Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in digital marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maddie Poteat, Partner of M.P. Consulting, located in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
MP Consulting is a boutique digital marketing firm dedicated to providing small and local businesses with an affordable option when it comes to outsourcing their digital marketing needs. Our team works directly with business owners in a variety of industries and locations, providing affordable digital marketing solutions such as website design, social media management, marketing consulting, and more.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up with entrepreneurs as parents. They've owned small businesses since before I could remember! After graduating from college, I worked for an advertising firm that serviced large corporations. I saw firsthand the amazing work that these big businesses had access to, and I wanted small businesses to have the same luxury. Five years ago, I started MP Consulting with the goal of servicing those small businesses with quality digital marketing services at a rate they could actually afford. Since then, we've grown into a strong team of experts helping small businesses succeed! Our team is incredible - I feel so blessed to work with them each and every day, but what truly motivates me is watching them service our clients. Seeing them building relationships with our clients, helping them succeed, and truly finding value in their work fires me up!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel accomplished as a business owner in two ways - the first is when we're able to promote a team member for their hard work and dedication to our clients. We put our team first and push them to keep their own personal growth top of mind. We create growth plans and set benchmarks so our team can always feel like they're moving forward. When one of our team members accomplishes everything on their growth plan and earns a promotion or a raise, I feel like we've won as a business. The second way I feel accomplished is through the feedback we receive from our clients. We've been able to build a strong network of clients primarily through referrals. When a potential client contacts us and shares that they were referred to us by a current client, we feel extremely honored. To us, a strong referral is the highest of praise!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's hard to put the job down when you're the owner. I'm constantly thinking about how we can improve our offerings, do more for our clients, better support our team, or provide them with more opportunities. I want what's best for everyone who comes in contact with MP Consulting. That desire is what has helped us get this far, and I know it's going to allow us to continue to improve and grow for years to come.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
We're always learning and improving as we go, but if you're thinking about starting a business, hopefully, these tips will help make things a tad bit easier!
- Hire really, really good people. When you're ready to add another person to your team, take your time and find the right person. I listen to my gut during the interview process and put more weight on the intangibles (great communication skills, hard work ethic, positive attitude, etc.) than hard skills. We spend so much time with our team, so enjoying them as people is a must for us.
- Delegate the small stuff. Your job as the business owner - even when you're starting out - is focusing on the details AND the big picture. Sometimes we can get so lost in working IN the business that we don't have time to work ON the business. If you're passionate about growing your new business, then you'll make time to plan out that growth. Make that time by delegating the small stuff. There are a handful of online part-time job sites where you can get help with just about anything these days. Take advantage of those platforms!
- HAVE FUN! This is my biggest tip. You didn't start your own business to hate going to work each day - I know I didn't! You have the power and the flexibility to ensure you enjoy what you do, so don't forget that. Whether its fun activities, going out for lunch, off-site, etc - make sure you consistently make having fun a priority :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mpconsultingfirm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpconsultingbiz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearempconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mp-consulting-firm/
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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