Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Adams, CEO of AJA Marketing LLC., located in Robbinsville, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
AJA Marketing supports clients with innovative marketing and communications solutions to achieve their business goals and help them prosper. Certified by the state of New Jersey as both a Woman Owned Business (WBE - Women Business Enterprise) and Small Business (SBE), we help businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits achieve growth, develop business, and improve upon their marketing infrastructure.
Tell us about yourself
Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit from an early age (just ask me about my candy sales in grade school!), I established AJA Marketing in 2014 with integrity and accountability as the cornerstones of its foundation. Seeing our clients thrive and prosper motivates and inspires me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Learning how resilient and resourceful I can be during the past eight years of business, particularly during a pandemic, has been exhilarating. The path of a small business owner is not always an easy journey, and I'm proud of the foundation I've set in my business. Being able to navigate massive change at warped speed, whether it be delivering virtual events instead of live events, or leading crisis committee calls in between home-schooling children during the pandemic, I've grown immensely over the past few years. That growth has led me to be a better resource for my clients, who are also resilient and accountable.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You have to be able to get on your surfboard and ride the waves as they come. Knowing what you can and can not control, and trying to be as proactive as possible, is something every business owner must do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
For anyone starting a new business, I would tell them:
- Have a solid support system. It's critical to have a group of people (this can be family, friends, or colleagues) who genuinely support you and want to see you grow. A support system will help you as you navigate the journey into business ownership.
- Be open to receiving help. Understand from the beginning that you do not need to do all the things on your own. Take some things off your plate so you can free yourself to do the work that you love, whether that be hiring an accountant, a marketing consultant, a virtual admin – or asking your family members to pitch in where possible – embrace the help, and you will go further.
- It doesn't need to be perfect. It's better to get started than to wait for the "perfect" time or situation. Not everything is going to be perfect, and yes, you will make mistakes. It's important to understand that growth occurs with each "mistake" you make.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
While the journey into business ownership can be a challenging one, it's also deeply rewarding. Trust in yourself and know that it is possible!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ajamarketing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajamarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajamarketingllc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajamarketing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajamarketing/
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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