Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samantha Strazanac, Founder and CEO of Strazanac Solutions, located in Fuquay-Varina, NC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Strazanac Solutions is a marketing and business consulting agency out of North Carolina. Our clients are small to mid-sized companies who have either plateaued with their marketing strategies and need a new outlook or companies that need marketing but don't have the budget or need to hire someone in-house, either full-time or part-time. We offer business consulting and full-spectrum marketing services.

Tell us about yourself

I immediately fell into the marketing world and fell in love with the industry. I have worked in marketing for over 12 years without formal training or schooling. In fact, I went to school for Psychology and Leadership. Without formal schooling for marketing, I have had to learn everything I know on the go from trial and error and stay updated on the most updated industry changes. Marketing is an industry that is constantly changing and updating to the times, so most of what people learn in school is obsolete by the time they graduate.

What motivates me each day is to help businesses succeed because of my efforts. Nothing brings me more pride than someone calling me and thanking me for the hard work my team and I did because their business succeeded in ways they couldn't before hiring us.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment so far as the owner of Strazanac Solutions is how much my team has grown. It was only me for the first five years, and in 2020 I hired an assistant. In 2021, I hired a graphic designer and web designer; in 2022, I hired a videographer and video editor, a paid advertising specialist, and two content specialists. I am still in shock at how fast my company has grown in 2 years after running the show solo for the first five years.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As a business owner, I have found the most challenging thing is managing a team and staff. Keeping yourself organized is one thing, but keeping seven people organized on top of your work is a lot. I do all our clients' sales, business consulting, and marketing strategy development.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Get your ducks in a row in advance, meaning accounting, filing with the secretary of state, having a business plan, and making sure you have the basic programs to keep your business organized from the start, such as a CRM or invoicing platform.
  2. Don't be afraid to ask for help from other successful business owners but keep in mind not all advice is good advice, so take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Not everyone is out to see you succeed, so watch who you share things with.
  3. Business ownership is like a rollercoaster, some days, you're at the top, and others, you're plummeting to the bottom; that's why my last piece of advice is don't get discouraged during those down times and stay humble during those up times.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Business ownership is not for everyone, and it can sometimes be lonely. Be prepared for long hours, struggles, and sometimes even tears. It's okay; if business ownership was easy, everyone would do it and succeed at it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.strazanacsolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strazanacsolutions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strazsolutions/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/strazsolutions
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strazanac-solutions-llc/

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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