Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan McRae, founder of Marvel Marketing, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Marvel Marketing is a full-service digital marketing agency that works with small and medium-sized businesses across Canada and the United States to increase their brand presence, leads, and revenue.
Tell us about yourself
I started young in construction and soon started my own construction company, which led me to market my construction business. I quickly found out how much fun I had doing this and that I was naturally pretty good at it. After a few years, I decided that marketing was my true passion and started Marvel Marketing in 2014, which I'm involved with daily to this day. I'll be honest and say I don't need much motivation to do what I do. Every day is fun and exciting as I get to be competitive and strategic while helping other businesses thrive and grow. I am very thankful that I was able to find my passion and share this passion with our amazing team at Marvel.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making a positive impact without having to ask for anything in return. This is huge for me as it's a mix of financial and mental growth. Being in a position where I have matured and have the financial capacity to help the community and other young business owners truly makes me happy and fulfilled. I don't think I would be able to do anything close to the level of what I do without starting my business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Trust. I always had a big problem with trusting others to do what I knew I was good at and always had really high expectations. Realizing I wasn't going to be able to help as many businesses as I wanted to without having a team, I had to get over this hurdle, and it wasn't easy for me. Now with a team of over 10, which I couldn't ask for a better team, btw - we all work together so well, and we kill it for our clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't worry about the little things. Seriously, If you are just starting out, make "compound" moves first and perfect later. It's like working out. Go and make the big moves first, and then work on perfecting those biceps and calves.
- You must learn to delegate and trust. Without this, you won't grow, and you will reach a wall you can't climb over yourself. Spinning tires is never fun, especially if you are a purebred entrepreneur. You always want more.
- Education. Never stop learning, and try to stay ahead of the curve. You need to take time to see what's coming at you so you can take advantage of new opportunities or avoid business-ending catastrophes.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://marvelmarketing.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.mcrae.1420
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsrmcrae/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryan_mcrae
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmcrae403/
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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