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Destined for Entrepreneurship |
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Written by Sandy Larson
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Web and Marketing Wiz Follows in the Footsteps of Forefathers
April Lougheed never had a doubt that one day she would run her own business. “For generations, everyone in my family has been entrepreneurs,” says the owner a web design and marketing firm in Fishers, Indiana. “It is in my blood to tackle the marketplace.”
When the time came for April to realize her lifelong goal, she carefully assessed her skills and past experiences. She was highly adept with computers and had spent the previous 12 years in marketing and brand management for Fortune 500 companies. She wanted to start a business that capitalized on these assets.
It was during this time that the Internet was first showing signs of having a history-altering impact on the global economy. “I knew immediately the first time I visited a web site that the Internet would revolutionize business,” recalls April. “It was a pioneering business opportunity and a good match for my marketing and strategic thinking abilities. What a challenge and a joy — I could now attack the international marketplace right from my living room.”
In 1995, April launched iGuideInc.com, a company that provides companies with turn-key web site services and solutions. She explains, “We completely manage our customer’s online presence including ROI, long-term planning, brand development, customer support, database management, search engine optimization, and administration.”
April credits Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) for helping her business get off the ground. “SCORE was there at the very beginning,” she comments. “Knowing their vast experience with start-up companies, their encouragement of my idea was extremely motivating. As the company grew, the recognition I received from SCORE continued to build my confidence.”
Achieving $100,000 in sales in 2005, April’s company is growing rapidly, thanks to word-of-mouth referrals. She continues to operate as a one-person home-based business, and she outsources extra work whenever needed. She serves a wide range of companies, from large companies with over 500 web pages to small startups with less than 10 pages. “Our goal is to create a long-term relationship with our customers, growing their businesses, and becoming an integral team player in their organizations,” she says. “We believe if our clients win — we win.” HBM
Previously published in the June 2006 issue of HOME BUSINESS® Magazine, an international publication for the growing and dynamic home-based market. Available on newsstands, in bookstores and chainstores, and via subscriptions ($15.00 for 1 year, six issues). Visit www.homebusinessmag.com
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