Scott Hinton
The most common mistake is doing everything yourself. I always say, I am not good at everything so why would I try and do everything myself?
Tell us a little bit about your current projects. What exciting milestone would you like to share with our readers? (Don’t hesitate to delve into your achievements, they will inspire the audience)
Wendy Stunt: We launched Go DigiCard in 2017 to solve a problem I knew only too well. I am an avid networker and realised that immediacy is key in today’s digital world and that means that the traditional paper business card is losing its power. Fortunately the digital onset brings a solution to the problem it’s created, which comes in the form of a digital business card. Rather than swapping paper cards individuals send an SMS/Email/QR Code that shares their digital profile via a business card microsite. This includes promotions, contact information and hyperlinks to their websites and social media channels. Since establishment we have sold to over 200 companies and have quickly entered the European & International Market. Go DigiCard won ‘Digital Business of the Year 2020’ and since the pandemic we have grown dramatically, helping businesses to connect online with their existing and potential customers.
Can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey? Did you ever consider giving up?
Wendy Stunt: As an entrepreneur, I have a passion, resourcefulness and a strong determination to succeed. I have had several businesses, so giving up is not in my nature, I learn and move on to the next project.
The hardest lesson for me was to listen to my gut, see the warning signs and act. It is hard when you are so passionate about a business to allow it to go, my second business was selling Digital Nail Art Printers and this taught me so much about business, customer service, accounts, staff etc. I learnt what I was good at and what I should outsource, something I hadn’t considered at the time when I was struggling with the business. Now I have a team of experts I know, like and trust around me.
What are the most common mistakes you see entrepreneurs make and what would you suggest they do?
Wendy Stunt: This is an interesting question. I would say the most common mistake is doing everything yourself. I always say, I am not good at everything so why would I try and do everything myself. I really hate accounts, really! I avoid it at all costs. Like the day before my accounts are due in, I might look at it lol But it did take me a long time to acknowledge what I was good at and where I needed help. A lot of Entrepreneurs will say, well I can’t afford to pay someone to do it, can you afford for someone else not to do it? I see so many businesses close because you get worn down trying to do it all. There are solutions. Ask for help, it is possible the accountant might need marketing assistance and you could barter your services. Attend networking events and create meaningful business relationships to ask for advice. The chances are someone in your group will have or be experiencing a similar problem.
Has the pandemic and transitioning into mostly online shopping affected your company positively or negatively?
Wendy Stunt: Fortunately, the pandemic has impacted our business positively. With people no longer seeing their customers face to face, our digital business card gave them a tool to share their company quickly and effectively online. Whether that is via SMS, Email, QR Code, Social Media etc. We offer our cards in any language. It has become an essential business tool, through innovative technology, we blend the advantages of online marketing with a traditional business card.
You can update your business details in real time without having to wait on printing. There are lots of benefits and features but for me the key is, you are giving your customer your information that they can instantly save to their phones for when they require your services. Did you know 88% of paper business cards are put in the trash and the main reason is that they didn’t need their services there and then. Our card is helping towards climate change and solving this problem.
When you think of your company, 5 years from now, what do you see?
Wendy Stunt: Even in today’s digital age, 27 million business cards are printed daily. The economy continues to grow with new small businesses. Today, there are 28 million small businesses, but that number is forecasted to keep growing. Of the 10 billion cards printed each year, 8 billion will be tossed within a week. That’s 88% of the cards printed. (Source: https://www.creditdonkey.com/business-card-statistics.html)
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In 5 years time, I would like to be playing a big part in reducing this completely unnecessary waste. Our children are sending an SOS to us to help save their future and the climate. I live on the small Island of Ireland, There are 1,624,907 people working in Ireland (Source: CSO) I would like to see us becoming a paper business card free Island to show our commitment to sustainability and the environment. I am on a mission! Then I will move on to the rest of the world.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success?
Wendy Stunt: I was asked at a seminar once, “Can you be successful and kind?” It threw me, I never realised these two words are rarely associated with each other when it comes to business. My immediate response was 100%, absolutely you can. I am kind and successful. Common words you will hear when describing a successful business person are risk taker, persuasiveness, strong minded, decisive, vision etc. I am all these things but I think kind is the one I think has been most instrumental in my success.
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Being a CEO of the company, do you think that your personal brand reflects your company’s values?
Wendy Stunt: Yes absolutely, I encourage anyone I work with to build a strong professional personal brand. What happens when someone googles you? What do they see? Is it a good impression? What are you posting on Social Media? Is it consistent with your company’s values? You have to be aware of how it can impact your company. It is how you are presenting yourself to the world. My brand is all about connecting people, I live up to this through my avid networking and sharing content that I believe would be valuable to my connections. LinkedIn is an incredible platform and through the pandemic I have embraced sharing and helping as many people as I can to get their message out there.
How would you define “leadership”?
Wendy Stunt: I am not sure I wanted to be a leader, I get it but it isn’t for me. I like to guide my team, we work alongside each other. I nurture their ideas and watch them grow along with the business. It is very important for your team to be happy in what they are doing. In my business I enable my team to be a leader of themselves, it is really inspiring to watch. I like them to take control of their own careers.
What advice would you give to our younger readers that want to become entrepreneurs?
Wendy Stunt: I would say please go for it! We need more entrepreneurs in the world. My advice would be to ask a business owner that you know in your family or on your street, can you shadow them for a day? Can you go to work with them and take notes? See what part of having your own business you like and dislike. Then plan how you will run your own business and delegate the parts you don’t like doing or maybe work with a partner that likes that part of the business.
What’s your favorite “life lesson” quote and how has it affected your life?
Wendy Stunt: Mother Teresa – I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripple.
I live by this quote. You might feel like it’s too big a challenge or you won’t make a difference. You will. Whether that is to one or one million, You will make a difference.
This interview was originally published on ValiantCEO.
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