We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Francisco Lujan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Francisco , appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

You know, that’s an interesting question, and it’s something I’ve definitely wondered from time to time. Being a business owner certainly has its ups and downs, and happiness isn’t a constant state. But there are moments of immense satisfaction and joy, and also periods of stress and uncertainty.

I think the last time I seriously entertained the idea of having a regular job was during a particularly challenging period for my business, especially during the pandemic. It was a time when it was really difficult, and the weight of responsibility felt heavier than usual.

During that moment, the idea of a regular job seemed appealing. The thought of having a set schedule, a predictable income, and less overall responsibility was enticing. I imagined what it would be like to clock in and out, leaving work behind at the end of the day without the burden of carrying the company’s future on my shoulders.

But as I delved deeper into those thoughts, I realized that the desire for stability was overshadowing the reasons why I became a business owner in the first place. I remembered the passion and drive that fueled me to start this venture, the freedom to pursue my vision and make a meaningful impact, not just in the printing/graphic design industry, but with many entrepreneurs too.

Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that while there are challenges unique to being a business owner, there’s also a sense of fulfillment and purpose that I wouldn’t find in a traditional job. Yes, there are moments when I yearn for the simplicity of a regular job, but those moments are fleeting compared to the sense of accomplishment and autonomy I derive from entrepreneurship.

So, to answer your question, yes, there are times when I contemplate the road not taken, but in the end, I wouldn’t trade the journey of being a business owner for anything else.

As a photographer, it also gave me the freedom to explore the most beautiful cities in the world, capturing moments and scenes that inspire my creativity.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been fortunate to have a rich background in both printing and graphic design, with experience dating back to the 1980s. My journey started in the printing industry, where I learned the ins and outs of production and quality. However, my passion for design led me to pursue formal education in graphic design and advertising.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s top advertising agencies, contributing to memorable campaigns for esteemed brands like Aeromexico, Hanes, IBM Latin America, Radisson Hotels, and Miami Speedway. These experiences have honed my skills as an art director, emphasizing the importance of design elements in effective communication.

Now, as the owner of Business Advertising Store, I bring together my decades of expertise to provide small business owners like myself with top-notch design and printing services. What sets us apart is our focus on design excellence, leveraging my background and insights to create compelling visuals that truly showcase our clients’ businesses.

At Business Advertising Store, we understand that every entrepreneur has a unique story to tell, and we’re here to help bring that story to life through exceptional design and printing solutions. Whether it’s crafting eye-catching marketing materials or developing a cohesive brand identity, our goal is to empower entrepreneurs to stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped us build our reputation within our market was our unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch design solutions tailored specifically for each of our clients, regardless of their size or budget. We understand that for many small business owners, accessing high-quality design services can be challenging, both in terms of finding the right fit and affording the costs associated with premium design work.

Our approach has always been rooted in the belief that exceptional design should be accessible to everyone, not just big corporations with hefty budgets. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing affordable yet exceptional design services that truly make an impact.

Moreover, our years of experience in the industry have equipped us with a deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to effective design. We’ve honed our craft over decades, drawing from my background working with renowned advertising agencies and brands to develop a keen eye for design that resonates with audiences.

But perhaps what truly sets us apart is our genuine passion for helping small business owners succeed. We see ourselves not just as service providers, but as partners in our clients’ journey to building their brands and achieving their goals. By consistently exceeding expectations and delivering results that speak for themselves, we’ve been able to earn the trust and loyalty of our clients, helping us to build a reputation as a trusted ally in their success.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The story of how we built our audience on social media is a testament to the power of leveraging digital platforms to connect with our target audience and showcase the value of our design services and printing quality.

When we made the decision to transition from a brick and mortar business to operating from home, we knew that we needed to find new ways to reach and engage with potential clients. Social media, particularly platforms like Facebook and Instagram, emerged as powerful tools for us to do just that.

We started by sharing compelling content that highlighted not only the quality of our design work but also the tangible benefits that small businesses could experience by partnering with us. Through visually appealing graphics, engaging videos, and informative posts, we were able to effectively communicate our unique value proposition and establish ourselves as experts in our field.

One key strategy that helped us stand out on social media was our focus on providing valuable insights and practical tips for small business owners. By sharing our expertise freely and genuinely seeking to help our audience succeed, we were able to foster trust and credibility within our community.

Consistency was another crucial factor in our social media success. We made sure to maintain a regular posting schedule and interact with our audience consistently, whether through responding to comments and messages or initiating conversations around relevant topics. This helped us stay top-of-mind with our followers and keep them engaged with our content.

As for advice for those just starting to build their social media presence, I would emphasize the importance of authenticity and value-driven content. Instead of solely promoting your products or services, focus on providing content that educates, inspires, or entertains your audience. Showcasing your expertise and genuinely engaging with your followers will go a long way in building a loyal and supportive community around your brand. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and engagement strategies to see what resonates best with your audience. And above all, be patient and persistent – building a strong social media presence takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it in the long run.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://businessadstore.myportfolio.com/work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessadvertisingstore?igsh=MTRvazd3ZDhtb2NwZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bas.printing.2024/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-lujan-7054327?trk=contact-info

Image Credits
Francisco Lujan