Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dennis Wakabayashi, a customer experience content creator based in Murphy, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Our company is a team of experienced content creators, customer experience professionals, and marketing experts who are dedicated to helping businesses succeed in the digital landscape. We believe that exceptional customer experiences are the key to building lasting relationships and driving growth.

Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of customer needs, preferences, and behaviors. By producing engaging and informative content across multiple platforms, we aim to provide relevant engagements that connect our clients with their ideal consumers. We specialize in creating adaptive CX strategies that help businesses cultivate customer lifetime value and lower acquisition costs. Whether it's creating basic social media posts or delivering integrated customer experience campaigns, our focus is on helping our clients succeed in the digital landscape.

Our ideal customer is a business that values the power of relationships and is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences. They are looking to grow their business in the digital landscape and understand the importance of building lasting relationships with their customers. They recognize the need for adaptive CX strategies that can help them cultivate customer lifetime value and lower acquisition costs. Our ideal customer is collaborative, curious, and committed to creating a positive impact in the world.

Ultimately, we are driven by a philosophy that values the power of relationships and the importance of creating a positive impact in the world. We are committed to helping our ideal customers succeed by providing exceptional customer experiences and building lasting relationships with their customers.

Tell us about yourself

My personal story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a passion for helping businesses succeed in the digital landscape.

I started my career as an intern in an advertising agency, and over time, I worked my way up to become a VP of strategy at one of the top global ad agencies. Throughout my career, I've been fascinated by the power of relationships and the importance of creating exceptional customer experiences. This led me to start teaching digital marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I became even more passionate about empowering people and creating positive impact.

In 2021, I founded Team Wakabayashi, a production company with over 50 professionals who are dedicated to helping business leaders and celebrities grow their influence and efficacy in the digital landscape. At the heart of our work is a belief in the power of relationships and the importance of creating exceptional customer experiences.

My motivation has always been about helping people succeed. I believe in the value of hard work, honesty, and transparency, and I am dedicated to building relationships based on trust and collaboration. Our team is all about creating value for our clients. We work to understand customer needs, preferences, and behaviors to help businesses create positive and lasting relationships with their customers.

At Team Wakabayashi, we are committed to helping businesses succeed by providing exceptional customer experiences and building lasting relationships with their customers. We believe in creating a positive impact in the world, and we're excited to be able to make a difference in the lives of businesses and their customers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of the biggest successes I've had as a business owner is the ability to provide opportunities for people to succeed, especially my students. I'm proud to say that I have hired some of my former students to work at Team Wakabayashi. It's been a great experience to see their growth and success in the company, and it's rewarding to know that I've been able to help them on their career paths.

At Team Wakabayashi, we have a "fail forward" culture of experimentation and creativity, which allows us to take risks and learn from our mistakes. We believe that failure is just another step on the path to success, and we encourage everyone to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible. We also strive to provide a safe space for everyone who works with us. We believe that a supportive and inclusive work environment is essential for fostering creativity and innovation. We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or experience.

Overall, I believe that creating a workplace where people can thrive and succeed is the key to building a successful business. At Team Wakabayashi, we're always looking for new ways to innovate and grow, and we're excited to continue on this journey together with our amazing team.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As a business owner, I've learned that one of the hardest things to do is to understand that everyone is on a unique journey. Whether it's our clients or the members of our team, each person has their own set of experiences, challenges, and aspirations. I've come to realize that despite my own desires, I must always put other people first and empower them to succeed.

This lesson of humility and empathy is one that I must learn every day. It's not always easy, and it can be counterintuitive to many traditional business practices. However, I believe that it's essential to create a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.

At Team Wakabayashi, we strive to embody this perspective and philosophy. We're committed to putting people first, whether it's our clients or our team members. We believe that by putting the needs of others before our own, we can create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and creativity that is essential for success in the digital landscape.

I've learned that the most important thing I can do as a business owner is to listen to others, to understand their unique journeys, and to help them achieve their goals. It's not always easy, but it's a lesson that I'm committed to learning every day.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be passionate and committed: Starting a business is a journey that requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. It's important to be passionate about your idea and be willing to commit to making it a reality. You should be willing to put in the long hours, make sacrifices, and weather the ups and downs that come with starting a new venture.
  2. Focus on your customer: Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, and it's essential to understand their needs, wants, and preferences. Make sure you do your research and understand who your target audience is, what they're looking for, and how you can provide value to them. As you grow, continue to listen to your customers and adapt to their changing needs.
  3. Build a strong team: As a business owner, you can't do everything on your own. It's important to surround yourself with a team of people who share your passion, vision, and values. Look for people who bring different skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. Build a culture of collaboration and communication where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to the success of the business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.denniswakabayashi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_wakabayashi/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CXCreator
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswakabayashi/


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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.