Phone: 1-800-667-2272
Contact Us
About Small Business BC
Sign In
Kyle Barker - Broadside Media
Print
e-mail
Family, freedom and flexibility are the guidelines and values that drive Kyle Barker as an entrepreneur. They're also his measures of success; if he doesn't find balance in all three, then he feels he simply isn't achieving his entrepreneurial dream.
Build Upon What you Know
Growing up surrounded by computers, thanks to his dad's work in telecommunications, Barker learned to take apart and reassemble them at just 13 years old. Not long after, he started his own computer repair business, serving people and businesses in his local neighbourhood. It was only therefore a natural progression that, as an adult, he was drawn to work in the technology sector.
“Having been employed in software sales and IT management for the Thomson Corporation in London, England, as well as boutique global advertising firms here in Vancouver, I saw an opportunity to start Broadside Media with a few strategic partners in 2006,” says Barker. “The entrepreneurial lifestyle appealed to me because it really seemed to work with the measures of success I wanted to achieve: family, freedom and flexibility”.
Find your Niche
When Barker launched the business its main focus was on corporate video production, 360 virtual tours, website design and search engine optimization. As the company's clientele grew, rather than expanding to offer even more services, Broadside Media decided to narrow their focus and became specialists.
“In simple terms, we help our clients to create and really use their websites to grow their businesses and affect their bottom line. Beyond just building a pretty website, we're interested in promoting that business, streamlining their operational processes through the web when possible, and helping them track their successes in tangible ways. Our clients' successes are our successes,” acknowledges Barker.
Now five years in, Barker says the greatest lesson he's learned is to stay focused on his strengths. “You can’t be everything to everyone. Find your niche and promote it proudly. In that same vein, don’t be afraid to turn away, or refer business, that you know doesn’t fall within your area of expertise.”
Building Broadside Media as a niche service provider in a very competitive market is what Barker attributes to his success. However, he admits that he, like every entrepreneur, has bad days in which he has to face tough decisions. His perseverance to keep driving the business forward helps get him through those days.
Developing your Network
“My strength comes from surrounding myself with my supportive family, friends and business colleagues. I find that the best ideas and the drive to make them happen come from my closest business and personal relationships. Fostering the communication and community with these people is a key part of where I find my strength.”
Looking to the future, Barker's goal is to continue to follow his mantra of “freedom, flexibility and family” while making sure that Broadside Media helps other entrepreneurs to also achieve success. When asked what advice he would give to new small business owners, he recommends consistency, perseverance, and surrounding yourself with good people.
Website: broadsidemedia.com
Facebook: facebook.com/broadsidemedia
Twitter: @broadsidemedia
Learn More About
Provincial Regions
Upcoming Seminars
-
MERX - The Government Electronic Tendering Service
Seminar Date: Thursday, May 17th, 2012
Price: $0.00 -
Buying a Business - Lunch Series
Seminar Date: Thursday, May 17th, 2012
Price: $25.00 -
Getting Serious with Social Media
Seminar Date: Thursday, May 17th, 2012
Price: $39.00
Follow SBBC on Facebook
Free Resources
Designed & Developed by Cosmicblend Studio
You Can Also Find Us On