Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lori Highby, Founder of Keystone Click, located in Milwaukee, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Keystone Click is a strategic digital marketing agency. We help our clients build brand awareness and generate leads by first conducting research on behalf of our clients to help them better understand their customers. Once we have the data and insights necessary, we build and implement a strategic plan that supports their business goals. Tactics involve websites, social media, content creation, paid advertising, and media production. We primarily target industrial manufacturers. However, we work with a number of industries, as our expertise is digital marketing.
Tell us about yourself
In 2008, I decided to start Keystone Click as times were changing fast in the digital space, and I wanted to be a part of that change. Every day, I am motivated by the learning and mentorship opportunities that I get. Meeting new clients is a great way to learn about someone's business and help teach them how best to market that business. In addition, I am excited to support the growth of my team through various learning and mentoring opportunities.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This is a tough question, as I've had many wins and losses over the year, and it is really hard to pick one major win. As I do reflect back, winning my first proposal to a large known brand was pretty exciting and rewarding. It gave me the confidence and motivation I needed in order to keep pushing myself to be better and do better.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Another tough question, one of the hardest things to do as a business owner is to remove the emotion from critical business decisions. When the time comes to let an employee go because they are toxic to the overall culture, or when you have to fire a client because they are not a good fit for the business - it's hard to remove the emotion and focus on the business decision that is being made.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your tribe or community. The truth is that it is lonely at the top, and unless you have others in your circle that are on a similar path, it can be challenging. Find your cheerleaders, advocates, and mentors, and build a community of trust within that group. Lean into them with your challenges and share your insights and perspectives on their challenges.
- Hire professionals to do their job. This means don't do your financials/legal/marketing/hr, etc., alone. Hire the experts to do their expertise just the same way you are looking for others to hire you for your expertise. It is time-consuming and can often cost you more money in the long run if you try to do everything yourself.
- Take care of yourself first. This goes on a number of paths - take care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, etc. If you are not in a good state, it will be impacted and reflected in your business. Make you your number one priority.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://keystoneclick.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystoneclick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keystoneclick/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/keystoneclick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorihighby/
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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