Megan Barrow, Director of JoElla Marketing, understands the struggles of small business owners and works to ensure they understand the marketing techniques that are best suited for their business. Megan looks at marketing like a journey and encourages business owners to understand what they’re doing and why, essentially embracing their authentic self and business values.
“Being allowed on their journey is a privilege. To see that my work makes a difference to them and their business is pure joy for me.”
Megan faced many obstacles in the startup of her business, but this enabled her to give customers down-to-earth, honest advice. She understands that business owners asking for marketing assistance can be vulnerable and feel at a loss.
“I was getting angry seeing small businesses get manipulated into expensive contracts and platforms they didn’t need, or know how to use effectively. I decided it was time for a marketer with a genuine care-factor for business’ success, who remained by their side for as long as they needed, to enter the marketplace. I decided to step up to that plate!”
The business idea originated through her love of social media. She discovered the impact it had on business’ marketing and communication. Although at first she was going to mostly focus on digital/online marketing, she discovered a real need for small business owners requiring holistic marketing advice and help.
Megan Barrow views the HerBusiness as more than a networking tool.
Megan says that she sees HerBusiness as one of the best professional development resources, with like-minded members of different professions, helping her grow personally and professionally. After attending a few webinars, Megan gained huge respect for HerBusiness’s business philosophy and Suzi Dafnis’ approach to business mentorship.
“HerBusiness was almost a lifeline for me in my first year of business. As a Premium Member, I joined Community Director, Suzi Dafnis, and other HerBusiness members at quarterly Roundtables and met the most genuine, savvy businesswomen who not only offered amazing goodwill advice but also seemed to care about my success. “Thoughtful and inspiring businesswomen, all with goodwill agendas, equally contribute to the regular newsletter and blog. Now I am blogging for HerBusiness and can only hope I inspire others the way I have been.”
Megan shares three pieces of business advice she wishes she knew before starting up her business:
- Give good value to your cost of service and be brave when invoicing.
- Understand that small business owners are no longer skilled employees, but that they become every aspect of their business.
- Always be thinking about business improvements, clients, cash flow, marketing – everything! The holistic approach encourages each aspect of the business to be assessed and improved.
Megan addresses the need for confidence, passion, and determination.
“I don’t think there is any specific skill-set you need other than to be confident, know the risks and be willing to do it anyway.”
Megan Barrow’s advice for starting a business:
- Your past associates won’t value your new worth as a business owner. It’s your new clients who will value you.
- Surround yourself with amazing business owners and mentors to bounce ideas with and support you when times are tough.
- Be kind to yourself and be your ultimate cheerleader, as most people won’t understand.
