So, you have a laptop and a dream? We are rooting for you; however, the real challenge for today’s entrepreneurs is not getting started, but staying in business. Now-a-days, any average Jane or Joe can start their own online business. The true indicator of success is how long you can keep it afloat. That brings us to the big question: do you do it yourself or do you hire a digital agency?
Technology and the online space are constantly evolving, and 2020 was no exception. COVID drastically changed the landscape and created a massive online entrepreneurial environment. Millions were laid off and many others took big pay cuts just to stay on staff and keep their benefits. This led to a boom in online start-ups, with some families launching a business to make ends meet or starting a side hustle during their quarantine time. Some were able to launch online businesses successfully, while others have already crumbled.
What is an Entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur is someone who launches and operates a business or businesses, while taking on greater financial risk to do so. Entrepreneurs are often viewed as problem solvers and innovators. They see a gap in services or identify a problem, leading them to turn their solution into a business idea.
Who are Today’s Entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurs today are different from that of even 10 years ago. The bulk of today’s entrepreneurs are people you see all the time; your neighbors, your friends, that teenager you used to babysit when they were little. It has become mainstream to have an online side-hustle or become an online entrepreneur.
Today’s entrepreneurs do not have to hire a team or trek through the mud to learn a coding language or how to use 1’s and 0’s. Business owners today can stand up an online store without writing a single line of code. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Shopify allow the average American to build a website using prefabricated templates.
Looking back a decade, you did not see just anyone starting a business in a matter of weeks. Looking even further back, most business owners where highly educated and had financial backing to get their online businesses off the ground. Back in the late 80’s, it took a whole team of developers and graphic design experts to get an online business functional.
Benefits of Entrepreneurship
Being your own boss has more benefits than just ‘working for yourself’. Whether forced into it, taking a leap of faith, or you are well prepared; becoming an entrepreneur is freeing and fulfilling. Benefits include:
- Creating Your Personal Brand
- Working from Home
- Low Overhead
- Staffing a Remote Team
- Flexible Hours
- Being Your Own Boss
Methods of Entrepreneurship
Today, business gurus can take advantage of online tools that allow one person to do what it used to take an entire suite of different departments to do. This does not mean, however, that you shouldn't consider hiring professionals when looking to build an entrepreneurial enterprise.
Modern Technology Tools
Technology has grown so much over the last several decades. In the most recent decade, we have seen a shift to a 'no-code', advanced software era. There are website generators that use little to no code, allowing even the most juvenile website creator to build a functional website.
Other software like Autopilot, Zapier, and Facebook Ads make it easier for today’s entrepreneurs to market, automate, and sell their goods or services. With a website and a good marketing strategy, anyone can launch their business.
Hire Freelancers
Cheaper than an agency, hiring freelancers to perform specific tasks is an affordable option to make sure the job gets done right, or maybe to supplement for areas where you aren’t as proficient. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork allow you to find a wide variety of qualified freelancers. You can find website builders, digital marketing specialists, and graphic designers on these sites.
Hire a Digital Agency
Likely the more costly of the 3 options, the benefits of hiring an agency far outweigh the costs. Instead of taking the full load on yourself or hiring multiple individuals and having to manage each, a digital agency will handle the entire project.
With one agency, you will gain a project manager, website designer, graphic designer, content creator, content editor, and if you choose, a digital marketing specialist. This team will work as a unit to get your online business launched and in a profitable position.
Success Stories
Most great ventures start with an idea, some goals, and a lot of hard work. Some of the biggest brand names came up from humble beginnings:
eBay – created back in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, a computer programmer, started off as a personal auction site known as AuctionWeb. When the website traffic became too much, he was forced to upgrade into what we know now as eBay.
GrubHub – started in 2004 by some young 20-somethings, Mike Evans and Matt Maloney, became one of the first sites of its kind. Starting as a ‘look-up’ site for delivery near you, has now become one of the top performing online fast food delivery services out there.
AriZona Tea – stepping away from the internet of it all, entrepreneurs can be goods providers as well, like Brooklyn friends, John Ferolito and Don Vultaggio. Starting with distributing beer out of the back of their VW bus in the 70’s, they decided to take a stab at soft drinks. This led to the formulation of AriZona Green Tea. The 2 friends still own the #1 American Tea company today.
Read more great success stories like these to get inspired.
How Can We Help?
Peacock Studios was started by a serial entrepreneur, Tony Peacock. Having had an idea to help others like himself, he decided that was exactly what he was going to do. He went to work building his company in the era before ‘no-code’ existed. Tony was the guy learning how the 1’s and 0’s worked, building his site from scratch. He then set out to help other people build and market their websites.
Peacock Studios has since become a full-service digital agency. We have an intimate understanding of the methods of today’s entrepreneurs, and we love helping them build their empire. If you feel like we could help you, schedule a free 15-30 minute consultation.
