After more than five years of working in the SEO (Search Engine Optimization services) field, Patrik Rojan decided to build his own SEO Agency, Mixtazure. Despite having studied business administration and having a master’s degree in human resources and organizational psychology, Patrik still needed a push to open his own business and go in front of clients. He had never studied or lived abroad, but from traveling, he learned that encountering different cultures enriches your overall thinking and vision. He also believed that seeing how other businesses grow and develop allows one to create the right strategy for their own business. Patrik’s main objectives for the exchange were a new sales strategy, a final and improved version of the website, and a new strategy for growing his business. Therefore, he matched with Anthimos Demosthenous, from Cyprus, owner of MindLab. Anthimos is an experienced digital marketing entrepreneur who started his company in 2016. He registered in the exchange program to get in contact with fresh, young, and ambitious minds and to explore opportunities to rejuvenate his own business.

During the two-month collaboration, the two entrepreneurs reviewed and refined the strategic plan of Patrik’s business and worked on the SEO services for Anthimos’s clients. Anthimos helped Patrick understand the project management process, including scoping, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing. He introduced Patrik to the agency’s employee management process, onboarding, training, performance management, and retention.Patrik had the chance to take part in presentations, clients calls,  sale proposal development for Anthimos’ clients, to work on budgeting and forecasting for the financial process of Anthimos’s business. He learned how to evaluate the agency’s performance metrics, including revenue, profitability, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement. Under Anhimos guidance, Patrik developed a growing strategy for his agency, refined his business plan, including a new financial plan.

The two entrepreneurs had regular meetings organizing Patrik’s business, focusing on the sales process. Patrik received guidance and advice on his new business’s growth opportunities and improvements, including a list of prospective clients. Also, he has a final form of his website. 

Shadowing Anthimos and executives of essential departments of the host’s business, Patrik improved his sales skills, working with clients and learned how to manage employees. He developed his social skills by learning to offer feedback and guidance better. 

On the other side, Anthimos enjoyed the fresh perspective and energy that Patrik brought. He greatly benefited from Patrik’s help with the SEO services for his clients and was happy to mentor Patrik in building the strategy to grow his new business. The collaboration between the two entrepreneurs was successful and mutually beneficial. The two of them decided to continue the partnership on a contract basis after the exchange ended. 

“It was one of the great business experiences that helped me gain essential knowledge about the sales process, how to manage employees, how to grow an agency, and keep everything on track. Under Anthimos’ guidance, I learned the importance of effective communication, strategic planning, and adaptability in a dynamic market. His entrepreneurial journey provided valuable insights into overcoming challenges, building a solid team, and fostering a positive work environment. Overall, this experience was transformative, equipping me with invaluable skills for future endeavors in the business world.” (Rojan Patrick)

“Working with Patrik has been a great experience for both parties. It was nice to have a young entrepreneur with his energy around, and he helped us with our SEO services. We decided to continue our collaboration even after the exchange. I believe we have managed to pass along some vital information on how he can build his company and grow his clientele.  Overall, a nice and beneficial experience.” (Anthimos Demosthenous)