Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tobias Becker, Marketing Expert & Graphic Designer located in Vienna, Austria.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a small "video course" business. I started with an Instagram page and a YouTube channel alongside my studies. At that time, I was fully interested in finance, so I started studying business and economics. On Instagram, I posted regularly about my personal finances and had great success with it. Due to my continuity, I very soon had my first collaborations with book publishers, banks, and insurance companies that sponsored posts. This also brought up the topic of affiliate marketing for the first time.
My first big learning was that continuity is one of the essential points for success. But also, the niche was important because only if you can stand out from the competition (no matter in what form) you stand out. I also started talking about my finances on Youtube. I learned about my love for video production and bought more and more equipment - from studio microphones to softboxes to a green screen and much more - My love for social media and video was the perfect combination. Over time, I learned about video course platforms and began recording and selling my first video courses. After 2-3 years, things are going great, and I currently have 43 active video courses, over 100 already recorded, and 35,000 happy participants.
My clients are people who want to learn a lot of knowledge about social media and marketing for little money. That's why I try to make my courses very big (sometimes 20h+) but charge very little money. Because if many people buy the course, there is still enough money.
Tell us about yourself
As already mentioned, I started alongside my studies because I always had the idea of free time management and self-employment. Now, a few years later, I work full-time in marketing and do my projects on the side. I realize through this that freedom is important to me. My current learning is that you can work 20-25 hours on the side as an employee. This allows you to take more risks in entrepreneurship because there is financial security.
I get my motivation from my previous successes. Even if I am not always 100% motivated, I know that continuity pays off and brings me further success. Rest periods are important, but one should never stand completely "still" for a longer period of time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest success is actually not financial, although I have had very, very good months. No, it's rather the number of people (about 35,000 people) I've already been able to help and continue to do so on a daily basis. Many of these people successfully started a business and/or social media through my courses, and that makes me proud.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, the biggest challenge was to find the ideal mix of risk and reward. Because as an "Internet entrepreneur," you can be found by anyone with Internet access. You get many dubious requests and often have to decide whether money or a good reputation is more important. I had already turned down many good deals because the cooperation partners were not serious.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start today. Plan, but not too much. You will make a ton of mistakes but keep going. Learning by doing is key.
- Stay consistent. I have known many people who have given endless energy for 6-12 months, only to be drained and feel no motivation. Do something for your business every day, but don't rush. You have time.
- Be yourself, and don't pretend for money or orders. Do not accept dubious deals just because they bring money. This will pay off in the future. Again, stay consistent; eventually, people will see you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://linktr.ee/Finanzen.ig
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/214827109704148
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finanzen.ig/
Udemy:
https://www.udemy.com/user/tobias-becker-20/
https://www.udemy.com/user/tobias-becker-42/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6N5u-OiGz_uZbQC63YMrpA
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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