Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mykyta Soima, Co-Founder of NNPARTNERS, located in Dnipro, Ukraine.

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

Our business is a digital marketing agency that specializes in paid advertising and analytics. Our clients are eCommerce businesses, as well as any businesses that need leads (especially online education). It is important that we help already operating and profitable companies get better and scale. If you are a business owner or marketing director, you are already doing well, but you want more, then we are ready to help.

Tell us about yourself

I always knew that I would grow my business. Ever since my school years, I didn't watch funny videos on YouTube but business interviews and listened to founders' podcasts. I started working in the digital sphere early; at the age of 17, I was an ordinary PPC specialist. At 22, I was already Head of Digital Marketing for the largest consumer electronics store chain in my country, managing a team of 6 people and responsible for millions of dollars in the advertising budget.

At the same time, I achieved high results as a solo specialist, leading in the top 3% of specialists on the largest freelancing platform - Upwork. Now I continue to work, physically being in Ukraine. In a country where there is a war. At the same time, our team is distributed all over the world, my partner is in Portugal, and there are people in Poland, Turkey, Malta, etc.; the risks are diversified, and the work does not stop under any scenario. I bought a Starlink and a gasoline generator, which gives complete autonomy.

Now I can make a call with a client and hear how somewhere outside the window, our air defense is shooting down an enemy missile. Sounds like the movies, but it's true. It motivates us the most so that we don't give up and our spirit doesn't win.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have many achievements as a business, many good case studies, and reviews, but most of all, today, I am proud that we give our people good conditions, and even in a situation where the whole business in Ukraine has stopped, salaries have dropped dramatically, we were hiring and giving even higher salaries than it was on the market and higher than what people asked for. We literally pulled some people out of unemployment. I am proud that they can live with dignity and provide for themselves and their families, thanks to us. Such a team makes super results.

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

The most difficult thing was to delegate tasks because you want to control everything and check that the service is perfect. But this is not possible, so we focus on processes and people.

And sometimes it's difficult to switch your mind because business is not a hired job where you leave the office and forget everything. Business is in your head 24/7, and over time it consumes your energy. But I have already learned to shift my focus to other activities, hobbies, health, and family. After all, business is a marathon, not a sprint.

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

  1. Be transparent and open with yourself and people, like customers or employees. I noticed that even when you made a mistake but honestly admitted it, you only get something. If you try to hide something and deceive, then you will always lose something in the end.
  2. Be prepared for mistakes; they are inevitable. No matter how many useful books you read, you will have to go through your path for the first time, and there will definitely be failures. Don't dwell on them; otherwise, they will eat away your energy and motivation. When it's hard for me, I remember our soldiers who are now in the trenches and under fire. My problems immediately fade into their background.
  3. If you want to start, the best day is today. But I will not urge you to dive with your head. My transition was very thoughtful and smooth, balancing work and business until the foundation was built. If you jump into a business without a preliminary job or a financial cushion, then there is a risk that you will not be able to reach the first profit and will simply be forced to return to the start.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://nn.partners/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soimanikita
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-soima/
Clutch: https://clutch.co/profile/nnpartners#summary
Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ag/nnpartners/

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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