Welcome to our interview series with Jesse Samberg, where we dive deep into the journeys of successful entrepreneurs. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Burak Özdemir, the founder of Character Calculator. Starting his business journey with a passion for technology, Burak has navigated through challenges and setbacks to create a successful solo entrepreneurship. Join us as we explore his greatest challenges, memorable customer experiences, and plans for the future of his business. Let’s get started.
Interviewee Name: Burak Özdemir
Company: Character Calculator
Intervirew Host: Jesse Samberg
The Interview
Let’s get started. First, we’d like to know more about how you started your business journey
Burak Özdemir : I started my business journey with a passion for technology and a desire to create something meaningful. In 2012, I built my first project, an Online Alarm Clock, and when I saw how it was helping people, I knew this was what I wanted to do. From there, I continued to learn and grow in the world of technology, eventually leading me to create a Character Calculator. I’m happy to say that my passion has driven me to success as a Solo Entrepreneur.
Reflecting on your business history, what stands out as the single greatest challenge you’ve successfully navigated, and how did you overcome it?
Burak Özdemir : Retaining a strong mindset has been the biggest challenge for me. As a solopreneur, I have faced many obstacles and setbacks, especially in the early days of my business. But I started to focus on developing a resilient mindset and practicing self-care. Prioritizing my mental and physical well-being has helped me stay motivated and persevere through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Businesses often face ongoing challenges. What does your business consistently grapple with, and how do you tackle these challenges head-on?
Burak Özdemir : One of the consistent challenges my business faces is staying abreast of the rapid advancements in technology and the evolving demands of our users. The tech landscape is always shifting, with new algorithms, tools, and methodologies emerging regularly. I came up with a system to stay updated and continuously learn, whether through online courses, attending seminars, or connecting with other professionals in the industry. I’m very proactive in developing my skills and adapting to the changing needs of my business.
Can you share with us the most unforgettable story involving a customer or client? What made it memorable, and what lessons did you draw from the experience?
Burak Özdemir : It’s when I added features to my tool that a user had been requesting – A drunk text generator. I received an email from a customer thanking me for creating the feature, as they had been struggling with drunk texting and now could use my tool to generate nonsense messages instead. It was both amusing and heartwarming to see how my work could positively impact someone’s life in such a unique way. The lesson from this experience is that small actions can have a big impact, and it’s important to listen to your audience and constantly strive to meet their needs.
Looking ahead, what are your current plans for your business when you retire?
Burak Özdemir : When I think about retirement, I start thinking about how to keep Character Calculator going strong. I plan to build a team who are as passionate as I am about tech’s impact on daily life. I’ll invest in my team’s growth to keep them pushing the boundaries in the tech world.
Navigating the small business landscape can be both challenging and rewarding. Can you share a bit about the specific hurdles you’ve encountered in areas like sales, marketing, and adapting to changing customer trends?
Burak Özdemir : I have been fortunate to have a service that resonates with people. However, I have faced challenges in terms of changing customer trends, especially with the rise of social media and influencer marketing. Since I offer a free tool, my marketing efforts have primarily been through SEO as my target audience is tech-savvy and likely to search for similar tools.
Leaders Perception magazine would like to thank Burak Özdemir and “Character Calculator” for the time dedicated to completing this interview and sharing their valuable insights with our readers!
Interested in connecting with the host of this interview series? Feel free to reach out to Jesse Samberg on LinkedIn: Jesse Samberg’s LinkedIn Profile