What do you currently do?
I am the founder and managing director of Xanthos (e-xanthos.co.uk). After a successful career as a Finance Director, I decided to retrain as an internet consultant in 2002. This was a difficult time for the internet as we had just come through the dotcom bust; however I was certain that the Internet would be an important channel to market. So I set up Xanthos. Xanthos is a digital marketing agency that offers digital marketing, web design and development and ecommerce to SMEs. We also work with Internet Entrepreneurs to help them deliver success online.
We have been delivering results for clients for 12 years. We understand their business and the role of digital marketing in delivering their business strategy.
We offer an end-to-end service for SMEs, from design and building a website to online marketing. Many businesses lack the in-house resources to manage their online marketing and Xanthos provides the resource and expertise to deliver their digital marketing plan.
Who do you admire?
Robert Townsend for his Guerilla Guide for working women was helpful for me in starting my career in the 80s.
Bill Gates for his creation of Microsoft and his subsequent philanthropy
3. Looking back, would you have done things differently?
I would have started my business with a business partner, rather than set it up and run it alone. It definitely helps to have someone to work with, share ideas and provide the support you need at the beginning.
4. What defines you way of doing business?
There are 3 core values we adhere to – customer focus, professionalism and integrity. Before setting up Xanthos, it had become clear to me that the top performing businesses were those that put the customer at the heart of their business. I was crystal clear that customers would be the pumping heart of Xanthos.
Professionalism relates to every aspect of what we do including how we communicate with customers.
Integrity is a core personal value of mine and I have ensured that we adhere to this value in our dealings with customers, suppliers and staff.
5. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business?
My advice would be “make sure you have:
– The right business partners
– Sufficient capital or source of capital to get through the first 18 months
– A clear marketing plan
– Hired the best people you can afford
