Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ben Lovegrove, Director of Redspan Solutions Ltd., located in London, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business, Redspan Solutions Ltd, is now a content creation service. I write articles and blog posts, and I create videos for clients, as well as provide them with consultancy and advice on SEO and making the best of their businesses online. My clients are diverse and include people in aviation, drone businesses, and other individuals and businesses. I made a promo video for an English tutor, and I've just finished an article for an air conditioning company in Canada.
Tell us about yourself
During the 1990s, when the web was young, I realized that it was full of potential, so I set about learning all about HTML, building websites, and finding things to sell online. I started by being a reseller for Cisco Systems products. Then I spotted the opportunities in online dating, and I created a series of niche dating sites. Most of these proved to be successful and generated some healthy revenue. Later, the competition from big brands in these areas squeezed out solo operators like me, so I switched to websites, content, and SEO.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I once sold one of the online dating sites I had created and nurtured for a healthy sum, but I guess my biggest accomplishment is my longevity. I've been working online for over 20 years. I may not have made the millions that others who started at the same time have made, but I'm still going strong, and I get up every day ready to continue and improve.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is to keep going when your confidence drops and everything seems to be against you. It's not easy when the only person who believes in your vision is yourself, and even you start to worry that you've taken the wrong path. People also don't realize how many responsibilities a business owner has. All they see are the profits. They don't know about the work that continues after 5 pm and starts at 5 am.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a business plan and make it as accurate as it can be. Keep it updated.
- Marketing is key, and you need a continuous stream of clients and customers.
- Develop a mindset that will keep you going when things get tough. Exercise, rest, meditate and/or recreate.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://benlovegrove.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenLovegroveCCS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_lovegrove_aero/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bensbookmarks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loveservices/
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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