Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with N'tchidje Doumbia, Founder of Great Things Studios, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We help entrepreneurs and marketers better engage with their customers through the strategic use of videos. To put it simply, we're video marketing experts. We learn your solutions and think of the best videos to promote those solutions and gain the trust of your leads. Really, it's the art of marketing and video production combined!
Tell us about yourself
I started as a sound engineer. I have always loved music. When I was a kid, I used to check garbage for old audio amplifiers, bring them home, repair them, and play music loud. I became a sound engineer quite young and worked with many local artists in Montreal. Then they started asking for music videos. I told myself maybe I should do these videos instead of referring them back.
In 2009 I bought my first professional camera, a JVC HY-HD100. Shot hundreds and music videos with it and my partner! Then in 2013, we decided to shoot corporate videos and advertising to pay the bills. The local music scene in Montreal wasn't developed enough for us to fully sustain a business just shooting music videos. It took two years to transition to corporate video production. We moved in 2013 to our second office and have started shooting since then.
In 2018 we started to change our video producer titles to video marketer. We noticed videos have a significant impact on businesses and the way they market they're offering online. And that really kept us motivated, seeing the impact it has on our clients and partners. It's amazing how much you can increase your conversion rate. We understood that we're more than service providers; we really impact their marketing strategy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
- I got to know so many amazing entrepreneurs.
- Built a crew of full in-house teammates and freelancers.
- Traveled to 9 different countries to shoot videos!
- Produced a documentary at 6052m of altitude (Acotango Volcano)
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Time management and finding work-life balance, if that term really exists. As an entrepreneur, you get really passionate and don't count the hours you put in. Working becomes second nature and natural. And you have to remember to relax and take some time off, enjoying life and family. Over time we got better at that! But you always have to have yourself in check.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know how you're going to sell your product and service.
- Sell your product and service.
- Deliver on your promise.
Many people make the mistake of building their product and solution before knowing how they'll sell it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://514gt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ntchi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/great.things.studios_ntchi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/514gtstudios
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntchi/
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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