Member Spotlight on Jennifer Bollinger-Conway
Member Spotlight on JENNIFER BOLLINGER-CONWAY
Principal, The Netcom Group
Interview conducted by Winnie Hart, Communications Director
Please tell us briefly about your company.
The
Netcom Group is an interactive marketing firm focused on the
development and implementation of online marketing strategies and
fulfillment. We are a strategy-based organization first with the
in-house capabilities to develop and deliver websites, technical
applications, lead-generation programs and ongoing content delivery and
awareness for a business or brand online.
So why did you join EO and how long have you been a member?
I
have been a member since 2004. As a first-time company owner, I was
looking for a group of like-minded people with whom I could share
ideas, work through challenges and continue to grow and learn.
How did you come up with an original idea for your business?
I
spent the first 15 years of my career in traditional marketing and
advertising and have always truly loved functioning as a strategist. I
pursued an opportunity in 2003 to acquire this company because I knew
that the future of my industry would be online and wanted to specialize
in that niche going forward.
What are your current annual revenues and number of employees?
We
are currently between 4 and 5 million in revenue, have 22 employees
full-time and at least 10 contractors who work with us on a regular
basis.
What is your proudest accomplishment(s) to date in your business?
Surviving
Hurricane Katrina and growing in spite of it. If we were able to
relocate an entire organization, maintain all clients and our team and
prosper anyway - we can do anything.
When did you first realize you were going to be an entrepreneur?
I
don't think it was a conscious decision. I have always pushed myself to
be successful and have put in the work necessary to achieve it - one
goal at a time. As I progressed in my career, working for someone else
became more and more frustrating because I wanted to do it my way. I
think that is typical of an entrepreneurial spirit and now each day, I
am always thinking about ways to grow and ways to pioneer. I can't wait
for what's next.
What is your greatest accomplishment in your entire life?
I
would unequivocally say my two sons. They are fantastic people and I
get the greatest satisfaction in spending time with them. Part of what
EO has helped me manage is finding ways to have that time and keep that
balance.
What are your biggest personal strengths?
I
am a master organizer. I can be presented with a challenge and see the
path pretty quickly. I am also a good collaborator and I think that's
why the people I work with respect me. I recognize all talents and
input and if I don't know, I will find out.
What about your biggest weakness?
I
create stress for myself and others because I tend to function well
under stress. I have found though, that as I continue to grown in my
career I become wiser and more able to allow for others' personal
styles.
Why do you think you have been successful?
Very, very hard work and building relationships with people I respect.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I
am a Yankee and grew up in a household that was very non-adventurous. I
arrived at Tulane for college and had never had Chinese or Mexican food
let alone crawfish or any kind of fish beyond a fish stick. Things are
a lot different now!
What is something you hope will be written about you in your obituary?
I
hope to be remembered as a good mother and a mentor. I want to have had
positive impact on the lives of my family, friends, employees and even
in my community.
On a lighter note, what do you do for fun these days?
Well,
I just got re-married after 7 years on my own so I am having a blast
having a partner again to experience things with - good and bad. I am
heading to Italy and Greece in a few weeks so planning the trip has
been very exciting and we are looking forward to hitting more places on
our list in the near future.
Who has the biggest influence on your life?
My
paternal grandmother "Mame." She was, for me, the epitome of the person
I would like to be. She was a business woman in her own right at a time
when that was a challenge. She loved life and her family. She made
everything fun and took nothing for granted. And most of all, she
really loved people for who they were and celebrated that. That's a
pretty powerful thing.
What are the most influential books that you have read?
I
literally read 2 - 3 books a week. Reading is my secret passion. I
recently read the Kite Flyer and then Night of a Thousand Suns. I love
learning about other cultures and perspectives. From a business
perspective, the most memorable book I have ever read is Ogilvy on
Advertising. It's very 101 but I refer to all the time when I am
thinking through something complex. Sometimes you need someone to
remind you that to communicate effectively - you have to be able to say
it in 15 seconds or less.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Do
your homework, feel as confident as you can and then take action. You
will never know everything you need to but you should be able to trust
yourself and your ability. Most things are possible.
What lead you to EO?
A
friend explained it to me and suggested that I meet with Kevin Langley.
I was skeptical but agreed to join and go through Forum training. I had
not been to a single chapter event. Once I had been through training
and understood what EO was - I knew it was right for me.
How has your initial experience been?
I
cannot imagine life before Forum now. That has truly been an incredibly
rewarding experience for me and has contributed a lot to my life and to
my business. The chapter events and seminars have also been very useful
for me and for my team. I am making it my goal to attend at least one
national event in the next year so that I can get more involved on a
national level.
