Starting a New Business

Richard Dean, Founder of Banter Marketing recently met up with David Heard, to discuss “starting a new business” for Abintegro’s Online Careers Service. Some of the transcript is below. We’ll save you from the really boring parts, but hopefully it will give a good insight into the ethos and thinking behind Banter. Enjoy.

What made you want to start a marketing company?

“Firstly, I have always known I wanted to set-up and run my own business. Why? It’s got to be the ultimate test, one of the most difficult things you can do. It’s a challenge, but such an exciting one because you are changing businesses/consumers lives. You can make your own future.

“I have also always had a keen appetite for marketing. I remember being young and amazed how adverts could change peoples buying decisions. I was lucky enough to work in a vibrant marketing department during my school holidays and loved it. I mean how can you not love marketing? It’s the most important aspect of any business. Everything your company does can be improved by marketing. Being skilled in marketing can change fortunes and have the biggest impact of any business function.”

(You can catch up on the naming of Banter here)

Top 3 tips for someone considering starting up

“Am I only allowed 3…? Ok then, here we go: Understand your market, prospects and competitors. Find out who you are up against and what challenges you face. Gain as much insight as possible, you can never do too much research. Mmmm… secondly, treat your customers like kings, go the extra mile, at the start your reputation is worth everything. And lastly, don’t lose faith, it’ll be an emotional rollercoaster at points, but stay focused and keep believing.”

Has anything else helped you set up your business outside of the usual?

“Strangely, being an only child. I find it incredibly hard to get bored, so the long and lonely nights working on clients projects pose no problem!”

We’ll post a link to the final interview when they manage to edit out the bags under Richard’s eyes, a process that would take even the most skilled Photoshop surgeon a while.

For information on Abintegro and the great work they do click here.

And you can email Richard, here. Go on, I dare you.