Dawn Jones, the founder and CEO of global marketing company 29Eleven Media LLC , has been a marketing, sales, and social media specialist for over 20 years. Her company helps businesses (from mom-and-pop to Fortune 100) establish, enhance and elevate their brand identity through advertising, design, marketing and social media. Offerings include website design and management, graphic design, logo design, social media management and advertising campaign creation.
Walk us through your journey to success. How did you get to this point?
I have been working in marketing, sales and media for over 25 years. I have a passion for assisting businesses, especially new and up and coming ones, present their best brand in front of the public. I worked in radio sales and event management for over 20 years and have served in marketing positions for various boards. I branched out into my own business when I began getting referrals from friends and colleagues to assist in graphic design, Web design and marketing assistance.
What do you do to stay on top of your game professionally?
I take any available course on my craft and read as much as I can in my field. I also consult regularly with other marketing experts. I stay in tune with current trends and seek out those designers who are on the cutting edge of the industry. I also make sure I have the top tools and resources available in my field.
How do you balance your personal life with your professional?
It’s more challenging now, but I make time for me. I find one day a week to have downtime where I try have any meetings, conference calls or work to complete for clients. I also take mini ‘we-cations’ a few times a year for a change of scenery and to spend extra quality time with my son. I also have begun a ‘hard stop’ time each day to make sure I give myself a stop time because I could literally work all night. Proper rest is essential in balancing your personal and professional life.
What advice would you give to a budding entrepreneur or career woman?
I would share that they need to find something they are passionate about and pursue it with all of their heart. Find mentors and a great support team to surround you that will encourage you and lift you up when you want to give up or when you get your first ‘no’ and the 10 ‘nos’ that will follow that first one. Finally, focus on staying true to yourself, educate yourself as much as you can in your field and always seek God before you make any decisions.
What does being a BOSS mean to you?
It means being a part of an amazing tribe of women who support each other through encouragement and advice. It means being a part of something bigger than yourself and helping to bring another woman along the way toward success. It means contributing to the success of another female entrepreneur. It also means increased exposure for my business which leads to increased business which leads to more opportunities for me to give back to my community.
For more information about Jones, please visit www.29elevenmedia.net or follow her on Twitter at @29ElevenMedia
The BOSS Network is a community of career and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online and event-based networking. Their mission is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women. For more information on The BOSS Network, please visit www.thebossnetwork.org.
