Italian Town and Country in the Top 100 and in the Top 10 of the “Glamorous” Category
Congratulations to Italian Town and County, located in Seattle, Washington, for being named in the Top 100 for 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and in the Top 10 of the Glamorous Category. We caught up with business owner and entrepreneur Michelle Ferrari and asked her to answer some questions and share some words of advice and inspiration with our StartupNation audience.
Tell Us About Your Journey
StartupNation: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Michelle: Flexibility to create our own work atmosphere.
StartupNation: To what do you attribute your success as an entrepreneur and business owner?
Michelle: Knowledge about the services we offer. We are always in touch with what our clients are looking for.
StartupNation: What ignited the spark in you to start/select your particular business as an entrepreneur?
Michelle: Our passion for travel to Tuscany, and sharing our knowledge with our guests, so that they might have the same experiences that we have had over the years.
StartupNation: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Michelle:
- Patience.
- Persistence.
- The ability to be flexible in changing markets.
Words of Wisdom – Inspiration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
StartupNation: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Michelle: Be patient and stay passionate. Hard work pays off
Inspiration
StartupNation: Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
Michelle: Successful entrepreneurs that have paved the way for the rest of us.
StartupNation: What is your favorite motivational/business quote as an entrepreneur?
Michelle: Keep up with the competition and stay ahead of the pack.
StartupNation: A motto you live by?
Michelle: Rent a Villa and change your life
Tell Us About Your Business, Experiences, & Funding Your Startup
StartupNation: How did you get funding for your startup?
Michelle: Personal savings
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Michelle: Do not go overboard with loans
Marketing and Building Their Customer Base
StartupNation: How do you market and build your customer base?
Michelle: Internet ads and word of mouth. Stay in touch with past clients.
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Michelle: Develop a web presence with solid SEO. Never keep your eye off of your market. Keep up with the ever changing technological trends.
Changes in the Business Market
StartupNation: What changes have you seen in your business market since starting?
Michelle: Growing competition. Larger corporations saturating the market, with less of a personal touch.
StartupNation: What do you see coming that will impact your business?
Michelle: Fluctuations in the currency markets, and direct competitors. Stay ahead of the competition.
Learn more about Michelle’s business and view other businesses that entered and placed in the competition by clicking here for the top ten and a full list 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and entrants.
Do you have a startup? Are you a passionate entrepreneur with an idea that has taken off and want to share your success with others? Would you like your business to receive priceless exposure in the media and be positioned to take your business to the next level? Then join us this fall for the 8th Annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition which ranks outstanding home-based businesses and the amazing people behind them! Watch for your change to enter! In the meantime, be sure to visit us daily for new content to support and grow your business!
