Konstantinos - Try as Many Things as Possible but Every Time You Decide to Do Something, Stick To It and Explore Its Full Potential (Entrepreneur From Greece)

Konstantinos

Keep trying, keep evolving, keep adjusting and focus on maximizing the value you offer to others.

1. Tell us more about your company and your journey.

Simply digital was my 2nd company and it was "born" 3 years ago as an effort to simplify digital marketing and offer no bullshit solutions to the Greek market.
 
My initial intention was to create a marketplace of services so that people can get connected with the most legit professionals in the country, but then we realized that the Greek audience was not yet ready for such a platform, so we transitioned that into a marketing agency. 

I started studying Marketing in 1998, got my MBA in 2006, doing in parallel several things professionally (from being a bar-tender to promoting spirits brands in the Greek islands) but also being a semi-pro karate athlete. Spent a decade as a Regional Marketing Manager in Procter & Gamble and Diageo managing brands like Duracell, Braun, Ariel, Johnnie Walker, and others, before I start my 1st company (Champions ID in 2015 and Simply Digital in 2018).

2. How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it?

The idea about my 1st company (Champions ID) was the result of my intention to combine my 2 biggest passions together. Sports and business. And hence I created the 1st marketplace of sports talent worldwide, which was awarded 3 times both in Greece and the US. (entrepreneurship awards).

The idea about simply digital came naturally, by realizing that there is too much BS out there when it comes to Marketing, Digital Marketing, agencies, and online business in general. So, my intention was to try to simplify this whole overwhelming territory. Like I love doing always with everything. ''Do it simply'' is my life's motto and that's why simply digital became my personal brand. 
Simply Digital is me. Konstantinos, trying to explain simply everything I know.

3. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?

My 1st company after the initial success and impressive user traction faced the issue of not being able to monetize effectively the user base. That kicked off a negative loop of events, like running out of money, not being able to engage our users, team members having to leave to get another job, and me trying to find the motivation to continue fighting for that.

Simply digital came to the rescue as an idea, to fund me personally and my other company after pivoting to a new business model. If I had quit at this moment, I would be probably working again in the corporate world and that would be a big defeat for me and my dreams.

The way you overcome that is simple and super difficult at the same time. Keep trying, keep evolving, keep adjusting and focus on maximizing the value you offer to others.

4. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?

Mindset is the No1 quality. Exactly like great athletes, great entrepreneurs have this "refuse to lose" mindset, they are obsessed with their craft, their purpose and want to leave their mark. They are not after money.

5. What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?

Doing the little frustrating but necessary things that you have to repeat daily, consistently even when you hate doing them. Your ability to beat your default inner calling that says "I don't feel like doing this today", is what makes all the difference. Also, the moment you believe that you are the best or you don't have to improve further is the moment that you will start losing.

6. What are your tips for first-time and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Try as many things as possible but every time you decide to do something, stick to it and explore its full potential. Don't get distracted by the "next shinning thing syndrome" that many creative people have. Me included. Also listen to what other people that have already made it, have to say, but always believe in yourself more than that. There is not just one road to success.

7. How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?

When are lacking funds, you need to step up on creativity, hustle, and effort. Sometimes having the funds is the worst thing that can happen to you. You don't really push yourself to the limit that you discover the best version of yourself and your ability to find smarter ways to make it. In 2021 there are so many free tools and platforms that people can use to do anything they want. Lack of funds is many times just an excuse.

There's beauty in the struggle.

Konstantinos

Konsta
ntinos

Entrepreneur 

Interviewed By Muskan