In our new series celebrating local businesses, we interview business owners to learn about their business and what makes them tick. Every business’s story is different – as are their goals and plans for the future. We’ll delve into the story of how the business came about – from it’s humble beginnings to today. In this article, we’re talking to Liam Miller, the Founder of Above and Beyond Digital.
Interview with Liam Miller from Above & Beyond Digital
1. To start, what does Above & Beyond do and what does your role involve?
We help ecommerce business owners grow thriving and fulfilling businesses by combining coaching and mentoring with impactful advertising on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Google, Pinterest and more. My role is predominantly coaching and mentoring the business owners and developing their strategy, messaging and creative direction. I also lead and mentor our team who execute on that strategy. For example, when we take on a new client I will sit down with them and map out their vision, values, strengths and goals and really get to the essence of why they started their business, how it’s different and where they want to go. From there we will work with them to develop or refine their marketing strategy, offer, messaging and creative and then I hand that over to our team to build their landing pages, funnels and campaigns.
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2. Why did you start Above & Beyond?
I started this business in early 2019 but this really was an evolution from the previous business I had in the UK; manufacturing, importing and selling our own product range online. I had extensive experience marketing and selling products both online and offline and so it was a natural progression for me to offer those services to other business owners.
3. What does an average day look like at your business?
We’re very results focussed so the first thing we do each morning is check the KPI report which has all the clients’ KPIs and we can quickly see if there is anything trending in the wrong direction that we need to direct our attention to. We can also pick up patterns of what’s working and what’s not to inspire ideas and next steps. We then have a quick team check-in to chat about priorities and share ideas and then get down to work on implementing the ideas we have in the pipeline. We’re always thinking ahead so we’re executing on new campaigns, creative ideas, promotions etc for clients a month or two in advance so we’re always ahead of the game.
4. What is your biggest achievement/ what are you most proud of?
One of our clients we took over from another agency and within 3 months we had increased their revenue from advertising by 246% and profit by 696%. We’re still working with that client and so far have helped them to grow their business by 500% in 2 years.
I am most proud of the impact that we have on our clients’ businesses and lives. When we’re able to help them unlock success and freedom in their business and they go from feeling stressed and overwhelmed to feeling excited and energised and the flow on effect that has on their personal and family life as well, it makes me feel very fulfilled.
5. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
The Power Of Vulnerability by Brene Brown on Audible; it’s kind of an audio book but it’s actually a recording of her presenting at a conference and I just find her work so illuminating and profound. Whilst it’s not really a business book, the lessons are so valuable in all areas of life and especially in leadership.
6. Which business leader(s) do you seek inspiration from and why?
Oprah would be my number one; I find her so inspiring both in terms of what she teaches and also for what she has achieved and the context in which she has achieved it.
7. What’s next for your business?
The next stage for us is going to be to start teaching via online learning and in-person events. We get approached by many entrepreneurs who are at the start of their journey and not yet at the stage where we can take them on as a client but I love mentoring and helping them. Unfortunately I have limited time so I want to create an online group mentoring program where I can help these early stage entrepreneurs to get their business started and on the right track.
8. What words of advice do you have for budding business owners?
Start from a very conscious, intentional and authentic place. When you start and grow a business that is in alignment with your purpose, values and strengths the business has a much greater chance of success and you are much more likely to feel fulfilled and persist and endure the challenging times.
