Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen McFarland, CEO of Women Conquer Business, located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Women Conquer Business small business marketing consultancy and podcast. My clients are small-but-established business owners and solopreneurs who need:
- Guidance in creating a digital marketing strategy
- Support and advice as they make marketing adjustments, or
- Help finding the right marketing tools to support their biggest business goals
I work closely with business owners. I want to know and understand your values, mission, and goals so I can advise the best strategies for your success. Together, we identify challenges hindering your success. Then, I provide actionable steps for moving forward, leading to a fully systemized approach to marketing. How do I do it? I rely on my 25+ years of marketing experience across several sectors (corporate, nonprofit, and public), executive leadership experience and education, and a positive, can-do attitude.
Tell us about yourself
I built this business because I want to encourage people with great ideas to reach their full potential and because I know that anything is possible — especially with technology. I've seen too many small business owners be discouraged instead of encouraged, and I want to help shift the tide. My role in creating that shift is to help them build efficiencies in their businesses, show them how to find and leverage the right marketing solutions, and create systems and processes that bring the whole operation into gorgeous, humming harmony. I am the calm, confident, honest resource for serious business owners looking to grow their endeavors.
In a previous life, I led large-scale public sector projects for the City of Portland, affecting more than 50,000 businesses and handling millions of dollars. But today, I pour my heart and soul into Women Conquer Business. I am 100% THAT marketing nerd who just plain loves helping people solve their hairiest problems.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishments involve transitioning from a behind-the-scenes executive to being out front and see. For example, I'm a frequent public speaker in Oregon, teaching digital marketing for the small business development center. I've also had a podcast since 2018. I'd never imagined any of this for myself. It's really cool. If you're thinking of taking the plunge, give it a try — you'll likely surprise yourself.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing so many hats. It's hard to balance work and life along with everything required to run a business. Everyone talks about productivity and automation, but it comes down to deadlines and boundaries so you can carve out time for what you value most.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be clear about your goals, mission, vision — and purpose. Remain focused on that (minimize distractions).
- Create workflows and standard operating procedures even when you're solo. It positions you for when you hire people to help you with projects.
- Automate elements of your business so you can be more human in your business. Customer service is your BEST marketing in the beginning.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.womenconquerbiz.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jensmcfarland
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensmcfarland/
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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