Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nate Mandel, Co-Founder of Ohkie, located in Stony Point, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ohkie is a tech startup in the web development and hosting space. Our unique selling proposition is that we build custom websites - for free! Our target demographic consists of small (established) businesses that would otherwise spend 5, 10, or 15 thousand on their website but are happy to save that money by working with Ohkie. We generate revenue from monthly hosting plans. Our plans start at $100 per month and include basic development updates as well. We truly are a luxurious service for the right entity.
Tell us about yourself
I began by operating a traditional digital agency that specialized in design, development, and marketing. However, tech startups and startup methodology intrigued the crap out of me. So much so that I began to wonder how I could pivot my skills and business into something that can scale too.
Lo and behold, the idea of developing custom websites for free entered my mind. In case that wasn't crazy enough, I took the initiative to pave a path in order to make it work! It wasn't easy, and it still isn't, but I'm determined. That is what keeps me going every day. My drive to innovate, iterate and achieve goals.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping others succeed. As a founder of a tech company and a consultant for other small businesses, I'm proud of the success I help others achieve. Every small improvement, every automation or workflow I set up, every pain point I solve... It's the little things that matter, not the big ones. The big accomplishments are the result and a collection of a lot of little ones.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Work-life balance. Yin and Yang. Business consumes the heart, mind, and soul. At my young age (of 30), it's not easy to formulate and institute adequate boundaries - even though I know I need to. That said, it's becoming more feasible with each passing year and with a ton of desire.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Less talk, more action! Stop overthinking. Stop overanalyzing. Stop overplanning. Stop theorizing. Just go out and prove your concept... Traction first, deliberation and iteration later.
- Ideas are worthless. People, teams, and execution is the only thing that matters. That said, put a significant amount of focus on meeting the right people, building a solid team, and delivering!
- Learn startup methodology! Even if you're building a traditional business... The principles and business education that you will glean out of it are second to none. There's no way to scale or dominate a vertical without understanding HOW to think about business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ohkie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohkiefree/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohkiefree/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ohkiefree
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohkie/
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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