Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kerry Swetmon, Owner of System Envy, located in Cumming, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are digital advertisers. We mainly focus on the Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest platforms. For the last 12 years, my business has solely run on word-of-mouth referrals. That is something for which super grateful. Something that sets us apart is our professionalism. We pride ourselves on being highly communicative and very personable. Our clients feel like friends, and most have been with us for more than three years. We won't ever disappear; we won't ever ignore clients' emails. Our goal is for clients to feel as though we're part of their team and that we care about the success of their business (because we do!).
Tell us about yourself
I started my business in 2010. I was participating in a mastermind with about 3000 women entrepreneurs, and I felt very strongly that so many of them had amazing missions that genuinely brought GOOD to the world. Yet, they were having trouble getting their message out beyond their local arena. It pained me, and I wanted to help. So, I started out offering many different kinds of marketing services, from press releases to social media postings to blogging. In 2011 I ran my first Facebook ad, and it worked so incredibly well that it quickly became the only service we offered.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping clients reach people all over the world. My clients are educators, teaching people about everything from how to grow an online business to health and wellness to photography and everything in between. When I get to be a part of helping people affect real change in their life and family, it means the world to me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it's that I care—a lot. The buck stops with me, and I take that very seriously. The business doesn't shut off, ever, really. I remind myself that owning a business might sometimes mean I'm working on Saturday night but owning a business also allows me to earn a nice living, make my own hours and pick my kids up from school every day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
You truly can design your days and life how you want. You might need to hustle at times but keep the big picture in mind and then work for it. Chip away at it day by day. I know so, so many people who've started a side hustle and are now thriving business owners. It's totally doable. Get into the habit of asking yourself, "Does this support the life I'm trying to create?"
In this world of online business, you truly can do and achieve anything. The world is open for business via the internet every day. You can make money and impact the lives of others. It's a win-win.
People say to me, "I can't do that; it's already been done." The truth is, most things have already been done. But it hasn't been done by you. YOU are your biggest asset. Your story, your experiences, the way you share your life...THAT hasn't been done. The world needs you. Go for it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://systemenvy.kerryloves.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerrySwetmon/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrylove/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryswetmon/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.