Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Rowley, Founder of The Mash Marketing, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

I provide Branding and Marketing strategies to entrepreneurs and growing businesses.

Tell us about yourself

I started my own business after being downsized from traditional employment twice before I was 30. In each instance, the layoffs were not related to my performance, and it revealed that though traditional employment may seem more reliable than working for yourself, it's really just an illusion of security. So I decided to bet on myself and strike out on my own. That was nearly ten years ago now, and I love the variety and flexibility that working for myself provides. I have so many great clients and projects!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Simply staying the course as long as I have! Self-employment has many benefits, but it's not for the faint of heart. Just as my schedule is flexible, so is my income, can that can be really scary. The first time you hit the slow patch or downturn, it can be really terrifying, but once you come out the other side, it gives you confidence that you can tackle whatever the business world throws your way.

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

Keeping the equilibrium - in all ways. Between work and personal demands, between working more/earning more vs. enjoying the flexibility of time off. Also, keeping current and looking ahead without sacrificing the present. Business owners wear a lot of hats and have a lot of choices. That can mean many, many decisions to make in one day - or even one hour - often with no one else to consult with.

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

  1. Be curious - You just never know where good ideas or good connections come from. Be open-minded, ask good questions, and you may get that game-changing idea from the least likely place.
  2. Get organized - With so much to keep track of, lots can fall through the cracks - especially past measurement and future planning. If you're not a naturally organized person, get an assistant or someone to help keep track of all the pieces.
  3. Get a mentor or a community - This doesn't have to be a formal relationship, but starting and owning a business can be very lonely at times. Make sure you have people around you that understand what you're working on and can lend support (whether it's emotional, information, tools, etc.)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.themashmarketing.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaswansonrowley/

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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