Name: Michael Quinn

Age: 26

Hometown: Aberdeen, SD

Education: Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead (Broadcast Journalism emphasis)

Name of Business: Fargo SEO

Business Type (partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.): LLC

How did you get started?:
I was living in Michigan at the time, a little down on my luck career-wise, and was looking for a way to make more money. I already had the experience and skills in the area, so I figured “why not?!” I just needed the equipment. Compared to most brick and mortar businesses, this was a relatively inexpensive business to start. I already had a computer and the editing software. A few thousand dollars of video equipment and I was good to go.

Successes (best part):
When clients, especially newlyweds tell me how much they loved my video, even to the point of making them cry. That means so much to me!

Challenges:
Keeping up with the technology (the equipment and software is always changing); getting my name out there (however, there are a lot of cheap ways to advertise if you know where to find them); balancing this business with my full-time job.

Advice for other Yps:
There’s tons of people that want to go into business for themselves, but only a handful that will actually take the first step. So, if you see a product/service that is in demand or that you can do better, then go for it! Even if your happy with your current job, it’s nice to have something on the side. It is very fulfilling to have a business that you can call your own. A good website goes a long way! Web presence is so important. I’m amazed how many businesses have a bad website or no website. Make sure your on Linked-In and other professional websites so when people search you your Facebook page isn’t the only thing they find.