How can West Virginia encourage more
entrepreneurs, and why is this important for the
future of the state?
I think we need to focus on the future, and the future is en-
trepreneurs creating new ideas and bringing new and exciting
businesses here. Entrepreneurs have helped shape our great state,
and thinking outside of the box helps us grow and expand.
I think it is important to showcase our West Virginia-made
products to the world. We live in an amazing place, and we
need to let the world know.
Justin Seibert
President, Direct Online Marketing
Tell us about your business.
We are a digital marketing firm
that helps clients from every populat-
ed continent grow confidently online.
Tell us about the obstacles you
faced and the resources that
were available to help you.
For my industry, the biggest obstacle
is access to talent that has direct expe-
rience with the specific type of market-
ing we do. The West Virginia Department of Commerce provides re-
sources to lessen the burden of training while giving us the flexibility
to access the learnings we need for our niche. I can’t say enough
good things about the state development office, Small Business
Administration or U.S. Commercial Service. These agencies have
been tremendous resources, especially in supporting our export-
ing efforts. The people running these agencies and the ones you
interact with truly want to see you succeed and will do every-
thing they can to help you.
What advice would you give other West Virginians
interested in entrepreneurialism?
Expand your geography in your mind. Think nationally or
internationally, and use the resources that are available to you.
Turn what you do well into a repeatable, trainable process. Watch
your bottom line, and really understand your profit drivers.
Develop a great culture, and surround yourself with the best
talent that fits that culture. Be responsive and attentive—these
traits will set you apart to your clients. Over-communicate, es-
pecially internally. Take care of your community.
How can West Virginia encourage more
entrepreneurs, and why is this important for the
future of the state?
I’d encourage the state to keep regulations and taxes low. En-
trepreneurs need to focus on making a great product or service,
developing a great process for it, creating an enviable culture
and driving a profit while doing so. We don’t need government
making it harder on us. If there was one other piece, perhaps
providing more networking and peer mentoring opportunities.
Ultimately being an entrepreneur is a pretty lonely proposition
in terms of who you can talk with about your business issues.
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