Jon’s business experience
I am a co-owner of a web design and digital marketing agency and spent 15 years as a Director and later Managing Director. I was responsible for the marketing, sales, and financial side of the business. Additionally, I would work with the clients on the commercial reasons as to why they needed a website and or digital marketing campaign. Prior to this I ran my own direct marketing company – Ellard Marketing Ltd, and previously spent 4 years as Marketing Manager for a Management Consultancy in Gloucestershire. My experience has allowed me to build a strong industry knowledge and gain a reputation for identifying and solving businesses’ digital marketing issues and delivering real results. The drive to set up Ellard Outloud was born from my frustration with senior decision makers not taking digital strategy seriously enough. Websites and social media campaigns fail 9 times out of 10 because of poor strategy, senior leadership, budget and clear goals.
Five questions, five answers…
What has been your most pivotal moment in business?
Stepping away as MD of Urban Element after 15 years to start up a new venture.
If you could send a text to yourself the day you started out in business what would it say?
Ensure you have enough capital to survive not making any sales for 9 months.
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?
My A’Level Business Studies lecturers and my Mum and Dad. Mr Foden and Mr Baker because they gave me a kick up the backside and told me to lose the cockiness. My father for being a brilliant businessman and bank of Dad. Mum for being an incredible teacher who requalified as a special needs teacher when she found out I was dyslexic.
What book should all business owners read?
Staying in the Helicopter by Roger Harrop
What is your favourite quote?
“Build it and they will come” – Field of Dreams