Spotlight: Katelyn Bourgoin

The entrepreneur discusses the importance of taking a customer-first approach

Entrepreneur Katelyn Bourgoin.

Q: Tell us about yourself and your role within your company.

I'm sort of a serial entrepreneur. I started my first business when I was twenty-five, and I've gone on to start businesses in the tech, marketing and hospitality sectors over the last eight years.

Since shutting the doors at my venture capital-backed tech startup in 2017, today I work as a growth strategist with early stage tech startups.

"I help companies to find their super fans by taking a customer-first approach."

Q: What is the most rewarding part about being an entrepreneur? What keeps you passionate and driven to succeed?

I love watching innovation take shape. I get to work with companies who are building technology that will make the world a better place and that's a marvelous feeling.

Q: The digital landscape is changing rapidly, with more and more Canadians using digital marketing tools to drive more leads and increase sales. For you, what are some key concepts or strategies that you suggest for small business owners?

"Digital marketing changes rapidly, but people don't."

When you really understand your customers and their needs, it becomes much easier to earn—and keep—their limited attention. Today's buyers have infinite choice and most have researched a product well before they actually decide to buy it.

It's important for small business owners to take the time to nurture their customers through the buying journey and provide all the information and resources they need to make an informed decision. I see too many companies pushing for the sale too quickly and losing the customer as result. A great solution to this is using automated sales funnels to nurture potential customers along the buying journey.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring and prospering business owners when it comes to taking their business to the next level?

I believe that in today's business climate, whoever gets closer to the customer wins. Invest time in truly getting to know your customers. I assure you, it will pay dividends in the long run.

Q: Please list your social media handles:

Twitter: @katebour

LinkedIn: kallenro

Facebook: kbourgoin