This interview is with Anna Stella, Marketing Expert at BBSA.

Anna Stella, Marketing Expert, BBSA

Welcome, Anna! Could you tell our audience a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a business expert?

My journey to founding BBSA is as unique as the company itself. I initially secured funding by winning a TV show, but the real story behind BBSA’s success lies in our unwavering dedication to clients and our passion for marketing. In 2022, we introduced a 24/7 business model, a game-changer that sets us apart from other marketing agencies worldwide. This approach embraces the philosophy that 'it’s always 8 AM somewhere,' allowing us to provide marketing support at any time. What drives BBSA’s success is our focus on quality outsourcing. I’m proud to be one of the few global academic experts in outsourced marketing, helping businesses tap into specialized marketing expertise while reducing their operational burden. Our diverse team of marketing professionals lives and breathes marketing around the clock, ensuring we stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. This commitment makes the outsourcing experience both rewarding and enriching for our clients.

What initially sparked your interest in the business world, and how has that passion evolved over time?

My journey has always pointed toward marketing. From a young age, I was captivated by clever campaigns and gorgeous commercials, often more than the kids' shows I was watching. That early fascination has evolved into a lasting passion for marketing and advertising, which I've successfully transformed into my career today.

From your experience, what is one common misconception entrepreneurs have about generating business income, and how can they overcome it?

They don’t understand the game they are in and lose sight of the fundamental goal: making money and achieving profit. Many focus on aspects that don’t directly contribute to this goal, forgetting the formula is simple: money in minus money out. When I talk to entrepreneurs, I emphasize the importance of understanding this formula and the game they’re in. Once they grasp the concept, they have a fighting chance of succeeding. The key is to stay focused, take consistent steps forward, and maintain the grit and persistence to follow things through, whether in good times or bad.

Many entrepreneurs struggle with pricing their products or services effectively. What advice would you give them to find the sweet spot between profitability and value for their customers?

Start by examining your offer and considering what alternatives your customers have. What would they do without you? This includes direct competitors, like neighboring stores if you sell luxury clothing, as well as online options or even thrift and vintage shops. Look beyond the obvious competition to understand the full range of choices your customers face. Then, examine how you can differentiate yourself and the unique value you provide. This often involves some trial and error, but the goal is to grasp the true value you offer to your customers. Pricing is ultimately about value creation and value capture. Your first priority should be to offer something genuinely valuable that serves your customers' needs. Once you’ve established what that value is, you can then determine how to capture it in a way that sustains your business.

Building a strong team is crucial for any business's success. What qualities do you look for when assembling a team, and how do you foster a culture of collaboration and innovation?

The market is changing all the time, and adapting never gets easier. As you grow and evolve, it's key to surround yourself with people who are not only capable but also aligned in terms of work pace, eagerness to learn, and commitment to growth. To nurture a culture of collaboration and innovation, keep things simple and focus on giving team members what they really want: meaningful work, a clear understanding of how their contributions impact the overall business, and good old-fashioned care and appreciation so that they don't feel that the business relationship is just transactional.

The digital landscape is constantly changing. What strategies have you found most effective for adapting your business to new technologies and trends while staying ahead of the curve?

The only way to keep yourself and your business up-to-date with market changes is to prioritize continuous learning. By enrolling in courses and dedicating time for education each week, you can work at your own pace and provide yourself with the space to reflect and connect the dots.

Financial management is often a pain point for entrepreneurs. What financial advice would you give to your younger self or someone just starting out in the business world?

I think when it comes to financial management, one vital piece of advice I would give to anyone starting out is to prioritize cash-flow management. It's easy to overlook this, especially if it's not something you enjoy, but understanding your cash flow is essential for sustaining and growing your business. As you launch and reinvest your earnings, you'll quickly realize that everything costs more than you initially anticipated. Even if you think you've padded your budget, it's often not enough. So, be diligent in tracking your expenses and planning your investments carefully. This will help you make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources for maximum growth.

Looking towards the future, what emerging trends in the business world are you most excited about, and how do you think they will impact entrepreneurs in the coming years?

I'm really excited about the rise of marketing outsourcing. As marketing becomes increasingly complex and personalized, businesses are exploring diverse strategies and multi-channel approaches. Many companies looking to expand internationally often lack the necessary marketing expertise or in-house resources to thrive in new markets. By outsourcing their market entry and expansion efforts to established global marketing agencies, these companies can access highly qualified talent right away. This not only alleviates the workload on their in-house teams but also allows them to focus on core activities. Outsourcing is a strategic advantage; it enables companies to operate more efficiently and effectively and to elevate their brand to new heights.