This week on Own It, we’re talking to Molly Baker from Indie Consulting. Her New York-based firm is a full-service marketing partner for brands of all sizes. She started the company in 2018 after years with Ben & Jerry’s and powerhouse digital agency 360i.
We talked about everything from her journey both as an owner and a runner – she just finished her first Ironman competition – to her thoughts on how to close the gender gap in the advertising business.
Molly is so powerful and inspiring. We loved talking to her and We know you’ll enjoy listening in, too.
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Being an entrepreneur is a deeply introspective journey. Owners must constantly hold themselves accountable, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and continuously seek improvement for the benefit of the entire business.
Beyond marketing expertise, a strong agency differentiates itself by prioritizing exceptional customer service, building genuine relationships with clients, and acting as a trusted advisor. These "softer skills" are crucial for standing out in a crowded market.
There's a significant lack of open communication about the practical aspects of setting up a business, particularly for marketers transitioning to agency ownership. Sharing details like business structures, budgeting, and forecasting can significantly help new entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls.
Women often cap themselves before even attempting to start a business, perhaps due to the various roles they juggle or fears about future priorities. The advice is to "just go for it" because the flexibility of ownership means one can always adjust their path if priorities change.
The advertising industry often gets too caught up in awards, clout, and superficial aspects of creative work. There needs to be more transparency and focus on what truly drives business success, makes human connections, and fosters genuine partnership and growth. The unsexy but powerful elements like media, analytics, and strategy are often overlooked.
