An award-winning and certified digital marketing professional with extensive experience in SEO, SEM, social media, and digital advertising, Karie Chan established Digicom to share her expertise and contribute to the success of SMEs in Hong Kong.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Karie Chan, Founder of Digicom, gets it done!
How I get it done: Karie Chan
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
Before establishing my own business in 2016, I was the Head of Performance Marketing at a renowned advertising agency (under the 4As). While the position refined my skills in digital marketing, the role was all-consuming. The immense workload occupied nearly 15 hours of my day, over six days a week. Needless to say, this demanding schedule took a toll on my well-being, resulting in illnesses and hormonal imbalances.
But I kept pushing, until a poignant turn of events – the passing of my great grandmother. When I took time off to arrange her funeral, I found myself in a rare respite from work; I was afforded the time to reflect more deeply on my purpose and direction in life. This period of introspection prompted me to eventually make a life-changing decision: to quit my job and start my own digital marketing and e-commerce consultancy – Digicom. Since then, I have worked with distinguished clients, including Danone and Wyeth, Hong Kong Rugby, Swissquote, and more. I’m now looking to serve SMEs, too, with tailored solutions to their growth and success.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Time management has been one of the biggest challenges I face as an entrepreneur. In my role, I wear multiple hats, taking on various responsibilities such as marketing, sales, delivery, administration, and HR. Unlike traditional marketing or advertising, digital marketing requires a different approach. With a comparatively smaller budget, I find myself investing a significant amount of time in learning new skills, staying updated on evolving trends, and setting up and managing campaigns. It becomes a delicate juggling act to prioritise and allocate my time effectively.
To optimise my operations, I have been harnessing the power of AI in my marketing business. My goal is to leverage technology to streamline processes, automate tasks, and reduce project fees, thereby extending my services to a broader range of clients.
How do you stay motivated and energised?
I find that surrounding myself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals, whether through networking events, industry conferences, or online communities, keeps my motivation levels high. Having an unwavering belief in my vision and the impact I can create also encourages me to push through obstacles. Celebrating milestones, both big and small, is another key aspect of staying motivated. Acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, reinforces my sense of progress and fuels my determination to keep moving forward.
To maintain my energy levels, I prioritise self-care and personal well-being. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and taking time for hobbies and leisure activities replenish my energy reserves and prevent burnout. Additionally, seeking out new challenges and learning opportunities keeps my mind sharp and curiosity alive.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
Dealing with self-doubt and criticism is an inherent part of being an entrepreneur, but I’ve developed strategies to maintain my confidence. Firstly, I try to embrace a mindset of continuous learning, so that feedback and constructive criticism are opportunities for growth.
When self-doubt creeps in, I remind myself of past achievements and milestones, reinforcing my belief in my abilities. I surround myself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and fellow entrepreneurs who provide encouragement and guidance. In addition, practising self-care and mindfulness is vital in combatting self-doubt. By taking time for self-reflection, setting realistic goals, and celebrating small victories along the way, I’m able to cultivate a positive mindset.
How I get it done with Karie Chan: Rapid fire
Favourite place(s) to work? I’m drawn to different places to work depending on different times, moods, and purposes. Sometimes, the cosiness of my home office fuels my creativity, while other times, the bustling ambiance of coffee shops sparks my productivity. Exploring different co-working spaces adds a sense of community and inspiration to my work journey. Variety keeps me motivated!
Your work mantra? I live by the motto “embrace challenges, seek growth.” It reminds me to view obstacles as opportunities and continuously strive for personal and professional development.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours? The ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. From innovative strategies to emerging trends and cutting-edge technologies, the dynamic nature of this field fascinates me.
Your go-to self-care activity? Immersing myself in nature. Whether it’s a calming hike in the mountains, a rejuvenating stroll on the beach, or simply finding solace in a nearby park, connecting with the natural world replenishes my energy and brings clarity to my thoughts.
One piece of advice to your younger self? To embrace the power of balance. While ambition and hard work are crucial, remember to prioritise self-care, nurture relationships, and savour life’s moments. Finding harmony between personal and professional pursuits leads to long-term fulfilment and success.
Find out more about Digicom and get in touch with Karie Chan on LinkedIn.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring, and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check out our Instagram and join us!
