Timothy Blacketer is the founder of Tarzan Digital, a Sydney-based video and digital marketing agency that helps coaches, consultants and online experts scale by succeeding in the attention economy. Timothy has used the same principles and systems for his own business and now shows his clients how to do the same.
For more details, visit his website here.
Here we sit down with Timothy, to know a bit more about his journey as an entrepreneur and digital marketer.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Timothy: It’s been a wild ride over the years throughout my journey. I’ve experienced both the success and failures in business, and the wonderful lessons that both have provided. As far as I could remember, I’ve had a love for science, business and solving problems. Using data to understand the facts which drives decision making processes has been key within many areas of my life. I don’t think we are born entrepreneurs, but more how your environment shapes your passions. I am lucky to have fallen into the business of solving problems but also grateful for my passion of helping others.
In 2018, I launched my video agency with the goal of telling my clients stories that are engaging, personal and uniquely them. A strong focus on client experience and continually raising the standards saw me succeed in this space. A few years later, I decided to offer more value to my clients and pivot into the digital marketing space where I now provide done-for-you marketing systems for value-based coaches and online experts.
Q. What’s one thing in your routine that you do consistently that has made a huge difference in your personal or business life?
Timothy: Following 3 key principles in my life has allowed me to work more efficiently with improved focus and productivity – and that is balancing Family, myself and the value I offer the world. Keeping all in check is the secret sauce to building a successful life and ensuring you can win in each area of family, self and service.
I put myself first – my physical and mental health, so I can ensure I am operating at 100%, which then means I can give 100% to my family, and to the value I provide to the world – my work. When I started living my life by these principles: my performance, output, energy, focus, relationships and physical and mental health exploded in such a way that I felt like I was running on 12 cylinders!
Q. Who are your mentors and inspiration? and what knowledge or insight did they give to you that was valuable?
Timothy: I have a few mentors and sources of inspiration that have really shaped my life over the years. Firstly, my wife has been by my side through it all. She has been my inspiration and never stopped believing in me which has been the foundation for my success.
My mentors have provided key values that have helped with every aspect of my life. Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you have to separate family and business – you need to ensure you fulfil the needs of both, while putting yourself first to ensure your operating like a well-oiled machine. Remember, if you are operating at 100%, you can give 100%. No point succeeding in one or two areas of life while the other fails!
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Timothy: The most satisfying moment in business for me has really been seeing the impact of the work I have on my clients, their businesses and the ability to significantly improve the systems, processes and in essence; their life. I invest a lot into my clients, and seeing them succeed is the ultimate reward.
Q. How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?
Timothy: For me, business is personal. You are your brand. Consumers are smart, and savvy and expect a level of personal assurance when they purchase. For me, both businesses have grown by personally showing up, providing value and solving core problems.
Building authority in your market by first showing the world the value you, and your business offers is key. No marketing strategy begins without first building your authority in your market. I invest a lot into saving my clients time and using technology to create more efficient and profitable businesses. Using data to create, analyse and optimise your processes move you from working on our business to having your business work for you.
Q. What has been your biggest failures or challenges?
Timothy: My biggest failures and challenges have been the lessons that come with running a successful business – managing your time, energy, and the things that are important in life.
Understanding the importance of balancing family, yourself and your work. Failing in one area ultimately leads to failure in others.
Q. How did this failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Timothy: Learning how to effectively manage the things that are important in life provided a pathway for deep learning, focus and productivity. In my opinion, it’s the greatest skill in the world to be able to have the awareness to understand the situations you are in, and respond accordingly.
Q. If someone was to create a TV show about you, what would it be about and what would it be called?
Timothy: Oh lord. It has been an interesting journey that is certain. However how I live my life is by being a present father, a wonderful husband, great leader and value driven business owner. I would hope this show would be about finding your passions, the joys and things that bring you happiness in life; leveraging those passions to bring value to others. To put simply, it would be ‘Value’.
To keep up to date with Timothy and his journey, connect with him on @tarzandigital and @abovebelow.visuals
