Interviews for Small Business Week at WE Magazine

Interview with Amanda Stewart, Creative Genius ~ 6th Sense Design

Tell us about your business.
We are a creative advertising solution firm providing marketing to increase business and attracting a customer base through print and internet marketing. We also provide solutions with keeping your current customers with up-to-date information on new products that you may offer as well as engaging them in surveys and offering them benefits to lead to more sales. We provide services from concept to completion including logo identities, branding, print collateral design, printing, hosting, e-marketing in web site design and e-newsletters.

We work mainly with small business owners and really enjoy it. We also work with marketing agencies to be their on demand design team.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
I’ve been a business owners since the wee age of 18. I bartered for office space in order to get it going and it all just sorta happened. I haven’t looked back since. I’ve enjoyed the freedom and the ability to be the controller of my own destiny. I tried to work for a company but had a difference of opinion with how they ran the company and treated their employees.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
Mainly other business owners. We all stick together really. If it wasn’t for joining NAWBO 8 years ago and meeting the women I did, I’m not sure I would have had the energy or strength to keep on going. Its important to be around other business owners to relate and bounce ideas off of. Everyone shares the best kept secrets which is how the community should be. Giving and supportive.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Starting a business so young and able to live the life that I have through travel and adventure. Be able to give back to my parents that sacrificed so much for me when I was growing up.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Never put your eggs all in one basket and never be afraid to be a risk taker.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Grow. Restructure. Improve!

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you succeed?
NO better resource than those around you. Better to learn from others mistakes than on your own. The internet is an amazing resource for knowing what is going on NOW in your industry, to see what your competitors are doing and to network 24/7 like on twitter and facebook. I always try to attend atleast one industry conference. Helps you find colleagues that you can bounce ideas off of.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
Start a secondary business that utilizes the many talents and expertise I’ve acquired over the years. I have a book of ideas and now its time to execute atleast one of those.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Never lose the passion for your business. I’ve noticed that when you are truly passionate about what you do its contagious and infects others. Then it seems that everyone around you becomes more energized.

Always take time for yourself as it gives you a bit of recharge so that you can accomplish more at the end of the day.
Never forget to ask, “How can I help YOU?”

How can our readers find you online?
On twitter: @amandastewart and @printitquick
www.6thsensedesign.com
www.print-it-quick.com

Thank you Heidi Richards