to pay the bills. Then a light bulb went off, and I said to myself, what if I just train my team on what I know and hire those willing to learn it the way I did? So I did, knowing I wouldn't make a lot of money doing that, but I would love who I worked with and had more of a leadership role that I felt I was more than ready to take on. These risks really have paid off so far, and we've grown from me to a team of now 4 (and more to add to our team soon!). What's motivating for me is to make an impact on my team and watch them grow and succeed in their roles. I care a lot about who we hire from a holistic viewpoint. For example, I seek out good well- rounded people and surround myself with people who are positive, humble, and have the desire to learn and grow. I'm also motivated by the "work-hard, play-hard" mentality.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say this business venture has been the most successful venture to date as far as meeting our KPIs and getting a lot of referrals in the door. To watch this grow so quickly has really been shocking for me personally, but it also tells me we're doing everything right, and that, for me, is an accomplishment in and of itself.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I'm learning really quickly that you can't please everyone, and you have to pick and choose what's best for your company and your team. Sometimes that can be a challenge. I've seen a lot of competitors also either mimic what we have implemented or try to "copy," if you will, our tagline. For example, it seemed like overnight, our competitors went from "marketing agency to marketing consultants," which honestly made me laugh at first, but at the same time, was a huge compliment. While I'm all about transparency, honesty, and ethical decision-making in every facet of my life (and our company values), I also understand how it feels to feel threatened. Like the "underdog," but I can appreciate that others are watching and trying to learn how we are doing things differently in the digital marketing agency world.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Take your time. Plan it out right; you have one shot. Pick the right team or the right partner… and don't rush it. Don't take out any loans unless you absolutely have to. That's how I started, and it's totally possible to do. I have 3 kids (2 who are 18 months apart) who all come first for me and a full-time job. I teach, and I have to do it all still and keep up with my health somehow in 24 hours and find time to sleep…. Making your health a priority is the only way you will succeed, in my opinion growing a business, and I'm proof of that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://dowdenconsulting.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowdenConsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dowdenconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-dowden/
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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