How A Desire For Freedom And Impact Led To A Career In Entrepreneurship, A Founder’s Story with Bowen Khong
Bowen Khong is the founder and managing director of Fractal Digital, a strategic SEO consultancy based in Singapore. He has deep expertise in SEO and has helped clients generate leads and succeed in competitive environments through the use of search and digital marketing strategies. Prior to founding Fractal Digital, he worked at companies such as Apple and Dr. Wealth and has also run a portfolio of content-based websites targeting US audiences in various industries. He is passionate about empowering clients to connect with their audience through effective marketing strategies.
Tell us about your childhood and where you grew up
I grew up in a northern region of Singapore. My childhood was fairly typical, filled with outdoor adventures and spending time with family and friends. I was the youngest of three siblings, and we were all very close in age. My father was a self-proprietor in the construction industry and my mother was a housewife. They instilled in us a love of learning and exploration from a young age. Growing up in a small town had its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it was a tight-knit community where everyone knew each other and there was a strong sense of belonging. On the other hand, there wasn’t a lot of diversity or exposure to different cultures and experiences. Despite this, I have fond memories of my childhood and the close relationships I formed with my family and friends. I feel grateful to have had such a supportive and loving upbringing, and I believe that it has had a lasting impact on the person I am today.
How did you get started as an entrepreneur?
I got started as an entrepreneur because I always hated the idea of working a 9-5 job and being bossed around. I wanted more control over my career and the ability to work on my own terms. As I began to develop my skills in SEO, I saw an opportunity to turn my passion into a business and help other organizations achieve success through effective digital marketing strategies. One of the things that attracted me to entrepreneurship was the freedom it offered, particularly the ability to run my consultancy remotely. I love the flexibility and autonomy that comes with being my own boss, and I am able to work from anywhere as long as I have a reliable internet connection. Of course, the potential for higher financial rewards is another factor that drew me to entrepreneurship. While a fixed salary has its benefits, I believe that the rewards of running a successful business can be much greater. Ultimately, however, my main motivation for becoming an entrepreneur was the opportunity to make a positive impact and help others. I love the idea of being able to use my expertise to benefit others and contribute to the success of organizations. This is what drives me to work hard and continue learning and growing as an entrepreneur.
What is one business lesson you would tell a startup founder?
One business lesson that I would tell a startup founder is to focus on building a strong team. Starting a business can be a daunting task, and it is important to surround yourself with people who have the skills and expertise to help you succeed. This can include employees, advisors, and mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Having a strong team can also help to create a positive company culture and foster collaboration and innovation. As a startup founder, it is important to not only hire talented individuals but also to create an environment where they can thrive and contribute their best work. In short, building a strong team is essential for the success of any startup. By surrounding yourself with the right people and creating a positive and supportive culture, you can set your business up for long-term success.
