An ambitious Northumberland web designer has kick started his lifetime ambition to be his own boss and help others to improve their presence on the Internet.
Paul Connor (29), from Ashington left school and took on a number of jobs ranging from call centre worker to ski resort rep before settling down in a domiciliary care company. There, Paul learnt a number of key business skills including accounting, marketing and web design.
Whilst keeping down his day job, Paul read as many books as he could about entrepreneurship, started studying business and won Northumberland College’s student of the year award. With a keen interest in the Internet, Paul turned his focus to web design, search engine optimisation and digital marketing. Now, with additional mentoring from two of his customers, Paul has started his own business.
The result is new digital marketing company, Ballsy Media whose name Paul feels sums up his personal attitude towards life and business.
“I’ve learnt in life that the only way to succeed is by having a clear set of goals, realistic targets and a positive attitude. Ballsy Media is a company that gets things done and it’s a reflection of my personal mission to deliver the very best I can for my customers.
“I reached a stage in my life recently where I took a serious look at myself and knew that the time was right to start the business. I’m a great believer in being accountable for my own actions and Ballsy Media is my way of helping me to achieve more at the same
time as helping my clients too.”
As well as web and graphic design, Paul supplies expertise and services in email marketing, SEO, pay per click, social media and direct marketing.
“The digital world of marketing is moving very fast and I’m loving the challenge of not only keeping up with technology but helping to lead the way with innovative ideas and state of the art designs for my clients.”
Already, Paul is commissioning work for a beauty consultant, a PR company and a number of eco-friendly businesses’ but his favourite customer and in fact hero, is his father, Micky Balls.
Micky from North Shields is an accomplished musician who helped develop the North East music scene alongside Sting and Brian Johnson in the 1970’s. Still playing on the local professional circuit, Micky now teaches guitar from his home in Ashington.
“I’m delighted to have created a website for my dad. He’s a real hero of mine and he’s been a great example to me. Like me, he is results focused and a self-achiever. He has made himself an excellent career over the years and I am proud to be following his example and doing the same with Ballsy Media.”