EB. Could you tell us your background prior to starting your business?
NM.Prior to starting my current business, I ran a small customer service auditing business. I would audit customer service provided by businesses ranging from independent stores to large, multinational corporations. I evaluated the overall customer experience and provided reports to companies. I enjoyed it for awhile and learned a lot –you can never learn too much about providing excellent customer service! But I outgrew it and knew it wasn’t something I wanted to do long-term. That’s when I got into media.
Natalie MacNeil
Education-wise, my degree is in Business and Political Science. I love politics and international cultures. I’ve had the opportunity to visit more than 50 countries and I love the experiences you have while traveling.
EB. What inspired you to start your award winning blog: “She Takes on the World”?
NM. I started She Takes on the World as more of a personal blog while I was still traveling a lot. It was a way to keep in touch and share my experiences. As I shifted my priorities to focus on building my business the blog naturally shifted to more of a business and entrepreneurship blog.
EB. Tell us about your business as a media producer and consultant and the services you provide:
NM. I work with companies to develop online media and marketing strategies. I also project manage the development of interactive websites which are highly immersive for the user.
I am currently working on transitioning out of client work and using my skills to focus on producing my own products. I will be launching The Women’s Business Academy in the New Year (a sister site to She Takes on the World) and I am also the co-founder of GarageEntrepreneurs.com, a community for young entrepreneurs.
EB. How has any outside advisors made a difference in your company?
NM. I have a few advisors and mentors who have really helped me focus on growth. It’s important to seek advice from people who have been-there-done-that. Some of these advisors I meet with in person and there are also a few who I have never met with in person but communicate with online or on the phone.
EB. What were/are the most difficult challenges you face as an entrepreneur?
NM. Cash flow can be challenging. Sometimes you don’t have a regular paycheck and clients can be late on payments. It’s important to spend time developing a personal budget and building up an emergency fund for when/if you face tough times.
Another challenge for me has been finding a clear focus. Entrepreneurs are always coming up with new ideas. It takes discipline to focus on turning one idea into a thriving business.
EB. What things do you find personally rewarding as an entrepreneur?
NM. I find it rewarding to build a business and a brand from nothing. It makes each day so exciting. It’s rewarding that I’ve created my own career and can spend each day doing what I love.
EB. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?
NM. Take the plunge! There is never going to be a perfect time to start a business. Put a plan together but also be dynamic. If you need to keep a job and start your business on the side and slowly transition into full-time entrepreneur, incorporate that into your plan. Get advice and input from successful entrepreneurs and tap into your network for resources and to stay motivated.
EB. What are your plans for your business in 2010?
NM. I’m actually just finishing my strategic plan for 2010! I’ve been working on it for a month. My top priority is transitioning from client work to focusing on my own products. I plan on growing She Takes on the World and focusing on building The Women’s Business Academy. I’m also going to start writing my first book.
EB. Are there any other questions you wished I had asked, from which you feel Women and Biz’s readers could learn valuable lessons?
NM. There’s a quote I like about entrepreneurship: “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” No matter what your goals are in starting a business, you can achieve anything. Feel free to contact me through SheTakesOnTheWorld.com anytime.