“I love being with people and sharing their stories.”
At the heart, Janine Jones of Janine Jones Media is a storyteller. Throughout an extensive career as a Marketing Manager and Head of Public Affairs, Janine has shared hundreds of client stories in print and digital media.
But following a desire for better work-life balance, she shifted to work as a consultant. Since then, Janine has combined her expertise and passion for helping others connect with their audience, expanding her business more intentionally during the lockdowns.
Now, Janine helps businesses and nonprofits grow through customised marketing strategies and compelling communication. Whether it be a marketing audit focused on brand awareness, brand growth, or brand power, Janine works closely with her clients to meet their needs. As she explains on her website, “I love being with people and sharing their stories.”
As a relatively new business owner, joining the HerBusiness Network has offered Janine a wealth of resources, workshops and networking opportunities. She shares that all of these have been expanding her thoughts and hopes for her IDEAL business.
But outside of being a storyteller, Janine’s natural curiosity has led her to pursue several other creative outlets. Not only is she a traveller, but she’s also a collector, filmmaker, author, cook, gardener, movie buff, music lover and librarian.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Many years ago I became fascinated by Oprah Winfrey’s entrepreneurial skills. She didn’t allow childhood poverty and abuse to hold her back in life. Her ‘weakness’ as a TV News Anchor became her strength as a TV talk show host. Her success in that role led her to launch her ‘OWN’ Empire broadcasting a 25-year, syndicated TV program, and so much more. Her financial success is the basis for her amazing philanthropy. Even though I don’t agree with some of her philosophies, I do admire her professional achievements and generous spirit.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I left a full-time position as a Media and Public Affairs Executive for a better work-life balance. I decided to work as a consultant and spend more time with my growing family living interstate. I was marketing for a Neurological Institute and visiting Queensland regularly. Then COVID 19 closed the state border.
At that stage, I didn’t even think of my ‘consultancy’ as a business! I soon realised (isolated in my apartment) that I needed to earn a living, contribute to others professionally and use my time in a meaningful way. So I started to think about ‘working in my own business’ more intentionally.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I enjoy the flexibility of running my own business. I review my commitments and choose my own time and location to do the work. Come to think about it, I enjoy being the boss!
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Try not to sabotage yourself with imposter syndrome, and self doubt.
- Set yourself healthy boundaries because you are often the jack of all trades in the beginning and there will always be something else you need to do.
- Connect with other business owners who can support you in your work and learn from their experience.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
If you’re thinking about starting your own business make sure you have a ‘commercial’ idea and get professional advice if you need to outlay a lot of money to get it off the ground.
Plan, plan, plan; implement; and review for improvement. Rinse and repeat. Most importantly, believe in yourself. If this is your dream, invest in yourself and your venture.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Choosing which skills and knowledge you should invest in quickly depends on your existing skills base. Her Business’s 8 Growth Zones are a helpful reference – Planning; Sales and Marketing; Product/Service; Systems; People; Money; Technology; You.
If your product or service is ready, you need to focus on Sales and Marketing, because without customers you won’t have a business.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
As Janine Jones Media, I’m a solopreneur but my ideal business model would be a boutique agency. I’d love to employ specialists to help more people in their business. I enjoy a team dynamic even if we are all working remotely for most of the week. The agency would be known for exceptional service because everyone would love their work!
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
Although I’ve been honing my craft for decades, I’m new to running my own business. The resources and workshops Her Business offers are terrific. They’re expanding my thoughts and hopes for what could be. Suzi is inspiring and generous to her members. The Network is a great opportunity to connect with business women from around Australia and overseas. People I would not meet otherwise. I want to build relationships with more women working in Marketing and other industries and learn about their business.
