Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ahmet Durmusoglu, Co-Founder and CEO of ContentGo, located in Istanbul, Turkey.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is ContentGo, a cloud-based content marketing platform that connects professional content creators with brands or agencies that need high-quality content. Our customers typically range from small businesses to large enterprises and include digital marketing agencies, marketers, writers, editors, publishers, and other creative professionals.
Tell us about yourself
My first venture was Turkey's first diamond e-commerce brand, Eros Pırlanta. This gave me the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship as my career. In 2014, I co-founded IcerikBulutu, which became the largest content marketing platform in Turkey and the region. And in 2021, I co-founded Roketfy, a tool for marketplace sellers that provides them with key insights and helps them boost their visibility and sales. Our experience at IcerikBulutu gave birth to ContentGo in 2018, which enabled us to scale in the global markets, mainly the UK, Germany, Netherlands, and the US.
My daily motivation comes from my passion for creating and building something that has a real impact on the world. My team is made up of creative problem solvers who are driven to make our product better and our customers more successful, so being able to work closely with them is a huge motivator.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be raising $6 million in seed funding for ContentGo, enabling us to scale globally and provide our services to customers all over the world. Additionally, it was a great success seeing IcerikBulutu become the largest content marketing platform in Turkey and the region.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the toughest challenges we face as business owners are staying on top of our finances, especially in times of uncertainty. In particular, managing cash flow can be a challenge, as we need to make sure that we have enough money for payroll, operations, and other expenses. At the same time, it's important to invest in various areas of our business to ensure growth. It can be difficult to find a balance between these two aspects, but ultimately it's essential for success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn to enhance your analytical skills and have the ability to dive deep into issues and data. This will help you make informed decisions and guide your business in the right direction.
- Develop an agile mindset and be open to adjusting your strategies as needed. Running a successful business involves taking risks, but it's also important to be able to pivot quickly when necessary.
- Be punctual and organized. Having a plan in place and the discipline to stick with it will ensure that you are able to stay on top of your commitments and deadlines.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://contentgo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contentgocom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contentgocom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmetdurmusoglu/
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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