Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicolle DiNunzio, Founder of Mean Marketing, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mean Marketing is a social media coaching, consulting, and management agency that works to empower and elevate a brand's online reputation. We primarily work with clients in the beauty industry and some of the Top 200 salons in North America.
Tell us about yourself
I've had a few major pivots in my career journey, but they all have a common thread of connection and communication. I'm a former nurse turned community engagement advocate turned communications and social media specialist. I'm all about good conversation, connecting with new people, and brilliant ideas, and I love telling stories through social media. I love the businesses I get to work with. It's so motivating to wake up every morning and get to do something that lights up your soul!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Mean Marketing started as a side-of-desk hobby to give myself a creative outlet for something I really enjoy - storytelling - and something I'm good at - social media. It's grown into a successful business that allows me to connect with other business owners across North America and live my fullest, most authentic life. I count being here and thriving as a huge success.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
There is a massive amount of responsibility and a pretty steep learning curve. I came from a nursing background; I had zero business acumen - there was a lot of Googling! As my business grows, there are still aspects of ownership that I have to figure out on the fly - and that's okay! The hardest part of ownership is that the buck truly stops with you. Good or bad, you wear the results squarely on your shoulders. You have to really lean into a growth mindset and take ownership, even when it's uncomfortable.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a great mentor: Set yourself up with someone that will help you build out the wireframes of your dream business while simultaneously poking holes in your theories to ensure you are ready to hit the seas of small business.
- Be clear about your vision: Write out that business plan, and work through the ideation of what value you'll offer and what your ideal client looks like.
- Be a perennial student: Never stop chasing knowledge. The time you invest in online courses, a mentor, or even coffee meetings with other experts in your area of expertise will impact your effectiveness in business exponentially.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thisismeanmarketing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismeanmarketing/
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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