Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jean-Marc Begin, CEO of Profit Parrot Marketing and SEO Company, located in Stittsville, ON, Canada.

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

Profitparrot is a web marketing agency that specializes in helping small and medium-sized businesses improve their online presence. We understand the importance of having a strong online presence in today's digital world, and our team of experts is dedicated to helping our clients succeed.

Tell us about yourself

In 2013, we sold our flooring company to a competitor for a huge profit, and together, we started a marketing and media business, which transformed into ProfitParrot.com. Our motivation has always been to attract our target audience via education-based posts and marketing with the goal of narrowing down the best approach to garner attention online for our clients. We take pride in showing our customer base that they can get results online that equate to increased revenue without breaking the bank with marketing costs and long-term contracts.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am proud to say that our biggest accomplishment as a business has been helping our clients succeed online. One of the most memorable successes we have had was with a small, locally-owned roofing company. We worked closely with the owner to understand their business and their goals, and we developed a customized plan that included developing a new website, optimizing their Google My Business listing, and implementing a local SEO strategy. The results were impressive. Within just a few months, the company's website was ranking on the first page of Google for relevant keywords, and their Google My Business listing was receiving numerous positive reviews. This led to a significant increase in traffic and sales for the roofing company. The biggest component of this win was the referral business that resulted. Thanks to our resolve with their campaigns and the resulting success the customer experienced, they began referring us to other companies they do business with. This, to us, is a huge sign of our impact on the local marketplace. We are so grateful for our small business agency clients.

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

Maintaining work-life balance and dealing with unexpected challenges. Running a business can be unpredictable, and you may have to deal with challenges that you did not anticipate. This could include everything from natural disasters to changes in market conditions to unexpected competition. The COVID-19 Pandemic was actually a boon to our business as many local businesses were forced by their governments to shut down or go online. We are proud of the results we were able to get for our clients who were suddenly faced with the challenge of switching from a brick-and-mortar traditional business model to an online structure and process. Maintaining work-life balance: Being a business owner can be time-consuming and demanding, and it can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It is important to make time for yourself and your personal life, even when you are busy with work. Lark and I have found a love for fitness and always make time for the gym and healthy eating, as well as sauna and mindfulness. It may still seem cheesy to some, but being "centered" and focusing on maintaining and growing one's health does trickle down to every other area of life, including family and business life.

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

Starting, running, and growing a business can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are three tips that I would recommend to anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business:

  1. Do your research: It is important to thoroughly research your industry, your target market, and your competitors before starting a business. This will help you understand the opportunities and challenges that you may face and develop a strong foundation for your business.
  2. Develop a business plan: A business plan is a roadmap that outlines your goals, strategies, and action steps for starting and growing your business. It can help you stay focused and on track, and it can also be useful for seeking funding or investment.
  3. Seek advice and support: Starting and running a business can be a lonely experience, but it is important to seek out advice and support from others. This could include mentors, advisors, or other business owners who have been through the process before. Having a support system can help you stay motivated and on track, and it can also provide valuable insights and perspective.

I hope these tips are helpful! Starting and running a business can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and by following these tips and staying focused and determined, you can increase your chances of success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://profitparrot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitParrot/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitparrot/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProfitParrot
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmbeginprofitparrotseo/

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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