Bria Smith is the co-founder of Thinknue, a video and development studio. Thinknue’s boutique style business model and approach has been a key factor in the company’s success. They believe in getting to know each client to make sure each project is the right fit for their brand as well as potential client’s needs. Both believe as a company, it is important to give it their all and to make sure to meet the expectations of each client. Read our interview with the lovely Bria below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I surprisingly have owned and operated businesses for years. I always thought of my businesses as additional income. As a teen mom, I realized that I needed additional income outside of my fast food paycheck to provide for my daughter. I had a very traditional view, work 30 years for a corporation and then retire. In recent years, I found myself with the “corporate america blues”. I had to take a hard look at what I had built over the years, think about my future and more importantly my purpose. Living a life of purpose is truly what inspired me to take my business seriously.
Tell us about your business.
My company is called Thinknue. We provide business development, graphic design, web design and video production services. We love working with people that want their business to stand out. I also co-own and handle operations for a landscaping company and event planning firm in Florida.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes, if you visit www.thinknue.com and join our email list, we have a huge sales on graphics and promotional materials coming up. Many items will be 50% off.
Where is your business based?
Jacksonville, Florida.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
First, I wrote out a simple 3 page business plan. My next steps were handling the legal stuff in order and opening a bank account.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Networking and word of mouth have been two really big keys to my business success in getting new clients.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Understanding that I can not do everything myself. I used to feel awful to ask for help or to say I can not do something for someone.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Understanding that delegating is necessary for growth and remembering no matter how hard I aim for it, I am not perfect.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I remember that people are depending on me to show up. Some of those people I have not even met yet. I also have an amazing support system that helps me stay motivated.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Thinknue is unique in that we love working with other companies that do similar work. We like to be creative and think outside the box. We encourage every client to be unique and efficient. We also have minimal automation in our business as we love human interaction. In a world of a so many coaches and consultants, I am not into super sales or over selling. I am going to give you what you need and do the best job I can each client rather you spend $100 or $10,000.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
You always have permission to be you.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Three tips I often share with my clients are:
- Own your uniqueness.
- There will be hard moment/situations but you have to push past that temporary discomfort.
- Do NOT get lost in the trends and HYPE of business.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @bria_thinknue
Facebook www.facebook.com/bria.thinknue
Periscope bria_thinknue
Website www.thinknue.com
Hashtags #thinknue #bizpro
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Pour Your Heart Into It” by Howard Schultz and “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
Our current goal is to build a stronger online presence and audience. I am consistently looking for great platforms to share my brand with.