Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen Hartmann, Founder of NEAT Marketing, located in Louisville, KY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the founder of NEAT, a boutique PR and marketing agency based out of Louisville, KY. We serve both startups and billion-dollar brands across a dozen industries!
Tell us about yourself
I started my business as a side hustle in 2019 while I worked in product marketing at a large SaaS company. I didn't have the greatest corporate experience and was looking for an escape plan. I left corporate America behind in December 2019 and haven't looked back!
I feel so fortunate that I get to work with a team of incredible women and industry-leading brands. It's truly a dream job! A majority of the brands we work with are women-owned, so it feels great knowing that our services it's helping put more money into the hands of women!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been building my team. We're currently a team of 9 women! My business would not be where it currently is without their support.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
How much time do we have? Just kidding (kind of!) As a business owner, you're faced with adversity at every level, not just as you're getting started. One of the toughest moments I experienced in business was letting go of my first full-time team member. It was a tough conversation, but ultimately, it wasn't a good fit for either side!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Spend time building your network. People in your professional circle want you to succeed and will offer up advice, create connections and send you clients. I try my best to go on coffee dates or get lunch with other entrepreneurs each week! Relationships really do build brands.
Another tip is to always know your numbers. It can feel intimidating to dive into your books, but you can make well-informed decisions when you know exactly what you're spending money on and how much you're bringing in! If you're new to numbers, I recommend connecting with a bookkeeper.
My last piece of advice is to hire slowly and fire fast. People will likely be your biggest expense in business. The right hires can take your business to new heights, but the wrong hires will cost you time and money. I've also learned that someone can have all the hard skills to complete a job, but you oftentimes cannot teach soft skills or values. You can't teach people to care deeply about their work, clients, or your company!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://neatmarketingllc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neat.marketing/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-hartmann-mba-b667b8149/
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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