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Name: Allison Bran Business Name: The REX Agency (REX Marketing + Design Inc.) Location: Port Moody , Canada Establishment (Year): 2017 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Brand Strategy & Marketing Agency Website: www.startwithrex.com Social Media : LinkedIn | LinkedIn Company Detail: The REX Agency is an internationally award-winning brand strategy and marketing firm for service companies. They accelerate the growth of service companies by crafting differentiated brands and effective marketing strategies in competitive markets. Their services include research, positioning, brand strategy, branding, marketing strategy, website development (including UX/UI strategy), content marketing, digital campaigns, and multimedia design. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Specialized for Service Companies: The REX Agency offers tailored strategies for business growth through brand and marketing, especially for the unique needs of Service Companies in competitive markets. Award-Winning Approach: Their Business-to-Brand Framework™, developed over two decades by Founder Allison Bran, has earned 25 international awards and is endorsed by Alberta Economic Development to stimulate business growth. Expert-Led Strategy: REX is led by seasoned experts in Brand Strategy, Branding, Digital Marketing, Marketing Operations, and Web Strategy, offering clients a fractional senior team for precise focus and results. Entrepreneurial Culture: Their senior strategists have firsthand experience in growing service companies, cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship, vision, and grit that accelerates clients' entrepreneurial aspirations. Accountable Partnerships: REX provides a fractional strategic team to enhance and empower client leadership teams and execution. They continually refine project and account management processes, freeing business owners from task management and allowing them to concentrate on their core operations. Challenges Faced During the Journey A few days after signing incorporation papers, hiring the first employees, and securing several 12-month projects for the new agency, unexpected news arrived – Allison Bran was pregnant. Building the foundation of the company while pregnant was manageable. The real challenge began when her daughter was born. She was four days old on her first in-office day. Weeks later, there was a brand launch party for REX, and she was the guest of honor, strapped to Allison's chest in an elegant sling. What people didn't know before Allison came out to do her welcome speech is that she was crying in the backroom, wondering if she was making the right decision. From the very start, her daughter became the resident 'Boss Baby'. By the time her daughter was 8 weeks old, they were already traveling for business. Allison vividly remembers giving a keynote marketing strategy presentation to an all-male team and a National Franchise client, with her daughter in a sling on her chest, nursing discreetly beneath the cover of the sling tail. The most significant obstacles Allison faced weren't just the practical challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship; they were the opinions and judgments the world had about her as a mother and a business owner. The self-doubt she grappled with was perhaps the most formidable obstacle of all. As women, they found themselves redefining the boundaries between work and personal life, driven by necessity. Allison was fortunate to have a team of "Office Aunties and Uncles" who never hesitated to lend a hand, who never made it awkward when she needed to breastfeed in the boardroom, and who genuinely embraced the idea of a company led with work-life integration in mind. The most rewarding part of this experience was the young women Allison met along the way who had previously believed they had to choose between having children and pursuing a serious career. Allison's journey helped them see that there was another way if they wanted to pursue it. Today, Allison proudly leads a $1M marketing agency—an achievement that only 4 percent of companies reach, and few of them are service agencies. What makes this even more remarkable is that they accomplished this milestone in four years with a 'baby onboard'. Their agency's success is built upon a culture that constantly pushes boundaries and embraces diversity. Plus, Allison has a daughter with a confident voice who will know she belongs in a boardroom if she chooses because she's been there since day one, she has a son who thinks girls are just as cool and powerful as boys, and she has a husband who is all-in on this journey of figuring it out, leveling up in big ways upon what society modeled for men and fathers. While they, as women and as a society, are still navigating the intricacies of this evolving dynamic, the challenges are undeniably real. However, it's important to acknowledge that the women who came before Allison's generation undertook the monumental task of opening doors and creating opportunities for them to carry the torch forward. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: For women who are either aspiring entrepreneurs or already navigating the challenging path of business ownership and motherhood, Allison has some advice to share. While it may sound cliché, she firmly believes it all boils down to purpose. Having a compelling and deeply meaningful purpose driving the growth of your business is what will enable you to tackle the inevitable challenges and turbulence of balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood. Furthermore, if you have a partner, it's crucial to approach this journey with gentleness and understanding as you both figure out how to navigate it together. This renegotiation of roles is new for everyone involved, and it's important not to compare your partner to others'. Each family has its own set of needs, skills, and resources, which should dictate the way you make it work. In other words, achieving the ideal of "having it all" often means throwing out the rule book and crafting your own. It's not an easy path, and it will require a great deal of patience. Lastly, Allison wants to emphasize that there is nothing inherently superior or righteous about entrepreneurship. It's essential to be open to the possibility that you may not be or may not want to be an entrepreneur. Only by considering this alternative can you truly understand how deeply your desire for it runs. The path you choose should align with your passion and purpose, whether that leads you to entrepreneurship or another fulfilling endeavor.

Name: Emily Reynolds Bergh Business Name: R Public Relations Firm Location: Nashville , USA Establishment (Year): 2011 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Public Relations Website: https://rprfirm.com/ Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: Built with heart and innovation, R Public Relations is a unique boutique PR firm. They pride themselves on understanding the custom needs of every client they work with and making them their own. They are fueled by their clients’ passions and the people that make their businesses run. From representing restaurants and bars to nonprofits, hotels, and businesses with brands that the world needs to know about, their mission is to provide exceptionally creative and inspired services for their carefully curated list of clients whom they respect and admire. They are a remote agency, with offices in Nashville, New York, and Austin, representing clients from around the country and everywhere in between. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: At R Public Relations, their offering stands out as a beacon of heart and innovation in the realm of PR services. What truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to tailoring their approach to the unique needs of each client they have the privilege to work with. Their distinctiveness lies in the following key aspects: Personalized Approach Passion-Driven Creative Brilliance Diverse Expertise Respect and Admiration Global Reach, Local Touch R Public Relations thrives on making your brand "their own." Their team's passion, creativity, personalized approach, and diverse expertise make them the go-to choice for clients who seek not only exceptional PR services but also a genuine partner invested in their success. Join them in shaping narratives, captivating audiences, and making your brand an unforgettable presence in the world. Challenges Faced During the Journey Emily Reynolds Bergh started her company after leaving another firm on Christmas Day - she was not experiencing the authenticity, the passion, and the vigor that she wanted to convey to clients and made a leap of faith with no financial backing. Her car crashed, literally like a country song, and she required money for its repairs. Instead of repairing the car with the dealer, she took half the money and started her business. She set up a website, a new name, and focused on getting the word out. She was available for hire, things transpired, and before she knew it, she had many new clients and a full-time staff member - they kicked butt! It was hard and not for the faint of heart, there was a lot of being scrappy and putting things on credit - but they grew and today they have a team of over 15 and are in 3 cities, working remotely around the country — it’s pretty amazing! Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Find time for yourself - Emily's suggestion: book your mornings because she loves them and really doesn't accept or adjust them unless absolutely needed — when you work for yourself, try to be the best boss to yourself.

Name: Erin Judd Business Name: No Frames Location: New York City , USA Establishment (Year): 2005 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Creative Video and Photography Production Website: https://no-frames.com/ Social Media: LinkedIn Company Detail: No Frames is a boutique highly specialized full-service production company providing creative and technical services for advertising, film, and photography. With almost twenty years in business, No Frames has produced hundreds of projects across all media genres in almost every continent, including feature films, music videos, branded content, TVC, Social Campaigns, B2B, and original short-form content. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: No Frames is a reputation-based company; the brand has been built on relationships and an uncompromising commitment to delivering on the promises made to clients, colleagues, and projects embarked upon. As a company, No Frames is easy-going, agile, and transparent, which has afforded a long journey in this industry. Challenges Faced During the Journey There are so many obstacles in any type of business, all of which have applied at some point and time. Every day and with each new endeavor or opportunity, it's important to stay focused, motivated, and on track, which as an entrepreneur can be very challenging at times. Self-motivation to keep progressing, ideating, managing teams, and building opportunity when there's nothing inherently obvious in front of one is probably, in my opinion, the biggest struggle to overcome. There will always be competition and logistical challenges, but I see these things as everyday realities instead of obstacles. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: To young women entrepreneurs, Erin Judd would say, first and foremost, congratulations for making a bold and empowered choice. Erin Judd would follow up with saying that when facing hardship (which is inevitable), take a moment to regroup, recover, and then keep going.

Name: J. Rachel West Business Name: JRW Consulting LLC Location: Knoxville , USA Establishment (Year): 2021 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Marketing & Business Agency Website: www.jrwconsulting.org Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: JRW Consulting LLC is an international one-stop destination for comprehensive marketing and business solutions. With a diverse range of services including marketing consulting, business consulting, event consulting, and marketing virtual assistant services, J. Rachel West is here to elevate brands, optimize operations, and take events to new heights. As a qualified marketing expert with two degrees in the subject from two accredited universities, J. Rachel West is dedicated to providing tailored strategies and personalized support to help clients achieve their goals and drive success. JRW Consulting helps brands of all seasons. Whether a startup looking to establish brand identity, an established company seeking to enhance marketing efforts, or an event organizer aiming to create unforgettable experiences, J. Rachel West has the expertise and passion to make it happen. Here are a few examples of the types of services offered: Brand Creation, Paid Advertising, Email Marketing, SEO, Sales Funnel Creation, Business Organization, Website Creation & Management, Event Planning, Logistics & Activation, Bespoke Marketing & Business Plans, Virtual Assistant Services, & so much more. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: JRW Consulting LLC stands out with a personalized approach, combining creativity and data-driven precision. With two degrees in marketing and over a decade of industry experience, J. Rachel West has worked with diverse brands, from million-dollar corporations to coaching professionals on their growth journeys. Having seen it all, J. Rachel West uniquely understands what it takes for clients to be successful. Unlike other agencies, J. Rachel West's education and talent ensure affordability without compromising effectiveness. J. Rachel West possesses the skills and background to strategically position brands, leveraging a wealth of experience to get noticed in today's business landscape. Challenges Faced During the Journey In the chaotic midst of the pandemic, J. Rachel West encountered a job that turned into a nightmare: a boss who made every day a living Hell, HR turning a blind eye to the situation, and finally being fired with the company attempting to block unemployment with shady lies. To the face, they stated it was due to performance, but to the state, it was COVID-related. After proving that they lied to the government, J. Rachel West finally secured unemployment as a new job was sought. Those months were terrifying, with daily panic attacks fueled by a toxic boss, yet a paycheck was received. Then came freedom but also a lack of income. However, J. Rachel West took a leap, decided to dive into the business full-time, and started scaling and growing. Along the way, new connections were found who have been a rock since day one. Now, the story is used to empower others, to show that overcoming bullying and toxic dynamics is possible. Things do get better; one just has to trust that the universe is guiding in the right direction. Let it unfold, trust the process, and watch as resilience transforms adversity into the foundation for a brighter, dream-filled future. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: The world is craving women in entrepreneurship. Women who are able to lead with their heart, mind, and soul; trusting their intuition, continuously learning, and embracing all the fun, mess, wonderful parts of themselves. As one steps into this world, remember that a business was started for a reason. At the end of the day, the aim is to help people in some form or fashion. Use that compassion for others to fuel authenticity and resilience. Not everyone will like you, and that's okay! But one needs to like oneself, no, LOVE oneself.

Name: Sally Dillon Business Name: Revolution Consulting Group Location: Wollongong, New South Wales , Australia Establishment (Year): 2021 Category: Employment Activities Profession/ Specialty: Human Resources Consulting Website: https://www.revolutionconsultinggroup.com.au/ Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: After ascending the corporate ladder and cultivating a successful career, the realization dawned that effecting significant industry change was elusive while occupying a subordinate role within a larger organizational framework. Towards the conclusion of the second wave of the pandemic in 2021, a glaring gap in HR and WHS systems for businesses of all sizes became apparent. With many entities transitioning to hybrid operational models, workforce safety and compliance issues loomed large, compounded by evolving workplace laws and regulations. This pivotal juncture prompted the establishment of Revolution Consulting Group, a comprehensive HR consultancy primarily serving small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals. Specializing in seven key service areas, the company provides tailored solutions to address diverse needs: HR Health Check: Ensuring HR and WHS practices align with compliance standards while enhancing overall business performance. HR Consulting Advice and Frameworks: Crafting simple, customized HR solutions to suit the unique requirements of each business. WHS Consulting Advice and Frameworks: Prioritizing workplace safety through tailored advisory services. Recruitment: Facilitating the identification and seamless onboarding of top-tier talent. Training: Offering a range of group and individual training programs encompassing compliance, leadership, workplace culture, communication, and more. Coaching for Excellence: Providing specialized coaching services in leadership, personal development, women in business, and organizational development. Events: Extending expertise for speaking engagements, hosting, or master of ceremonies duties at various events. Revolution Consulting Group stands as a comprehensive resource dedicated to addressing the multifaceted HR and WHS needs of its clientele, fostering business growth and success through tailored solutions and expert guidance. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: The backbone of the business, with a relentless focus on win-win solutions and business excellence, sets Revolution Consulting Group apart. Sally Dillon's straightforward approach to HR, devoid of fluff and industry jargon, simplifies and optimizes HR frameworks for businesses of all sizes. The consultancy's unwavering commitment to transformation and empowerment, embodied in their FORCE values, distinguishes them further: ·         Facilitating Growth: Driven by a passion for fostering the growth of businesses, leaders, and teams, Revolution Consulting Group's holistic approach ensures sustained success and expansion. ·         Operating with Integrity: Transparency, ethical decision-making, and delivering on promises define the cornerstone of their practices, earning clients' trust through unwavering honesty. ·         Responsive Collaboration: With responsiveness as a key principle, the consultancy actively listens to clients, adapts to their evolving needs, and tailors solutions for maximum impact. ·         Championing Change: Embracing change wholeheartedly, Revolution Consulting Group guides clients through transformations, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities for positive change. ·         Empowering Success: Equipping leaders and teams with tools, mindset, and strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve aspirations underscores their commitment to empowering success at every level. This winning formula, rooted in their core values, drives Revolution Consulting Group's mission to elevate businesses to new heights. Additionally, Sally Dillon's creation of the HR Amplify Blueprint revolutionizes HR support for small and medium businesses, addressing key challenges such as finding and retaining great staff, resolving time-consuming staff issues, streamlining compliance processes, and promoting a safe work environment. By embracing the HR Amplify Blueprint, clients unlock benefits including higher staff retention, engagement, productivity, enhanced workplace culture, and ensured compliance. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The journey of Revolution Consulting Group over the past two and a half years has been a testament to their unwavering resilience, particularly as the consultancy was launched during the challenging second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2021. Amidst uncertainty, seeking guidance from experienced mentors and engaging with the business community provided invaluable insights into navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Early guidance from their business coach, Megan Jaworski, proved instrumental in equipping them with the tools for success and fostering connections within a supportive mastermind community. Initially operating remotely with clients outside their local area in Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, Revolution Consulting Group recognized the importance of connecting with their local Wollongong community to establish trust and expertise locally. Joining the local BNI networking chapter enabled them to refine their offerings and build impactful relationships within the community. Through collective wisdom and determination, they not only survived but thrived, showcasing how resilience and collaboration can lead to remarkable success, even in the face of adversity. Sally Dillon's unwavering belief in herself and her vision, coupled with tenacity and reinvestment of every dollar back into the business during its infancy, laid the foundation for success. Despite facing financial and physical challenges, Sally remained emotionally robust, confident in the value she delivers. With mindset as the backbone of her resilience, she remained committed to sticking to the plan, even when faced with tough circumstances. Supported by her husband, Sally persevered through difficult times, recognizing the intrinsic connection between her self-worth and net worth and refusing to give up on her entrepreneurial dream. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Sally Dillon's advice to fellow entrepreneurs is to aspire to be more than just business owners but change-makers who empower individuals and businesses to unlock their full potential. Serving others with compassion and integrity, she emphasizes, is the key to enduring success.

Name: Crystal Vilkaitis Business Name: Crystal Media Location: Timnath, USA Establishment (Year): 2012 Category: Advertising & Marketing - Digital Marketing Profession/Specialty: Marketing Website : http://crystalmediaco.com Social Media : LinkedIn Crystal Vilkaitis is a globally acclaimed speaker, consistently hailed as the highlight of conferences with her engaging, relevant content that resonates deeply with audiences. In 2012, she founded Crystal Media, a progressive media company leading the charge in modern retail marketing. As a pioneer in social media since 2008, Crystal stands as an industry leader, transforming the digital marketing landscape for small businesses. Her innovative strategies have driven significant growth and sales for retailers, cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving digital landscape. She’s the Host of the highly praised podcasts Rooted in Retail and sits on the Board of Directors for Heart on Main Street and Gift for Life. Follow on Instagram at @crystalmediaco and @crystalvilkaitis. Company Detail: Crystal Media, a notable digital marketing company specializing in the retail industry, was founded in 2012 by Crystal Vilkaitis, a social media expert and retail veteran. Recognizing the potential of social media and marketing to propel retail businesses forward, Vilkaitis aimed to bridge the gap and empower retailers to leverage this powerful tool. The company's team of experts boasts an impressive track record, having collaborated with thousands of companies to generate millions of dollars in additional revenue. This has been achieved through implementing successful social media campaigns, providing expert consulting services, and taking the reins of digital marketing management for their clients. Additionally, Crystal Media has empowered countless retailers through educational initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to equipping local businesses with the knowledge and strategies to leverage social media and digital marketing for impactful results. With a genuine passion for supporting local businesses in driving traffic and achieving significant growth, Crystal Media stands as a trusted leader in the retail digital marketing landscape. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Crystal Media's super niche approach, focusing on marketing for independent retailers, ensures that its content and services are highly relevant and beneficial to its audience. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Crystal Media encountered challenges when it shifted its marketing initiatives to align with industry trends rather than adhering to its original vision, resulting in a loss of voice and slowed-down results. Additionally, comparing itself to other businesses' successes posed a challenge. Overcoming these obstacles required Crystal Media to assert its unique identity and pursue larger opportunities. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Crystal Vilkaitis advises women entrepreneurs to be authentic, trust themselves, seek mentorship, understand their numbers, specialize in a niche, invest in self-development, and adopt a strategic approach to hiring and firing.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Daniel Joseph : I’ve been in to Marketing & Business Development from 1999. I started my career with direct marketing moved on to telemarketing, international marketing and with the boom in Digital Marketing I started venturing into it from 2018. After the pandemic there was a huge demand for Digital Marketing and I used the opportunity to start my own venture in 2022 Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Virginia Business Solutions? Daniel Joseph : We specialise in Search Engine Optimisation, Content Writing, Content Marketing, Social Media Management, Search Engine Advertising and Social Media Advertising. Great Companies: What makes Virginia Business Solutions different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Daniel Joseph : 22+ years of Marketing & Business Development experience in various industries has enhanced my business acumen which I have strategically planned and implemented in my business. Knowledge of handling marketing and serving what the business owners want meticulously has put me ahead in the race in most scenarios. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Daniel Joseph : Competition from the younger generation, freelancers and newbies is one of the challenge we face as the market is filled with digital marketers because there are so many online training institutes now that train people for just 40 to 80 hours and certify them as digital marketers. I tackled this with my own experience, when I speak to business owner’s I try to understand their pain points and their competitor’s edge over them. I offer tailored solutions and results driven campaigns with my super charged team. We are glad to help business owners out there to achieve their business objectives in a phased manner and realistically. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Virginia Business Solutions? Daniel Joseph: We have planned to increase our client base and our team strength in the next 2 years. We are also planning to enter into the international market by taking on projects from other countries. At present we are a team of 8 members and in 5 years we are looking at a 40-to-50-member team handling over 100+ clients in various niches. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Daniel Joseph: You need to stay healthy, personally, professionally and financially. Be fit personally! Be fit in business! Be fit financially! Website : www.virginiabusinesssolutions.in Social Media : Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Vinni Shah Modani: After becoming a Chartered Accountant, I started working in EY (One of the Big 4s) and realized that finance is something which I am not good at or have a keen interest in, doubting my decision to become a CA. I realized that I would be in a different place now if I had known about career alternatives and had someone who could guide me. However, I saw that as an opportunity, and I recognized a need in the market for trustworthy, unbiased educational consulting that could offer complete guidance to students. I also noticed that many abroad consultancies had close relationships with universities, which can result in prejudiced recommendations. My idea was to establish a consultancy where students would receive top-notch advice and support regardless of their university affiliation along with guiding them well for their career choices. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Aara Education Consultancy? Vinni Shah Modani: Aara Education Consultancy offers a wide range of services to help students with their educational journey which includes- 1. Career counseling: Our experienced counselors help students identify their career goals and interests, and then develop a plan to achieve them. We provide a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threat) analysis report as well if required by the student. 2. Abroad counseling: We provide expert guidance on choosing the right country, university, and program for each student's individual needs. We cater to Undergraduate, Masters, MBA , PHD students, helping them completely Profile building: Aara's counselors help students build strong academic and extracurricular profiles that will make them competitive applicants. Test preparation: Aara offers test preparation courses for various standardized tests, including SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and other Aptitude test preparation such as CUET, CLAT, CET, SET, AAT, NPAT etc. (Law, Undergraduate, Hotel management entrance exams for Indian Colleges) Other services: Aara also offers a variety of other services, such as 8th-grade subject selection, Student visa assistance, SOP/LOR/Essay Editing, Education Loans, Accommodations, etc. www : www.aaraconsultancy.com Great Companies: What makes Aara Education Consultancy different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Vinni Shah Modani:  Aara Education Consultancy stands out from the competition in several ways. Aara stands out for its holistic counseling approach, unbiased university recommendations, comprehensive student support, diverse field specialization, customized content excellence, and global university placement. Aara's counselors consider each student's individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses, providing unbiased recommendations and crafting exceptional SOPs and LORs from scratch. We have expertise in a wide range of fields and have placed students in top universities around the world. The main point of differentiation is that we are overall career counselors who help students right from 8th grade till their post graduation. We offer services such as Subject selection, Board selection, Career Selection, Undergraduate counseling for Indian Universities, Preparation for entrance exams such as CUET, CLAT, NPAT etc along with the complete study abroad assistance. So we provide solutions to every educational related problem. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Vinni Shah Modani: One of the biggest challenges that Aara Education Consultancy faced was overcoming the perception that all consultancies are biased and only care about sending students to their partner universities. To overcome this challenge, Aara has always been transparent about their process and has emphasized their commitment to putting the student's needs first. We have also built a strong reputation for providing unbiased and ethical counseling. Another challenge that Aara faced was standing out in a crowded market of education consultancies. To overcome this challenge, Aara has focused on providing high-quality, personalized services and building strong relationships with their students. We have also invested in marketing and branding to create a strong presence in the market. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Aara Education Consultancy? Vinni Shah Modani: Aara Education Consultancy has ambitious plans for the future. We plan to expand our reach to new territories and markets, and we also plan to develop new services and products to meet the evolving needs of students. We aim to become the global leader in education consultancy, providing students with the best possible support as they navigate their educational journey. We also have started Zen Abroad consultancy which is an affordable version of Aara education in Nashik, Tier 2 city near Mumbai. So, we plan to expand Aara in the Tier 1 cities and Zen in the Tier 2 cities of India and eventually the world. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Vinni Shah Modani: Patience and aggression both are required for someone who is starting and wants to have a stable business later. Aggressive in your efforts but at the same time, do not expect that it will reap fruits immediately hence, in that case, patience is important. Have faith and confidence in yourself and the business you have chosen. Even if it doesn't work out later, still it will give you the learnings of a lifetime.

What is one trend you anticipate for small business marketing in 2024? How should others plan for this trend?  Here is what 20 thought leaders have to say. Specialize in Platform-Specific Marketing Embrace TikTok for Educational Content Combine AI with Human-Created Content Invest in AI-Driven Conversational Marketing Adopt Minimalist Marketing Techniques Optimize Content for AI-Filtered SEO Stay Informed on SEO Algorithm Updates Utilize AI for Marketing Efficiency Prioritize Consumer Privacy in Marketing Leverage Social Media Listening for Insights Emphasize Authenticity in Brand Content Market Sustainability in Travel Capitalize on Short-Form Video Content Strengthen Local Community Connections Shift to Interactive Marketing Content Create Immersive Marketing Experiences Focus on Organic Marketing Channels Optimize for Local SEO Success Revitalize Marketing with In-Person Events Adapt to Programmatic Advertising Trends Specialize in Platform-Specific Marketing With even more social and digital platforms available, small businesses will be best served by leaning on freelancers who specialize in specific platforms. For example, rather than hiring a marketer, a national service-based business may need a LinkedIn specialist who specifically knows the ins and outs of this platform. There are just too many platforms for a traditional marketer to qualify as an expert, so specialization will become the best way to make an impact on your desired channel. Jason Vaught, Director of Content, SmashBrand Embrace TikTok for Educational Content With a small business often comes limited budgets for marketing. However, every now and then, we see a marketing trend where budgets are not only irrelevant but may actually impede the success of the content. In 2024, I suspect we will finally see small businesses adopting TikTok as it continues to become a platform for education, e-learning, and how-to content. TikTok seeks to dethrone YouTube as the "video search engine," and as such, it is a fertile, emerging environment for businesses to create authentic, helpful content. In this digital Wild West, there are a lot of gaps for specific businesses, products, and services to carve out their territory through useful content that can simultaneously promote their presence. Here, quantity is better than quality. Creators should create raw, unpolished, and authentic content that helps viewers. If done well, businesses may find they have a ready audience for years to come. Ryan Stone, Founder and Creative Director, Lambda Films Combine AI with Human-Created Content The small business marketing landscape is changing daily, and business owners have to keep up in order to stay in control of their traffic and boost their engagement numbers throughout the new year. All business owners should acknowledge that AI is here for the long haul and may very well be the future of digital marketing, but there is still a lot of stock to be taken in the power of human nuance. I advise small business owners to strike a balance between the two: AI usage and human touch. In our business, for example, we use AI to help us with trend prediction and keyword searches, assisting us in determining which keywords are most powerful when and why, and then we take that data and create personalized content ourselves. I don’t believe that small businesses are looking for resources that have copied and pasted what GPT has spit out; they can do that themselves. I do believe they are looking to connect with companies that create content made by humans, full of personal advice, and actionable nuance; something they can resonate with because it’s something from a person. Stefan Campbell, Owner, The Small Business Blog Invest in AI-Driven Conversational Marketing If there's one thing that we can certainly expect in the coming year, it's how conversational marketing will redefine customer interactions thanks to AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants. As big data technologies and machine learning algorithms continue to evolve, traditional mass marketing strategies are expected to become increasingly obsolete. The reason why this is imminent is that modern consumers no longer want to wait around—they seek instant solutions and gratification. To prepare for this, small businesses should invest in adopting and integrating advanced chatbot technologies. Equally important is the continual analysis of customer interactions to refine and optimize chatbot responses for an enhanced conversational experience. John Murphy, Owner, eBike Generation Adopt Minimalist Marketing Techniques When it comes to marketing in 2024, simplicity stands out, especially for small businesses. They can benefit from moving away from extravagant ads to a more minimalist marketing approach to cut through the noise. Focus more on executing a clean design, communicating only the most essential details, and maintaining consistency (in the color scheme and font, for instance) to capture your audience's interest. People have grown tired of in-your-face marketing; simplicity delivers your message without overwhelming them. In this way, small details become paramount, and less is more. In 2024, it's all about how you can get your message across without unnecessary complexity to make your business memorable amidst the noise. Marc Bjerring, Co-Founder, Spivo Optimize Content for AI-Filtered SEO The key small-business marketing trends will lie in SEO, particularly in how information is composed to get featured at the top of search engines. As Google and other search engines roll out AI-automated search engine filters, it’s imperative that small businesses pay attention to phrasing when editing the information on their site, as well as the content they create. Google Snippets are largely automated by AI, so only information that directly correlates with and matches a user's request will make it into the box underneath the Google search bar. Not all hope is lost for small businesses without a high SEO ranking, however. As AI filters through sites and posts on the internet, the ones that look the most authentic often make it close to the top. Focus on creating short and attractive content that will gain the search engine's attention, and then, once customers click on your site, they have additional information at their fingertips. In short, focus on the cover of the book, and then focus on the content to survive SEO marketing in 2024. Brett Downes, Founder, Haro Helpers Stay Informed on SEO Algorithm Updates As AI becomes a default feature of the marketing industry, small businesses will view Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Bing Chat as the fastest ways to get audience attention, bypassing larger competitors. I am expecting creative changes to existing SEO strategies to ensure that keyword targeting is perfect. The easiest way to stay ahead of the curve is to sign up for industry updates from Google and Microsoft to understand what type of content their algorithms will prefer. Sam Roberts, Digital Marketing Manager, Connect Vending Utilize AI for Marketing Efficiency I would say the most significant trend will likely be the use of AI. I do not see it replacing highly skilled professionals, but it will certainly be leveraged by small businesses that have limited resources in the marketing department. For example, AI tools can be leveraged to proofread articles and generate ideas instead of hiring a copywriter. Amore Philip, Director of Public Relations, Apples & Oranges Public Relations Prioritize Consumer Privacy in Marketing Privacy is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Having personal information stolen is a breach of conduct and can significantly impact the integrity of a brand. As a small business, it is imperative to stay informed about evolving privacy regulations. It's essential to always be transparent about how customer data is collected and used, and to prioritize data security to build trust with your audience. Adam Petrilli, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, NetReputation.com Leverage Social Media Listening for Insights Small businesses will leverage social media listening tools even more to monitor discussions, sentiments, and emerging topics in their industry. Analyzing social media trends can offer real-time insights into what your target audience is interested in. Insights from social media listening can also inform your content strategy. You can identify popular topics, questions, and discussions among your target audience and create content that resonates with these insights to drive engagement and shareability. Likewise, social media listening helps identify influencers and brand advocates within your industry. You can engage with these individuals to amplify your brand message and leverage their networks. Building relationships with influencers can contribute to the authenticity and reach of your marketing efforts. Mark Damsgaard, Founder, Global Residence Index Emphasize Authenticity in Brand Content Brand transparency is one marketing trend that will really take off for small businesses in 2024. Many trend predictors have mentioned the anticipated uptick in authentic content from brands and personal accounts. This is also expected for influencer and user-generated content (UGC). In 2024, more brands will likely give their audience a closer relationship with them on socials. Small business content often reads as authentic, so leaning into this will only be beneficial! Chelsea Evans-Flower, Owner, Scott Social Market Sustainability in Travel For those in the travel industry, I believe that sustainability is going to play a big part in small-business marketing after the new year. Sustainability is important to consumers, and the travel industry is under a microscope, always being watched and monitored. Travel influencers who don’t practice sustainability are under scrutiny for not caring about destinations and the planet. Likewise, airlines and resorts are being criticized if they don’t practice sustainability. It would be wise, if either of these applies to a person, to take part in eco-friendly practices and do your part to preserve precious places on the planet. I have found sustainability success in using public transport, always cleaning up after myself, and booking stays at destinations that prioritize green emissions and low waste. There are a surprising number of places in Europe, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, that share low-waste and sustainable ideals. The more that you show you’re in line with reversing climate change and promoting a healthier planet, the more attention you will get from viewers. And yes, they will be able to sniff out if you’re lying, so be honest in your posts. Aiden Higgins, Senior Editor and Writer, The Broke Backpacker Capitalize on Short-Form Video Content Short-form video—i.e., YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and particularly TikTok—will continue to grow in popularity and use in 2024. In recent years, we saw people's attention spans shorten to where most people watch videos and don't read; now, it's getting to the point where people only seem interested in watching short-form videos that can condense, say, a 10-minute video into 30 seconds or a minute. John Frigo, Ecommerce Manager, Best Price Nutrition Strengthen Local Community Connections I also believe that localized marketing will become more crucial for small businesses in 2024. With the rise of "shop local" movements, businesses should focus on building a strong presence in their local communities. This means optimizing for local SEO, engaging with local events, and tailoring marketing messages to local audiences. It's about becoming a recognized and trusted part of your local community. Adam Hawke, CEO, Myrtle Beach Home Buyers Shift to Interactive Marketing Content A big marketing trend for small businesses in 2024 is going to be more interactive content. Essentially, small businesses are starting to realize the level of personalization they can provide to their audiences and the interaction this can bring to the company and marketing posts. In addition, social media content has been moving toward more interactive content with short-form videos (such as Instagram Reels and TikTok videos). As small businesses start to adjust to the changing content landscape and take advantage of their connections with niche audiences, we'll see an increase in content that encourages audiences to interact and get involved in discussions about products and/or different topics. Lauren Carlstrom, COO, Oxygen Plus Create Immersive Marketing Experiences The rise of immersive experiences is significant. Nowadays, people don't simply need products and services; they desire a complete journey. Therefore, like many other budding entrepreneurs embarking on this trend, I suggest investing in the development of entertaining and engaging content. Use various avenues, such as virtual tours for properties, 360-degree views, and even augmented reality experiences, to make your audience feel like they're present. The idea is to connect with people in a way that is far more than the usual marketing experience. Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative and Montreal Division Manager, Precondo Focus on Organic Marketing Channels Paid ads are already less effective, but they may continue to slide given the paid-ads arms race. Moving into 2024, more small businesses will benefit from novel organic channels. Small businesses with a local footprint will still benefit from regionally targeted ads, but they would be wise to focus on earned media and other more specialized channels. Trevor Ewen, COO, QBench Optimize for Local SEO Success One trend that I foresee for small business marketing in 2024 is the increased importance of local SEO and Google My Business optimization. With Google placing more emphasis on localized search results, businesses need to optimize their digital presence to cater to local customers. My experience with self-storage businesses taught me how crucial local SEO is to attract high-quality tenants. Planning for this trend involves focusing on keyword research to understand what local customers are searching for, optimizing your website and content for these keywords, and setting up and maintaining an optimized Google My Business profile. As we saw in a case study with a client of mine, through strategic keyword research and content strategy, we were able to increase their organic traffic by 623% and first-page keyword rankings by 551% from May 2021 to August 2022. This example clearly indicates the potential results businesses can achieve by investing in local SEO. Get started with local SEO if you haven't already—it's set to be a game-changer for small businesses in 2024! John Reinesch, Founder, Asset Growth Agency Revitalize Marketing with In-Person Events One trend is the resurgence of in-person events. They offer unique chances for face-to-face connections with customers, trust-building, and immediate product/service feedback. To prepare, add interactive elements like demos and Q&A sessions. Encourage attendees to share online, follow up for customer conversion, and collect data for insights. Embracing in-person events in 2024 can boost brand visibility, expand your customer base, and create memorable experiences. Matias Rodsevich, Founder, PRHive Adapt to Programmatic Advertising Trends One trend shaping the future of small business marketing in 2024 is the escalating significance of programmatic advertising. Having navigated the marketing landscape for years, I can see that programmatic strategies are set to redefine how businesses connect with their target audience. The key lies in the ability to customize ad placements with unparalleled precision, optimizing reach and engagement. To prepare for this imminent shift, businesses should pivot toward data-centric decision-making. Analyze consumer behaviors and preferences through robust analytics, enabling the creation of personalized campaigns that resonate. The transition involves moving away from conventional approaches, placing emphasis on real-time adjustments and dynamic ad placements. Phil McParlane, Founder and CEO, 4DayWeekJobs

How did you get your idea or concept for the business? I came up with the idea of Qwaiting when my friend and I had to wait a long time to be seated at a restaurant. It was frustrating to invest so much time there to buy the food. On that note, I thought of developing a solution to help businesses manage queues efficiently. Upon analysis, we found that industries such as banks and healthcare facilities faced the same challenges with customer flow, especially during peak hours. I researched and studied the queuing system extensively day and night. After two years of hard work, Qwaiting was launched. What are the various Features provided by Qwaiting? Qwaiting offers a variety of features to increase effectiveness and customer satisfaction across different businesses and industries. Some of the features include: Appointment Scheduling. Customer Feedback. Real-time Updates. Data Analytic services. Customization. Integration. What makes Qwaiting different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Our clients have positive experiences because of our customer-focused approach, advanced technology solutions, seamless integration, comprehensive services, user-friendly interface, and commitment to data security. This is what sets Qwaiting apart and demonstrates our success. What were the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? We primarily face the challenge of convincing users to adopt our new system as there are many other solutions available in the market. However, we overcame this challenge by using different marketing strategies and providing them with a user-friendly interface, conducting training sessions, and highlighting the benefits of our Qwaiting system, such as reduced wait times and improved efficiency. How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Qwaiting? We plan to improve our software features and integrate the newest technologies to reduce the average waiting time. Our goal is to establish Qwaiting as the premier solution for business growth and customer satisfaction among business owners. In the next 5 years, we anticipate Qwaiting becoming an even more robust platform, leading the industry through ongoing innovation and a commitment to excellence. If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be? One crucial piece of advice for someone starting a business is to prioritize a deep understanding of the specific needs and pain points of your target customers. Website : https://qwaiting.com/

How did you get your idea or concept for the business? My background is in the charitable sector.  I grew up being told, this was how you made an impact in the world. When starting my business, I naturally gravitated towards the space where I had the most experienced.  As I began working more with nonprofits, I would start to see the same systemic issues occurring.  After bringing these issues to the attention of the executive team, the response was one of resistance towards any type of change. I began to pivot towards businesses that were doing amazing things for the world, making an impact but that were encountering the issues I was seeing within the charitable sector.  These business owners, however, actually wanted to do something about the situation.  They were progressive and wanted to make an impact.  Business was not their strength, they were often really good at a specific product or service but disconnected from the business-side.  I help bridge the gap, so they are to focus on their zone of genius. What are the various services provided by Humanitarian Entrepreneur? We specialize in marginalized businesses that face censorship from societal stigmas and government regulations; viz., alternative medicine, healers, femtech, and sextech.  Service options are available for business owners to be met where they are at, whether that be the conceptualization stage to those businesses with a gross annual revenue in excess of £25 million. What makes Humanitarian Entrepreneur different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Our services are holistic.  While many providers offer a specialized service in marketing, branding, or copywriting, we take a big-picture approach. Often, businesses will present with a problem but that’s not actually what they need.  For example - People think they just need to get leads because that will bring in the business but what if you get 100 leads or 1,000 leads tomorrow?  Do you have something to actually offer them? Other times people think they just need to make more sales, convert those leads but do you actually have the capacity to fulfill these requests for a stellar product or service?  Do you have the right internal processes to make sure you have an optimum customer service experience or will you lose the sales and future sales because people are dissatisfied? Services are tailored to what you actually need and key players are brought in at the right time to save you in time and resources, so you’re not wasting money on something you don’t need. What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Many of us became business owners because: (1) we saw a gap in the world and we were trying to fix it, or (2) we were tired of working to further other people’s dreams and not our own, or (3) out of necessity, not being considered employable by traditional means – whether that’s because of justice involvement, not having the correct work authorizations, etc. All this to say, we weren’t taught how to be business owners in our traditional education!  Especially, not in what has been considered the “helping” disciplines.  This was antithetical to what I was taught. When I decided to forge my own path, I didn’t see what I wanted, in the way I wanted out in the world.  It took a lot of patience, a lot of self-discovery, and a lot of trial and error for what felt true for me and for the market. How do you plan to grow in the future?  What does 5 years down the line look like for Humanitarian Entrepreneur? Humanitarian Entrepreneur always strives to support as many people as we can to uplift the world through their unique gifts and talents.  What that will look like will evolve over the next five years as technology grows and the needs shift.  Financial support is definitely something we are looking to achieve before the five-year mark. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Patience is immensely important!  As you take this path, you will learn more about yourself.  Sometimes this triggers a lot of unresolved issues and familial patterns before you’re able to move forward.  You are right where you are supposed to be in this moment.  Know that everything is always working out for your highest and best good.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Rohit Raj : When I was in class 8th, I have participated in science exhibition which has been organised in our school. In that exhibition I have made a Model of Lie Detector. And this is what seeks my interest in the technology more and more. I just loved that hardware parts and soon I got to know about different microcontrollers, sensors and many other things. So I started working on it and made various kinds of projects using Arduino and Raspberry pi. I made debut in he field of technology when I was in standard 8th. Later on I got to know about drones, IOTs and more such things. I developed my first basic drone for just entertainment purpose. As the time was passing and I got to know many things about drones and home automation devices. And also I don't like to borrow money from my parents even for the smaller part of my drones hardware and all. Then I started freelancing to fund my project. So later on I decided to start my own service provider development venture. And that's how the idea of this startup came in my mind. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Techsics Technologies? Rohit Raj : Techsics Technologies is a Drone development and Home automation development company. We provide cutting edge of drone solutions. Apart from that we also provide trainings on drone development and conduct workshops and seminars to the schools and colleges. Great Companies: What makes Techsics Technologies different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Rohit Raj :  At Techsics, we work with drones, home automation which includes different types of hardwares, softwares including IOTs and many such different technologies. So anyone who have skills in the company required field can work with the Techsics. For example, even I found any school going student who are matching to company's necessity role can work with us if he is interested. So we mainly see the skills rather than degree. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Rohit Raj :  Currently I'm a 20 years old entrepreneur. So when I was at initial stage of my startup, people wouldn't consider my ideas & opinions, owning to my young age. They always used to tell me that you are very young and you don't have knowledge about business, startups and you can't do it, you have done have any ability and talent and etc etc. and even my parents didn't supported me that time.  In covid also we faced some issues due to lockdown but later on everything got normal. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Techsics Technologies? Rohit Raj : Currently we are providing Drone development and Home automation development solutions to the different companies and schools including conducting workshops in schools and colleges. Moreover we are working on some smart tech projects and planning to launch it soon. We aim to setup Drone Lab to different states sbse cities across India. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Rohit Raj : According to me, of you really want to do something in life and wanted to reach at your dream goals then always keep focus and believe on you and your ideas, passionate your work, be productive, keep patience, work smarter than harder and the main point don't listen to the negative people. Stop expecting from everybody and don't stop taking point of views of other people. Be the action taker and make the life your good turning point.