Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Diane Moura, founder, and CEO of ZenChange Marketing, located in Miami, FL, USA.

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

We are a full-service marketing firm focused on helping small business owners and startups to get found. We offer comprehensive marketing strategies, Fractional CMO services, and digital marketing, including websites, social media, SEO, pay-per-click advertising, newsletters, email marketing, video marketing, and blogs. We're also able to help clients launch and promote podcasts, as well as manage more traditional marketing, including photo and video shoots, billboards, postcards, and trade show support.

Tell us about yourself

Prior to launching ZenChange Marketing ten years ago, I spent 26 years consulting with 30 businesses from the Fortune 500. I had the opportunity to travel the world and help large corporations to apply technology to their marketing and operations strategies. It was a tremendous learning experience but being on planes every week wears on you after a while. I reflected back on my experience as an undergrad when I had the good fortune to run the small business consulting program for my university. I knew that by applying my skills to consulting with startups, I could really make a difference. Many founders are experts in their field but haven't necessarily experienced business at scale. When I take on fractional CMO roles, that is really the value I bring to the table. Having worked at that level and with small businesses, I'm able to either plug my team into their business as their marketing department or else help them to build their own. Watching these businesses build and grow is incredibly rewarding and keeps me going!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are several accomplishments as a business owner that I'm proud of. Each time one of my clients negotiates a successful exit, I feel like a proud parent. When a family-owned business is able to grow and hire team members, I feel as though I have helped in some small way to make a difference in our community. Although I loved the work I was able to accomplish with large corporations, working with startups and small businesses is incredibly rewarding.

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

Being a business owner is never easy. When the buck stops with you, you're always pushing yourself to find new ways to grow. I've been characterized as the Energizer Bunny because I have a tendency to work around the clock! I'm sure other founders can relate when I say that it's tough to turn off at the end of the day. I consider myself fortunate that my family is pretty forgiving in that regard, but finding that balance can be tough, especially since I can be so much more productive during evenings and weekends when I typically don't have meetings to attend.

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

Particularly in this economy, my number 1 tip is to know your numbers. Cashflow is the top business killer. Entrepreneurs tend to think of their business as their baby, and many tend to view them with rose-colored glasses. Find someone who can push you on the tough financial questions. That could be a business coach, Fractional CFO, or a really good CPA. The fun part of being a founder is the creative element. There are so many things you could do, but you'll need to focus on being profitable. My second piece of advice is to create a culture of accountability in your company. Each member of the team should have a clear set of responsibilities. You should hire, coach, make salary decisions, promote and fire based on your accountability chart. And third, recognize when you come to that point in your business when you don't have all the answers. Surround yourself with an expert leadership team to balance your strengths. They don't all need to be full-time employees but make sure you have access to the best minds in the business to use as a sounding board.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://zenchange.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenchangeinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingstrategygal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianetheCMO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianemoura/

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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