Interview with Amanda Stevens from Splash Advertising

By Cassandra Butler

Where did the idea for the company come from?
I actually started the business by accident. I was 21 and after a short-term contract I'd been working on finished, I decided to freelance for a few months until I found a 'proper' job. That was five years ago! I had always wanted to start my own agency one day, but didn't envisage it being so early! It has literally just grown from there. I think the name 'Splash' is a great name because it has movement and energy. It's also perfect because we like to help our clients really make a SPLASH in their marketplace.

What has been the biggest hurdle?
Anyone who has started their own business will know that early on it's one long series of hurdles. I think my biggest hurdle has been overcoming a bad business partnership three years ago that nearly sent the company under. But in retrospect, hurdles are the things that make us stronger. I've made lots of mistakes, but wouldn't have it any other way because when you make a mistake and learn from it, your ability to grow your company and overcome the next hurdle grows exponentially. Making mistakes can be very empowering when you come out the other side wiser and smarter.

What is the motivation (money/own boss etc)?
I'm motivated by my ability to control my own destiny and create my own opportunities. Being completely responsible for how successful you are is extremely motivating, because at the end of the day, whether things are really great or really bad, you can only look in the mirror for the reason. My team also motivates me, because of their faith in me, their dedication and their commitment to our vision.

Who are your mentors?
I'm inspired by lots of people. I'm lucky in that I have some great female mentors to look up to - Di Jones is a great mentor, as well as other people who aren't as high profile but are really great mentors. I'm currently writing a book that profiles 30 female entrepreneurs under 30, which is a very inspiring process.

I also try to read books and go to seminars that inspire me because when you're running your own business, you often need that mental boost and fresh perspective.

What is your top strategy for success?
After studying successful people, I think they all seem to have three common traits . vision, determination and innovation. Having a crystal-clear vision of where you're going is essential. It amazes me how many people go into business without a clue of where they're heading. It's like going on a holiday with no itinerary or direction.

Determination is a must because you have to be able to keep going when things get really tough and never, ever give up.

Innovation is also really important to me because I think everyone, whether an individual or a company, is remembered for their point of difference. And the more points of difference you have, the more you'll stand out from the crowd.

How do you stay on top of it all and focused?
Balance is the key. It's great to put your heart and soul into your work, but if you don't have other things in your life to balance it out, it's a waste of energy. Exercise helps keep me focused and I'm currently in training for a triathlon. I think there's a direct correlation between your achievements in other areas of your life and your professional achievements. I know that the fitter I am, the better my brain is able to focus and the more I achieve.

You also have to know how to have fun. I encourage my team to have fun every day, because if you can't let loose and have a laugh, what's the point? People think that when they go into business it has to be serious. Achieving your goals is one thing, but achieving your goals while having the time of your life doing it, that's my idea of success.

Cassandra Butler is the co-founder of Editor.com (www.editor.com). For information on its proofreading, editing and writing services please phone (02) 9403 1068, fax (02) 9403 1069 or email cbutler@editor.com.