Helping Bring Exposure and Growth - Jim Strawn & Company

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jim Strawn, President of Jim Strawn & Company, located in Charleston, WV, USA.

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

Jim Strawn & Company is a marketing company that specializes in helping civic organizations, non-profits, municipalities, associations, and businesses of all sizes engage their customers and followers through results-driven marketing strategies.

Tell us about yourself

For 34 years, I worked in the non-profit mental health field. In 2016 the psychiatric hospital I was employed in was sold to a large corporation. I am NOT a corporate guy. So after much meditation and prayer, I opened my own business—just me. I had 4 months of financial reserves to keep up with bills etc., 3 1/2 months of daily meetings/coffees, etc. I finally landed a client and then 2 in two days. I was off and running. Scary times. My backup plan was to head to Key Largo (where I got married) and tend bar. My main motivation every day is to align my soul with my purpose of helping others grow. Financial resources will find you if you do that. Glad I understood that early in my career.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is my personal growth as an individual. One cannot grow until they are out of their comfort zone. I definitely stepped out of mine in December 2016. I am proud that my business has grown each of the full 6 years I have been in business. Still just me.

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

The hardest thing as a business owner is never really being 'off the clock.' You take time off, but it is always close to the forefront of your mind. The mental and emotional anguish is taxing and takes its toll on your body.

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

1. Give yourself 24 months to understand what is happening around you. All the business and tax implications can be overwhelming. Stay the course.
2. Surround yourself with smart people. Have a good support core of folks around you. You are the sum of the 5-10 people you hang out with the most. Choose wisely.
3. Balance work, play, living, and learning. Have a life. Respect all. Remember, people along your journey. They all come into your world for a reason.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jimstrawnandcompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.w.strawn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameswstrawn21/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JimStrawn21
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimstrawn/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.