In the latest of these popular series of features we talk to... DANIELLE BARRY Founder of Click Start Marketing
Did you always envisage a career in the Media industry?
I have always been interested in marketing, business and economics…essentially what drives demand for products and services, however, I studied finance at university and always thought I would end up being an accountant or financial advisor.
What has been your career path so far?
I started out as a Business Analyst for a housing developer back in 2012. I was extremely lucky as the Finance Director of the company thought I’d be better suited to strategic marketing and business development and created a new role for me within the company. I started studying for my Marketing degree on evenings; becoming the Marketing Lead for Prince Bishops Homes in 2014 and was promoted to Digital Marketing Manager in 2016 before moving onto e-Quality Learning’s new Group Marketing Manager. I started working on my own business, Click Start Marketing on evenings and weekends in 2016 and decided to make the shift to a freelance Marketing Consultant in 2019 to work around my little girl who arrived in June that year. Now Click Start Marketing has a wide range of clients who I support with everything from website development and branding to strategic marketing.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
I think the biggest challenge for me was making the shift from employee to self-employed and learning to work with such a wide range of clients. Being a manager within a group structure has definitely helped but I need to remind myself to allocate certain time slots to certain clients to work as efficiently as possible.
Who do you most respect in your industry?
Since starting my consultancy I have found myself working alongside other freelancers to support businesses. I have a newfound respect for ‘sales’ departments and in particular, my fellow freelancer Nicola Halse who I am constantly learning from. Our two service areas go hand in hand and we have collaborated to deliver business growth for SMEs.
How did you adapt your business during the coronavirus crisis and support clients?
I had a few set backs during the pandemic but that was offset by clients whose businesses started to soar. I also found that there was an increase in demand for website development as businesses wanted to shift their businesses online.
What is your greatest strength?
I enjoy meeting and working with new people. I thrive on finding out how a business’ product or service can bring value and creating a brand based on that value. My financial background and courses in digital analytics have given me the ability to use analytics to adjust marketing activities for businesses accordingly to get the best results.
What is your biggest weakness?
Confidence! Unfortunately, I’m a bit of a worrier but working on the sales element of businesses (including my own) has helped to build my confidence. Nine times out of ten, people are lovely and I’m learning to dismiss the ones that aren’t.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Not work-related but having my beautiful baby girl Francesca has been my greatest achievement and being able to work around her schedule. I can work full time and still spend special time, taking part in activities with my daughter.
What are your future career aspirations?
At the minute my husband and partner, James is working parttime for Click Start to support the website development arm of the business which has grown substantially. I also have Marketing Executive, Emily supporting me on a freelance basis. My aim is to bring James and Emily into the business as full time employees, relieving some of my time to improve business processes and attract more clients.
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
I think we will see an even bigger requirement for digital marketing and online branding. Getting a brand right is so important and something that businesses of all sizes will need to invest in. That’s where we come in. With no overheads and low operational costs, we can offer a cost-effective way of building a brand and getting SMEs online.
How do you like to unwind?
I love hiking with my family and travelling. Hopefully with the easing of restrictions I can get back to adventuring round the globe with my little family.
