Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Lewis, Founder of Maverick Adverts, located in Port Jefferson Station, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I provide creative direction and copy for brands that need their stories told in ways that connect their offer with what they do best. This could be via their mission statement, brand identity, website, advertisements, sales material, or anything in between.
Tell us about yourself
I went to school for Advertising/Public Relations, knowing I wanted to work in communications. I got an agency job out of college doing Social Media Marketing, among other things, which was where I realized writing was the core of all of it -- so I invested all my efforts in improving my writing, knowing it would pay off, regardless of which route I took.
In an effort to be the best at my craft, I started freelancing on the side of my 9-5, which was a challenge at first, but I made it work. In March 2020, I was furloughed from my full-time agency job (like most in the field) -- after the nice unemployment checks started to dry up, I tried freelancing full-time to see what I was capable of and was able to build a solid client base for myself successfully since I've been able to steadily hone my skills and up my rates accordingly.
My motivation stems from (1) I like what I do and (2) I know my destiny is in my own hands, so the harder (and mostly, smarter) I work, the better my family will be, financially.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I can't think of a single accomplishment that 'takes the cake.' Instead, it's been my ability to apply my learnings with few-to-no setbacks. I'm very fortunate, but I also take pride that I've found a way to run a small business on my terms with very little overhead.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Well, it's a double-edged sword. For better or worse, I'm on my own, which means not having the support I may have working for a larger team. Though mainly, this stresses a higher degree of importance on knowing my limits and not biting off more than I can chew.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your craft as well as you can - you can never know too much.
- See your skillsets as your #1 investment because, at the end of the day, that's what you can offer a client.
- Don't be afraid to try new things - just learn from (and adapt to) what works so you're not repeating mistakes.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://milewis1219.wixsite.com/my-site-1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaverickAdverts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maverickadverts/
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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