We recently connected with Alexander Tola and have shared our conversation below.
Alexander, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?
Thank you for this opportunity. Growing our business was a journey of careful planning and adjustment. We began with a strong foundation, doing thorough market research and creating a detailed business plan. As we grew, we focused on expanding operations, improving our offerings based on customer feedback, and using various tools to make processes more efficient. When we reached maturity, we optimized for efficiency and explored new markets. Challenges came up, leading us to innovate and rebrand to stay relevant. This journey has taught me the importance of staying flexible and strategic at every stage. Thank you, and I look forward to connecting with you!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, I’m Alexander Tola, the founder of WebsiteStore.NYC. My journey into the digital solutions industry began with a passion for helping businesses leverage technology to achieve their goals. With a background in media and asset management, I saw firsthand how digital transformation could revolutionize business operations and customer engagement.
At Website Store, we specialize in providing tailored web solutions designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Our services range from web development and design to SEO optimization and digital marketing. We focus on creating user-friendly, visually appealing websites that not only attract visitors but also convert them into loyal customers.
What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and adaptability. We continuously refine our services based on client feedback and industry trends, ensuring that our solutions are always cutting-edge and effective. Our team of experts is dedicated to streamlining your digital operations and enhancing your online presence, helping your business grow and succeed in the digital age.
I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on our clients’ businesses. From small startups to established enterprises, we’ve helped numerous clients achieve their digital goals, leading to increased visibility, improved customer engagement, and higher revenue.
The main things I want potential clients to know about websitestore.nyc are our dedication to quality, our client-centric approach, and our ability to adapt and innovate. We believe in building long-term partnerships with our clients, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. I invite you to explore our services and see how websitestore.nyc can help your business reach new heights.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Absolutely. My career journey has been quite an adventure, particularly the significant pivot I made from being a Broadcast Engineer at the United Nations for over a decade to becoming a business owner.
During my time at the United Nations, I honed my skills in technical operations, media management, and project coordination on a global scale. It was a highly structured and disciplined environment, focused on precision and adherence to protocols. However, after years of contributing to international broadcasting, I felt a strong pull towards entrepreneurship. I wanted to leverage my technical expertise and strategic insights to create something of my own.
Making the shift to entrepreneurship required a complete reshaping of my thinking and discipline. Unlike the predictable routines of my previous role, starting a business demanded flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to navigate uncertainty. I founded websitestore.nyc with the vision of helping businesses harness the power of digital solutions to achieve their goals.
The transition wasn’t easy. I had to learn about market dynamics, business management, and customer engagement—areas that were quite different from my engineering background. I also had to build a team, develop a client base, and continuously adapt our services based on feedback and evolving market trends.
One of the key lessons from this pivot was the importance of agility and continuous learning. I realized that success in business requires not just technical expertise but also the ability to understand and respond to the needs of your market. This pivot has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally, and to create impactful solutions for our clients.
This journey has taught me that while the skills and experiences from your past roles are invaluable, the willingness to adapt and embrace change is crucial for success in any new venture.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
The first 100 days of the pandemic brought a silence that was deafening for businesses across America. Many companies faced unprecedented challenges, and the future was uncertain. For us at Website Store, this period was a critical turning point. While many businesses struggled to stay afloat, we experienced a sharp increase in calls from business owners who suddenly had the time to restructure and adapt.
The initial silence was daunting, but it quickly transformed into a surge of activity. Business owners were seeking ways to pivot their operations, enhance their online presence, and navigate the new digital landscape. Our expertise in digital solutions became a lifeline for many, and we worked tirelessly to support them through these challenging times.
Despite the increased demand, the pressure was immense. We had to ensure we could meet the needs of our clients while managing our own operational challenges. There were moments when the uncertainty felt overwhelming, but our commitment to helping businesses adapt and thrive kept us going. This period underscored the importance of resilience, agility, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
Through collaboration and innovative thinking, we were able to support our clients and keep our business strong. The pandemic tested our limits, but it also highlighted the critical role we play in helping businesses navigate change and emerge stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://websitestore.nyc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/website_store_nyc
- Other: https://websitestore.nyc/2024/07/navigating-the-five-stages-of-business-from-startup-to-exit/