Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consulting but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Grant Channer, founder of ConnectsTo, a Canadian, Toronto-based marketing consultancy who specialize in delivering marketing solutions to small-medium sized businesses.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We’re a Canadian, Toronto-based marketing consultancy who specialize in delivering marketing solutions to small-medium sized businesses. With over twenty years experience in the marketing industry, we know how to find the answers that you are looking for and make quick changes. We know there is no solution that fits all, so we take the time to understand your business, what makes you successful, and build upon that. By working with you and capitalizing on your knowledge, we will provide you with a road map to success and will implement those changes for you (or work with your team to train them how to do this). With everything routed in Analytics we will show you the impact that these changes make on your business and your bottom line.
Tell us about yourself
It was an easy transition for me. I was lucky enough to have started in marketing as soon as I graduated, and starting a business that advises clients on something I love to do was a natural progression. There seems to be a gap for medium-sized businesses in getting the help they need to create effective marketing strategies. Google won't talk to you unless you spend x amount; marketing agencies generally provide out-of-the-box solutions. What people need is someone to understand their business first and then apply marketing principles to that, rather than the other way around.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Finding the clients is tough, but getting them coming back time and time again is my biggest accomplishment. It shows that the solutions my team has provided have made an impact.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, servicing this niche is finding the right balance between how much to charge for our expertise and how much the customer can afford. I know what people need but, not everything can be done at once. My philosophy is to start small, show the value and then increase the budget as results come in. AND put in place a CRM. Anything that can automate your life is invaluable.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand your customers first. Ask them questions, get to know them as human beings, and then provide solutions.
- Don't undervalue yourself. I have often done favors and charged virtually nothing for projects, and it is hard to move from that to charging what you are worth.
- Enjoy what you do. If you don't, then try another line of work. You won't have the motivation to grow your business if you don't love it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://connectsto.com/
Facebook: @ConnectionsTo
Twitter: @ConnectsTo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connectsto/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
