Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Davaughnu Banks, Founder of Envision Brand Marketing, LLC, located in Pleasant Ridge, MI, USA.

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

Envision Brand Marketing is a 1-on-1 executive-level branding and marketing strategy consultancy. My customers are small and medium-sized businesses that include B2C, B2B, D2C, Non-Profit, and fully funded start-ups that are ready to receive help in the development or redevelopment of branding and marketing from a strategic perspective versus just trying to guess at what will work through marketing or media tactics.

Tell us about yourself

I started Envision 6 years ago after serving and learning my craft in the corporate advertising agency world. I worked for global agencies and companies which enabled me to provide strategic brand and marketing services to a diverse portfolio of brand partners from Fortune 500 companies to locally owned businesses. I noticed that the small and medium-sized were unable to receive the proper personal business attention and education from large and medium-sized agencies.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting my own branding and marketing strategy consultancy is my biggest accomplishment year to date. Envision wouldn't have started without that first step of faith.

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

Managing your time because work and personal can blend into one if you let it. You have to have boundaries within yourself and with your company and be able to say no to things, requests, texts, emails, or opportunities that disrupt your work-life balance.

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

  1. Have a business plan that includes a budget to launch your business including resources to help you drive it forward (i.e., accounting software, email platform, etc.).
  2. Find a person/mentor who has already done what you are doing and leverage their knowledge to make your business the best it can be. Don't be afraid to ask questions or go online to research the information if you can't find someone right away.
  3. Network, network, network. Join your city chamber. Join the Small Business Association of Michigan or other executive groups that allow you to network and build nurturing business relationships in your community or target areas.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.envisionbrandmarketing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/envisionbrandmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/envisionbrandmarketing/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/envisionbrandm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/envisionbrandmarketing/

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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