Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cody Wittick, Co-CEO of Kynship, located in Costa Mesa, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Kynship is an influencer marketing company. We specialize in seeding products to influencers and turning the UGC into paid media assets. Our clients are DTC, have a physical product, and want to scale their ad creative.
Tell us about yourself
Prior to co-founding Kynship, I began my journey at QALO, the brand that created the silicone wedding ring. Throughout my time there, I built out a robust influencer program of 500+ influencers, all through the foundation of seeding. This included contracting thousands of micro-influencers in a variety of industries to produce monthly UGC and organic posts. Over the course of my time there, I saw the power of an influencer's ability to build trust and, ultimately, sell products through Facebook and Instagram advertising.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think I have two biggest accomplishments. In terms of sheer numerical success, we helped M&M scale their DTC business by 457%. Our second success, but one that is very important to me, is that my co-founder and I have been able to build a business that is based on the concept of giving while asking for nothing in return, and it has become a sensational accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Scaling a business can be difficult. Besides all the standards, things like increased legal requirements, cash flow, and maintaining quality, you also lose that intimate knowledge you had with your associates when you were small. Once you are no longer able to meet with every person every day, it can be difficult to know what you need to know as an owner. Establishing good communication within your company is a must-have to continue growing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Research, satisfy your customers, and satisfy your associates. There's not much point in starting a business that doesn't begin with a chance of success, so you should research and know your options thoroughly before you start. Secondly, keep in mind that satisfying your customer may mean that they don't end up on the books. We tell everyone exactly how to do what we do. Some go and do it on their own at a smaller scale. Others contract to have us do it full size. Both are satisfied customers. And lastly, your associates will make or break your company. Find out what makes them tick. Find out what they need to be happy working for you. If you can do that, they will grow your company for you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kynship.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kynshipco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kynshipco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cody_Wittick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codywittick/
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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