Inspired Digital Marketing & Design

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in digital marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matt Erney, Founder & CEO of Social Firm, located in Columbus, OH, USA.

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

Social Firm is a socially-minded digital marketing agency that works intimately with small & medium-sized businesses- helping clarify & simplify their messaging, then refresh their web design to ensure their customer's user experience is optimal & focused on conversion. Next, we help small businesses amplify their message using various digital marketing tactics. We pour everything into training our people so that they can be best suited to help other small businesses compete and win in the marketplace. We've developed budget-friendly plans and programs that enable small businesses to afford & invest while also affording us the ability to financially work with small businesses.

Tell us about yourself

My vision is to help small business owners realize their dreams with a complete & effective web presence, allowing them to compete and win in the marketplace. In turn, this helps our city and economy grow and impact the lives of everyone living in Columbus. Along this journey, I've made many mistakes and learned some of the most valuable lessons through these experiences. I think my perspective from that lens, along with my gift of being able to communicate simply and clearly, enables me to impact and guide others in our community. I've also had the privilege of being in close proximity to some truly incredible people & mentors, with whom I have learned a great deal about life, love, and business.

I believe to be great, one must be intentional and move quickly, with a focus on others above self. I believe in giving more than you take and "paying it forward" when someone is generous to you. I'm an entrepreneur at my core, a glass-half-full optimist, and I have a lot of room and capacity to continue to grow. I hope to impact both the people on our team as well as those I am blessed to come in contact with as a result of our work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been fostering the development of our teammates, providing a culture of growth and a safe space for them to experiment and evolve.

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

As an entrepreneur, I've come to understand the many challenges of running my own business, and it's hard to do it all by yourself. Being good at what you do just isn't enough to survive in today's fast-paced world. You need to be an entrepreneur, a manager, and a technician in equal proportions. After starting Social Firm in 2010, I learned that having a healthy business online requires an equal balance of messaging, design, and marketing.

My vision is to help businesses compete in the marketplace by simplifying, clarifying, and then amplifying their mission. As such, our agency strives to help small and medium businesses realize their dreams and organize their digital to-dos to get there.

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

Read the book "The E-Myth Revisited" before starting your business.
Create at least a one-page business plan.
Invest in your brand & utilize partners. A professional website & marketing services tip the scales in your favor for growth.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://socialfirm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesocialfirm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/social_firm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesocialfirm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-social-firm/

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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