Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chad Richards, Founder of Sidework Social, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sidework Social helps restaurants, hotels, destination marketing organizations, and attractions (a.k.a hospitality brands) provide engaging content and customer service experiences on their social media channels so they can attract—and retain—happy customers.
Tell us about yourself
Being let go from my 14-year agency job left me with trust issues, and I was not excited about the idea of working for someone else again. Fortunately, soon after getting the call that I was being let go, I received another call from a client who happened to be in the restaurant business, and they said they'd like to continue working with me. So in a move sanctioned by my former employer, they came with me as my first client, and Sidework Social was born. I still wasn't 100% sure I wanted to do my own thing, so I told myself I'd give it a year and reevaluate then. But business started snowballing shortly after that, and I knew I was committed long before my one-year deadline arrived. Why the focus on hospitality brands? I enjoy working with brands that make people happy, and I suppose helping them make their customers happy via social media is my way of making the world a better place.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's the little things that are the biggest to me: an appreciative text message or email, an excited phone call. Knowing my clients are happy makes me happy.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Perhaps this isn't the hardest, but it's been the most unwelcome: constant questions about growing and scaling. I'm very happy as a micropreneur, so there are no grand plans to scale into a large operation. This answer doesn't sit well with some people, but I want to focus on making my business better, not bigger. I've seen what can happen when a company thinks bigger is better than better, and I don't want that for myself or my clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Act with integrity. It's good for your karma; whether YOU know it or not, OTHERS know when you're shady.
- Don't compare yourself to others. Comparison is the ultimate killer of joy. You do you, and keep your eyes on your own lane.
- Prioritize self-care. Whatever that looks like for you. You have to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your business and your customers.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sideworksocial.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadrichards/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chadrichards
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaddrichards/
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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