Kerri Bennett is a self-described ‘digi-geek’. She loves helping Aussie small businesses get their wares online and is a pro at developing eCommerce strategies that get businesses noticed. If you’ve got a question about Shopify – Kerri and her business Yellow Door Digital is your go-to.
We ask Kerri the hard questions about life as a soloist.
You’ve got a free half-hour during your workday. What do you do?
Step away from my computer, walk in the sunshine and savour a coffee and the quiet.
When did you know you wanted to start your own business?
I was doing casual freelancing and a friend, who works as a nurse, said to me, ‘If I had the option doing my day job as my own business, I would run at it.’ It was solid motivation and reminded me that I am lucky to be skilled in a profession that doesn’t require the involvement of large institutions or infrastructure.
What’s your proudest business moment?
There have been lots of proud moments. I am proud that the very first client I signed, is still an active client today, over 3 years later. I’m proud every single time a client leaves a Google review saying how much they enjoyed working with me. I’m proud whenever I open the door to my office (yes, it’s a Yellow Door) and know that through my work, I can make a positive impact on someone else’s business.
What’s your number one way to wind down?
I find swimming laps allows me to completely switch off. No noise, just a single focus of breathing and kicking. But, if there’s no pool open, Netflix and wine works too!
What’s the best thing about being a soloist? And the worst thing?
Most definitely the adaptability. As a mum of two young children, being able to schedule an afternoon off to attend school assembly or do the drop off to footy training is everything for creating some sense of family life harmony. The worst can be the lack of having someone to share a problem with, someone to talk though an issue in detail and get different perspective and ideas. I’m blessed to have colleagues, friends and communities like this to help make that part of it a little easier.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
I guess I’ve always lived by the motto of love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life. As a freelancer you really are all in, so you can’t fake it, you really have to love doing what you do. But that’s more life advice than business really isn’t it… Invest in yourself and your business. It’s a bit cliché but it really has paid off for me. I constantly invest in training, learning and connecting. Luckily for me, there’s always something new to learn about SEO.
Where and when do you have your best ideas?
Driving (alone) my car. Obviously, it’s hard to write them down though whilst driving, so recently I’ve found that recording voice memos whilst driving is a great way for me to record the inspiration and ideas I get whilst driving. I’ve even been known to jump in the car and head to nowhere in particular just to help sort out my thoughts.
What would be your advice to aspiring soloists going into business?
What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best that could happen? If you don’t give it a go, you’ll never know.
What would your family say is your greatest strength? And weakness?
My family would probably say I’m endlessly curious with a strong desire to learn and driven to get and see results. On the weakness side I have been told I take on too much, talk jargon and default to passive-aggressive with my nearest and dearest when under the pump. (I am actively working to curb that last one!)
What do you wear to work?
It can depend on what my schedule is for the day, but mostly jeans and a jumper.
What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?
I work with Australian based eCommerce businesses that are using the Shopify platform. I support them and help them manage and grow their online stores through SEO, conversion optimisation and email marketing.
Where can we find out more about your business?
- Website: www.yellowdoordigital.com.au
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/yellowdoordigitalAU
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/yellowdoordigital
- FS Directory: https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/profile/yellow-door-digital/
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