Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marques Ogden, Founder of Ogden Ventures, LLC, located in Apex, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ogden Ventures, LLC offers business and executive coaching, consulting, keynote speaking, and podcast hosting. Our clientele ranges from large corporations such as Goldman Sachs, Intel, and Home Depot to educational institutions, business executives + leaders, real estate investors, and marketing professionals. We help our clients scale and grow their personal brands and business through the power of coaching, consulting, and public speaking!
Tell us about yourself
What got me started was when I lost everything in 2013 because my construction company went bankrupt due to my ego. I hit rock bottom and ended up finding a job as a custodian. My spoiled milk moment was when I got trash all over my body and clothes while working…that was my wake-up call. I rose from the ashes and started my company to help others succeed where I have failed, and that's what inspires me every single day. I strive to help people grow in their lives and learn from my mistakes so they don't hit rock bottom as I did.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was being hired by the NFL Player Engagement to speak at USC in 2019 to current and retired players who wanted to or had a desire to get into a career doing keynote speaking, coaching, and consulting.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges of being a business owner is sustaining a distinct and recognizable brand in an ever-saturated and competitive market. Many talented people offer similar services or skills, and it can feel hard to go out there and market yourself. You have to have consistent and good messaging; if you're not consistent with your marketing efforts, you will likely not reach your potential success with your business venture.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First is to know exactly what product and/or service you will provide to your target market that will add value or solve a problem for them. The second is to create a very succinct and well-organized marketing & sales strategy to get it out to that audience and close the business. The third is learning to delegate and build an amazing team around you. The human body and mind are designed to do a lot of things, but it's not designed to do everything, so lean on your team!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Our podcast 'Get Authentic With Marques Ogden' launched earlier this summer, and we've already seen tremendous success! We've been blessed to be ranked in the top 2% worldwide as a most listened-to podcast after only being launched for six weeks. We've had some phenomenal guests on the show and have even more iconic guests coming on soon. Anyone looking for authenticity, inspiration, and action steps to build a successful and meaningful life should check us out on all streaming platforms, such as Apple, Spotify, iHeart, YouTube, and more!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://marquesogden.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarquesOgdenSpeaker/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marquesogden/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marques_Ogden
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquesogden/
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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