Executive Highlight
Conor Smith
Share This:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Email
CEO, First Call
- Industry: Advertising / Marketing
Business Founded: 1998
Phone: (406) 239-4592
Email: [email protected]
Address:
500 N Higgins Avenue, Suite 201
Missoula, Montana 59802
How long have you been in your industry?3 Years
Why did you choose your industry?I am in two different professional services industries: IT and marketing. First Call Computer Solutions (www.firstsolution.com) was founded to provide IT, phone systems and websites to small businesses in Montana in 1998. I chose the industry because at the age of 23, in the late 90's it was an industry where a young entrepreneur could establish themselves as a leader and help leaders from other generations embrace technology. Over the years the business has evolved to providing IT, Cybersecurity, Phone Systems and Digital Marketing. Digital marketing requires a combination of creative, technical, project management and business acumen.
Who are your typical clients?Our digital marketing services are designed to help the people we know best. IT Managed Services providers in the $2m-$5m range who need to mature their marketing and prospecting functions to create steady, consistent growth in IT management contracts. We also want to help Montana businesses strengthen their brand and create a compelling website presence.
What do you like best about being in this industry?Every business must do four fundamental things: generate leads, sell stuff, deliver it and get paid. When you can give an organization capabilities in lead generation that they don't currently have, it can help them re-imagine what is possible in their business and the lives that business is serving.
What are common problems you see?There are two fundamental challenges in digital marketing. Establishing all the foundational elements needed to be successful: brand, website, social media, list management etc. Then designing and building campaigns that produce a return on investment. The common problem in the space we are working in is people haven't had a lot of success with marketing efforts in the past and you are asking them to really build something they don't have. That takes commitment and courage from the client and confidence and capabilities from the team of marketing specialists.
What advice/tips do you have for clients?CEO's are often times the decision makers and the overall evaluator of is their marketing successful. My recommendation to them is to slow down and get clear on their vision for marketing. What do they want to accomplish? What is motivating them. Why is it important? What are the ideal outcomes? What will make this investment successful for them and all the stakeholders? These seem like simple questions but we really force CEO's to answer them with clarity. CEO's have a lot of ideas and desires (some realistic, some not) and every one wins when they are well communicated and realistic given the maturity of the organization.
When is your busy season?We don't have a busy season - steady month in and month out
What keeps you up at night?Lead generation! Its so important to the health and confidence of our business and every business we serve.
How do you market yourself to grow/expand your business?As a CEO I need to be involved in the industry, the communities I serve and the causes I care about. I need to post on the channels where people can see who I am and what I am about. I really enjoy speaking to people as well. I am always looking for opportunities to do that both in person and online.
How involved are you in the community?First Call is a member of a national marketing association and peer group. We are also involved with a number of industry associations that we serve and attend some national conferences. Locally we are involved with Chambers and Montana industry associations. I used to be involved with Rotary and some other service organizations. but the older I get, the more I understand we aren't built to try and fix the world, but rather to help each other's hearts that we are in community with.
What is your favorite not for profit or charity?Church - it gives me so much peace, community and direction for my life and all the roles I have to fill. Be lost without it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into this business?I think most people who are attracted to marketing see the branding, graphics and visuals. But that's a really small part of it. You have to be extremely accountable with your client's money and really strong in planning, project management and execution. In the end clients want profitable growth and if you don't deliver it, you won't have a client. It's highly capitalistic and if you can't embrace that, don't get into this business.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?Skiing, Lake time, Resting, being with my wife and children
Disclaimer: The information contained in this Executive Highlight, including any external links, is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Daily News Network does not verify the information provided and assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy. Daily News Network does not endorse any business or individual listed in this directory.
