Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennie Lyon, Owner of Jennie Lyon Digital Marketing Services Inc., located in West Palm Beach, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're a full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs create custom story-driven digital marketing strategies to help build and promote their business, regardless of whether they're starting or ready to scale to that next level. Our goal is to help our clients attract their ideal clients and create services that sell!
Tell us about yourself
Eben, my son, has Aspergers. When he was born 20 years ago, I thought I would have a baby, stay home for a few weeks and go back to work! Hah, I have never been so wrong. I immediately knew that something was "different"; he cried all the time, he couldn't self-soothe, and my husband and I found ourselves holding him 24/7. It was an overwhelming time in my life. I thought, WOW, I'll never be able to go back to my career. What will I do? Will I ever be able to have a balance of work/life again?
One morning, I got up at 4 a.m., sat down at the computer, and started to brainstorm ways I could work at home. I decided to start a digital marketing agency (I knew a ton about marketing from my previous job), and boom, here we are!
That is exactly what I do for my clients. I want them to be successful, I know they can be successful, and I'm their partner who ensures it happens! I meet them where they are in their business today and help them get to where they want to go!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Deciding to stay at home with Eben and grow my digital marketing firm on the side turned out to be the best decision of my life. Eben turned 20 and is wrapping up his Bachelor's Degree and starting his Master's before he moves on to law school. By starting my own business, I was able to be there for Eben every step of the way. We had hundreds of doctor's appointments, therapy appointments, and teacher/school/IEP meetings, and I NEVER missed one. I was able to be his advocate every step of the way.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There is a gap in the conversation about growing your own business. So many people think they have to bootstrap the entire thing and do every single thing themselves. I learned when growing my own business that magic started to happen when I finally asked for help and hired my team.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I'd highly recommend starting with a business plan and marketing strategy. You wouldn't hop in the car to go on a road trip without a map; the same goes for your business. And remember, you aren't an island; you don't have to do everything in your business yourself. And surround yourself with a team of experts - this will allow your business to flourish and give you the time you need to grow the business and focus on your special sauce.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Yes, if anyone has any questions - I'm ALWAYS happy to hop on a call - jennielyon.com/chat.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jennielyon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennielyonmarketing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennielyon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennielyon/
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.