Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Osgood, Founder and CEO of True Native Media, Inc., located in Sarasota, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
True Native Media, Inc. is a podcast representation agency. We work with podcasters to sell advertisements in their shows. We also work with brands and advertisers to create successful podcast ad campaigns. Podcasters, brands, and advertisers are our specialty.
Tell us about yourself
I started my career in radio ad sales. I worked with many small business owners and realized that running a small business wasn't easy, but it wasn't rocket science. I knew that if these business owners could run a business, I could too. So in my mid-twenties, I started a trade show production company with my best friend. It was a big success. We owned the company together for almost ten years. When I exited that company, I started listening to podcasts and realized many didn't have ads. I knew that I could help, so I founded True Native Media. Content creators do what they do best, create content, and I love that I get to help podcasters monetize the shows they create.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been building a multi-million dollar organization with a dynamic team of people. I knew early on that I needed to help others succeed if I wanted to succeed. Having a team of people has allowed me to take my business far beyond what I could have accomplished.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner can be very lonely. As the leader, the weight of the organization's success falls on your shoulders. It's your job to make hard decisions. It's important to me that everyone on the team feels valued and understands that their contribution is vital to our accomplishments. Managing team expectations and needs is challenging, especially in a remote organization.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take action. Know what will move the needle for your company and get going. Action is the fuel in the engine that moves and accelerates progress.
- Find a mentor. Whether you hire a coach or find someone willing to mentor you at no cost, having someone who understands business and can meet with you regularly to create accountability is vital. It's also essential to have a sounding board.
- Get clear on the products and services you offer, and don't try to be all things to all people. As an entrepreneur, seeing opportunities may be one of your greatest strengths. However, when you aren't able to focus on a specific product and a specific target to purchase that product, your efforts become diluted, and your customer is unclear about what you sell and to whom.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://truenativemedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherosgood.tnm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/truenativemedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/podcastadvertising/
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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