Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in web design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jodi Tychkowsky, Owner of Sprint Websites, located in Sherwood Park, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Sprint Websites. I help clients get their ideas in front of people, usually by making websites. My customers are mostly small businesses, a lot of female entrepreneurs, and occasionally some savvy senior citizens. The common thread is that all my clients want to reach more people with their message, and they want to look good doing it.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up, my mother ran her own business from home, and that was just how you do things. I’ve been freelancing my whole work life and enjoy the flexibility. I am a creative person, and this line of work allows me to use those skills every day. Designing and being creative is the fun part!
Helping people satisfies another part of me. For some, technology can be overwhelming. As a web designer, I’m happy to take away the pain for clients in figuring out how to get a website launched. I excel at answering questions and simplifying and explaining things so they feel like they know what’s happening in the process.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Launching Sprint Websites. With my years of experience in website design, I developed a streamlined process that still delivers impressive websites. In advance, clients fill out a highly thought-out intake form and check to see if they like the style in my portfolio. With this, I am able to design and deliver a site as quickly as a single day!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, boundaries. Modern technology allows me to see a request come in at 7 pm on a Saturday. I have to use my own personal will to reply on Monday morning and not instantly. I want to help people, but it is better for my mental health to keep things M-F 9-5. Clients respect my boundaries when I show them what they are.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get a website up. It works for you when you’re not working. It can build trust and credibility. You have the most control over what you say and how you want to say it. Out of nowhere last year, a good friend’s social media accounts disappeared overnight, along with all her posts and followers. She was unable to recover anything, and no one got back to her. Your website will never disappear from you.
- Get a good website up. If links are broken, or things look homemade, you won’t look professional. This reflects on you and may suggest how doing business with you might go. No one willingly enters their credit card information on a website that looks shady and broken.
- Don’t get stuck in the beginning. Hire a designer, get it done, and get yourself out there. The energy you put behind your business will be what makes you successful, not what YOU think is the perfect logo or tagline! Start working with your clients and getting good testimonials. If your first attempt at your brand is truly not you, you can rebrand down the road.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sprintwebsites.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sprintwebsites/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprintwebsites/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtychkowsky/
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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