Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success: Tips from Ohio's Business Experts
- Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success: Tips from Ohio's Business Experts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson 16:04
We are thrilled to present an episode rich with insights for aspiring and current entrepreneurs, with tips from several local experts. Each guest brings a wealth of experience and valuable advice for those looking to start or grow their businesses in Ohio.
We begin by discussing the significance of self-confidence and the myriad of questions that come with starting a business. Our first guest, Katie Ellis, the president and CEO of the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership, highlights the benefits of joining a Chamber of Commerce. Katie explains that chambers offer numerous opportunities for brand awareness, networking, and access to critical resources. They also provide member-exclusive benefits like health insurance and professional development programs. She encourages new entrepreneurs to explore different chambers and find the best fit, even suggesting attending events without committing to a membership initially.
Katie also mentions SCORE, a nonprofit supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration that pairs entrepreneurs with mentors who offer personalized guidance. Additionally, she recommends ECDI, which offers business incubation programs and small business loans, and organizations like NAWBO and the Women’s Small Business Accelerator for female entrepreneurs.
Next, Carol introduces Frank Agin, president of AmSpirit Business Connections. Frank emphasizes the importance of networking in entrepreneurial success. He asserts that businesses thrive through Relationships and provides three key networking tips. First, find a mentor who is well-connected and can offer guidance without necessarily charging for their services. Second, focus on building relationships with strategic partners who operate in the same circles but offer different products or services. For example, Frank, a former attorney, built relationships with bankers, accountants, and payroll professionals to generate referrals. Lastly, Frank advises getting involved in the community, as this increases exposure and positions one as a committed and valuable community member.
Brett introduces Darlene Ziebell, a seasoned business adviser with over three decades of experience. Darlene provides crucial tips on developing a brand, particularly focusing on social media and marketing. She starts by stressing the importance of creating a compelling elevator message that conveys the unique value of a business. The final part of this message should emphasize the benefit customers receive by choosing your product or service over others.
Darlene’s second tip is to establish a differentiating message that sets your business apart from the competition. This message is vital before spending any Money on marketing or branding, as it ensures that the investment will not be wasted. Watching television commercials and social media ads can provide insight into effective differentiating messages.
Lastly, Carol introduces Ken Lazar, the chief career officer for the Ability Professional Network. Ken underscores the importance of identifying a niche for your business. When he and his son started their executive search agency, they focused on recruiting sales professionals. This focus helped them build a strong, recognizable brand and become a go-to agency for companies looking to build their sales teams. Ken advises against chasing “shiny objects” or ventures outside your niche, as this can waste time and resources and confuse your customer base.
Ken also shares his experience with social media marketing. For his business, LinkedIn proved to be the most effective platform for reaching their target audience. He recommends finding one or two social media sites that work best for your brand and maintaining a consistent, active presence on those platforms.
Top Takeaways
- Utilize Chambers of Commerce: Joining a chamber can provide crucial opportunities for brand awareness, networking, professional development, and insights into local economic trends. They can also offer member-exclusive benefits like health insurance and training programs.
- Networking is Essential: Building relationships with mentors, strategic partners, and getting involved in the community are key strategies for networking. Networking can help entrepreneurs receive guidance, support, and referrals.
- Develop a Strong Brand Identity: Create a clear elevator pitch that quickly conveys your unique value proposition to potential customers. Knowing what differentiates your business from competitors is crucial before Investing in marketing.
- Find Your Niche: Focusing on a specific niche or industry can help an entrepreneur’s business stand out and become the go-to service provider in that area, leading to better brand recognition and market penetration.
- Choose Effective Social Media Platforms: Identify the social media platforms where your target audience is most active and focus your efforts on consistently engaging with them there, rather than spreading yourself thin across many platforms.
- Build Confidence and Seek Support: Having confidence is crucial for entrepreneurs, but it’s also important to seek out and utilize available resources and support systems in your region.
- Community Involvement: Actively participating in community activities not only raises your exposure but also brands you as someone committed to making the community better, contributing positively to your business’s reputation.
- Continuous Professional Development: To maintain and grow a successful business, entrepreneurs should continuously seek opportunities for professional development, including industry insights and best practices through various local and national organizations.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.
Find us on Facebook.
Please review our podcast on Google!
And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.
Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
Mentioned in this episode:
Listener Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
