Leave Your Mark on the World

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ian Cooper Cole, President of JFS Marketing, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

JFS Marketing (which stands for Just Fun Stuff!) is a small award-winning agency. We cater to a wide range of clients in diverse industries: TV, film, fashion, industrial and consumer products, and professional firms. We develop and implement unique, creative, and competitive marketing strategies to build brand awareness, viewership, and sales growth. #JFSMark

Tell us about yourself

I learned to fly at 15, started my first company at 23 (Cooper Cole), and founded or co-founded over a dozen companies. I have consulted and worked at the senior sales and marketing level with some major brands, such as Calvin Klein, Polo, and Sony PlayStation. I have also worked with countless start-ups and small businesses to help them crystallize their direction and grow their business. I love to be part of the creative process to help businesses grow and evolve.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have received several accolades over the years, including a national marketing award from Facebook and American Express. I was also a finalist in the Richard Branson Perfect Pitch Competition.

As Cooper Cole, a fashion sportswear collection I designed and grew over 10 years, we had countless articles in local, national, and international magazines and newspapers showcasing the brand and its popularity.

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

When faced with a difficult challenge, it can be difficult to stay self-motivated and to keep your teams motivated to meet the challenge.

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

A lot of people talk about starting something, but few actually take the leap. If you have done your research and have all the pieces together, sometimes the hardest thing is to actually do it.
It is important to keep control of everything with good analytics, financial information and controls, and take the time to routinely review and stay on top of the results and information.
It is important to keep a broad perspective, don't lose yourself in the daily grind, it is important to step back, see what else is going on out there, the competition, and related industries, and stay creative about where your business could go and grow with new opportunities. Often this may require outside help from a fresh perspective. That's where we can help.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jfsmark.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfsmark/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfsmark/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jfsmark
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancoopercole/

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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