Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeff Moyer, Owner, and Project Manager at Advance Web Solutions, located in Airdrie West, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a professional web designer and graphic designer that also specializes in internet marketing.
Tell us about yourself
I went to school at SAIT College in Calgary for multimedia studies which I thought might lead me to a career with video games. During that time, I learned a lot of web design skills and was hired right out of school to work at SAIT, with that being the primary service. That program would eventually end, so I ended up working at a couple of other web design or graphic design companies. Unfortunately, at the time, the industry was still new, and each place I worked for ended up going out of business. I decided to try my own web design company while I did another part-time job as well. Eventually, during COVID, I started doing it full-time out of necessity and have been doing it ever since.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To be able to earn a full-time income and work from home is challenging but also very rewarding. I don't have a lot of expenses, including gas for travel, buying lunches at work, car repairs, and more. I can be available for my kids at any time and take vacations whenever I want. I can also always work through my laptop anywhere, so my job can travel with me if needed.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
When you own your own business, some people think making your own hours means working fewer hours. This is not true. I work different hours, but often weekends or evenings whenever I feel I'm the most productive. You don't have a steady paycheck in the traditional sense. You have to look for clients and build business relationships which takes time. Also, you are responsible for anything that can and does go wrong. People always contact you first as the owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have someone qualified who can help you market and promote your business properly. Otherwise, finding new customers and consistent revenue can be a big uphill battle.
- Don't quit your day job. It's a good idea to have something else while you're learning the ropes, which is often done by trial by error.
- Do something you love and would almost do for free. Otherwise, it's very difficult to get through the hard times and the ups and downs that come with owning your own business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.advancewebsolutions.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancewebsolutionscalgary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmoyeryyc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdvanceCalgary
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advancewebsolutions/
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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