Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kara Duncan, Founder of The Kara Report, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

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

I help women-owned businesses diversify their marketing efforts with what I effectively call "slow marketing strategies." I focus on creating search-driven content on Pinterest and their company blog.

Tell us about yourself

I'm one of those who always knew they would be an entrepreneur. I started so many businesses, and eventually, one of them (Love at First Travel - a destination wedding planning company) took off. While I don't work "in" that business anymore (I have a team that works with our wonderful wedding couples), during COVID, I pivoted into offering marketing services because I knew I was good at it (or at the very least, could offer a different perspective than "just post more on Instagram"). After working B2B with other women in business, I just couldn't give it up!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Such a tough one! I think it would be pivoting quickly during COVID and building something quickly to replace my full-time income as a destination wedding travel agent.

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

Burn out! It's hard not to say yes to everything (especially when you are being asked to do really fun things and work with cool people!). I want to do everything.

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

  1. The only way to get going is to start going. I forget who said it (I wish I could give credit!), but I heard a speaker once say that "action provides clarity," and it's so true. You can plan forever, but you won't really have clarity until you actually do something.
  2. You're not going to be very good at first. This is one of the hardest things I've had to get over. Especially in marketing, things change so quickly, and you have to adapt. Sometimes you aren't naturally good at everything, but the only way to get better is to do it more.
  3. Diversify your marketing channels. There will be a lot of experts telling you to run a 7 figure business on Instagram, but it's not the best strategy. I always recommend AT LEAST one search-driven platform, whether a blog, podcast, YouTube, or something else. These platforms tend to be more sustainable for small businesses because the content you create lasts longer than fast marketing channels like Instagram. You might think, "I don't have time to blog now; I have to do XYZ," but if you are just starting your business, you never have more time to work on this stuff than now.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thekarareport.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekarareport/

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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