Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jim Blake, owner of Bambiz, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bambiz Marketing is a full-service digital marketing agency based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Since 2016, we have been helping elder law, and estate planning attorneys attract quality clients and grow their practices. Our goal is to provide our clients with effective and affordable digital marketing solutions that help them reach their target audience, establish their brand, and grow their practice.
We understand that the legal industry can be competitive, and that's why we offer a range of digital marketing services designed to help law firms stand out from the crowd. From website design and search engine optimization to social media management and email marketing, we have the expertise and experience to help achieve their goals.
Our team is committed to delivering outstanding customer service. We cater to law firms that prefer handling their own marketing with our guidance and those who require us to manage all aspects for them.
Tell us about yourself
My journey started after graduating from Illinois State University, where I spent over a decade in sales with Bridgestone Americas. Little did I know that my life would change while attending legal conferences with my wife, Andrea. At these events, I met many Elder Law and Estate Planning attorneys and realized I could make a difference by helping them grow their practices. Working towards a healthy work-life balance is my number one motivator. I am on a mission to help attorneys across the country do the same. You can find me hitting the pavement for a marathon (I've completed over 30 on three continents!), traveling to new places, trying out local coffee shops, reading business books, or spending quality time with my wife and daughter.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment is seeing the law firms we have worked with surpass all my expectations. What has been an unexpected yet delightful result is how our efforts in connecting these law firms with families in their communities have positively impacted the lives of thousands of families across the country. This has been incredibly rewarding and has served as my driving force in continuing to grow Bambiz and assist more law firms in making a difference in the lives of those they serve.
Another significant achievement I have experienced as a business owner is the ability to hire talented individuals and see the positive impact Bambiz has had on their lives. When starting Bambiz, I never imagined the impact it would have on not only the law firms and families we serve but also on the lives of those within our organization.
As I look to the future, these accomplishments remind me of the purpose behind Bambiz and my commitment to helping law firms connect with and make a difference in the lives of families in their communities.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, one of the most challenging aspects of the role is the evolution of responsibilities over time. At the start of Bambiz, my focus was solely on marketing and sales activities. However, as the business has grown, my responsibilities have shifted to leading the team, managing day-to-day operations, and addressing various issues that arise in any business. This transition from doing the work to managing and leading the organization has been unexpected and, at times, difficult. For example, I never thought I would be involved in HR and administration, but these are crucial aspects of a growing business. I have had to adapt and develop my skills to keep Bambiz on its trajectory. This evolution of responsibilities has not been easy, but it has been necessary for the continued success of Bambiz.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
When starting and growing a business, it's important to have a solid strategy in place. Here are my top three tips for success:
- Focus and persistence are key. Find an idea you're passionate about and stick with it, even through the tough times. Building a successful business takes time and dedication, but staying the course is essential for long-term success.
- Remain true to your values and ethics. Building a business based on honesty and integrity will pay off in the long run and help you establish a positive reputation.
- Avoid debt whenever possible. Focus on finding free or low-cost tools, starting small, and keeping a positive cash flow. It's better to work side jobs and keep yourself in the black until you can afford to expand your business and hire outside help. Making decisions with a clear financial picture allows you to prioritize your business's and your client's needs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bambiz.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bambizmarketing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambizmarketing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BambizOnline
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bambiz/
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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