Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Simone Seerattan, Founder of Seerattan Penned, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

My company is a digital marketing and digital design agency for growth-minded professionals, individuals and entrepreneurs, SMBs, and enterprise companies. We offer personalized, hands-on digital strategies and ongoing support to those looking to recharge their online presence in order to get seen, grow, and scale. Our clients and partners come from different industries but are often mission-driven, value-driven, or social-impact organizations, companies, and individuals.

Tell us about yourself

Digital marketing and digital design are my passion, and I am regularly introduced to really great projects and dynamic people across tech, education, and marketing. I first started my business when I noticed the real disparity in SMBs having access to business services and expertise that would benefit those struggling to maintain growth. I thought, wow, I can help these people to get the jump start that they need to land where they plan to go. Some just need general direction to set out on their own. Others need a professional guide to walk with them. And that’s why I do what I do. The biggest highlight, I would say, is getting to work with mission-driven companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals on projects that may vary in scope but always cause a direct impact. My motivation is to continue to help people that are trying to visualize their dreams and get them within reach of those they can impact the most. One day, I plan to start a scholarship fund and assist nonprofits and churches in reaching their online audiences to touch different lives as a way to give back to my community and the people who have supported and believed in me along the way.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner was refining my strategy and identifying my end goal. In no way was this straightforward or easy. It took a lot of time to figure things out before I could put my strategy into action. Without this, I would not be where I am today, as this contributed to successfully landing enterprise clients and partners within my first year operational, along with SMBs and individual clients and customers, just as I pictured it. By refining my strategy, I was able to be confident in which deals I wanted to close and where I wanted it to lead to further my business growth.

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

The hardest thing that most startups and new business owners face is steadily increasing sales to meet the bottom line while also strategizing growth to scale. A difficult decision often has to be made to stay operational, putting development strategies on the back burner that, in turn, really sacrifices business potential. Juggling everything at once is also stressful and not always possible. I faced the same myself, but sometimes I still do. But at the crossroads, the key thing that helped me to pivot changed my trajectory completely. The process took longer but was extremely rewarding.

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

  1. Take the time for strategic planning before getting started.
  2. Focus on targeted growth and outreach rather than only on sales.
  3. Find a trusted mentor and perform regular reviews of your performance to adjust your strategies.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.seerattanpenned.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seerpenned/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seerpenned/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seerattan-penned/

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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