Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathleen Marrero, Founder of First Fig Marketing & Consulting, located in Branchville, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
First Fig Marketing & Consulting is a full-service digital marketing agency and marketing consulting firm. We specialize in helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits expand their visibility and digital footprint online by creating roadmaps for their online success.
Tell us about yourself
I didn't start out expecting to be where I am today. I took on one client, transformed my business, and quickly grew and expanded my service offerings. Over time, I have been fortunate to take on clients who make a difference in the world. Throughout my career, I have been introduced to some amazing individuals. I have had many great conversations with people across the world from whom I have gotten the opportunity to learn and shift my business into what it is today. Some have partnered with me on different projects, some I have been mentored by, and some I have had the pleasure to mentor. The connection is what motivates me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My greatest business accomplishment is that I have the opportunity today to offer some services and consulting pro-bono to clients trying to make an incredible difference in the world. Because of this, my work truly does not feel like work, and I am a part of making the world a better place by helping spread business messages seeking positive changes in the world, big and small.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is wearing many different hats. Running, managing, and growing a business requires many different strategies. In the beginning, it was a lot more hectic trying to figure out tools and techniques that worked the best. As I have grown and have mechanisms in place, I can shift my strategies from running and managing to growing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Starting, running, and growing a business can be challenging. There are unlimited distractions and comparisons that can sideline progress. Some of my top tips, which I often have to revisit, are to stay in a growth mindset rather than a comparative one, not lose sight of my accomplishments, and allow myself and my business to transform.
It is easy to look at the successes and achievements of others and lose site of your own journey. I now view my competition as a strategic opportunity and use that insight to find new ways to establish myself in my space. It is often easy to look at what others have accomplished and become discouraged. I like to remind myself that everyone started somewhere, and I have no idea where they are in their journey and what they have had to do to get where they are. I like to periodically write down everything I have done, big and small, and reflect on my progress. It allows me to look at my accomplishments and realize I am growing confidently, which takes time. It sets me up in a gratitude mindset.
Finally, goals are great and necessary but allowing your business to transform keeps you present in the journey. It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. Still, the most remarkable successes I have found have been when I have stayed open to transforming my business and have been fortunate enough to have opportunities for client work and connections that I never thought I would have.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://firstfigconsulting.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleendigitalmarketing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenMarrero
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-marrero/
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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