Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gaia Banfi, an SEO copywriter and communication consultant based in Como, Italy.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I work with big and small businesses and with freelancers that want to launch or enhance their communication strategy to reach more and more customers.
Tell us about yourself
After I graduated from college, I started my career working in communication agencies, and then 2020 hit, and we all know what happened. I did not give up though, and at a time when no one was hiring, I started my own business. I kept studying and learning, and at the same time, I started taking on small projects. Projects became bigger and bigger, and my portfolio grew larger. I now work with multi-million euro companies both on operational work and as a consultant. This is what motivates me every morning to keep doing what I do: knowing that I can make a difference and that the quality of my work is validated every day by the people and companies that choose me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishments are always the goals reached by my small business and freelance clients. Of course, my work with more prominent companies can have a more significant impact when it comes to revenue, but it is always teamwork that involves other amazing professionals. When it comes to small businesses and freelancers, it's just me and the person who chose to rely on me, and seeing them reach their goals and even exceed expectations is what makes me the proudest.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part is definitely gaining the trust and respect of my peers and of potential clients, especially those who have been in the field for decades and believe they are "gods." Truthfully, copywriting and communication, in general, is a constantly evolving field; the moment you stop keeping up to date is when you are left behind. In the Italian market, however, the idea of "older equals better" is still very much radicated in entrepreneurs' minds. They often base their decision to pick a professional on their age and perceived experience rather than on the quality of the work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in what you know. Most people have no idea what they are talking about.
- Keep learning and stay curious.
- You are not overpriced, you are simply out of their budget. And that's ok.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.gaiabanfi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaia.banfi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaia-banfi/
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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