Beth Kahn is Co-Founder and CFO of Anura.io- an ad fraud solution designed to improve campaign performance by accurately exposing bots, malware, and human fraud. Together with her husband Rich, the couple are the proud parents of four high school sweethearts, and partners in all aspects of life. The pair have founded and managed several successful companies, including a company that made the Inc. 5000 list five years in a row. With over two decades of experience in running digital marketing firms, Beth and Rich have developed an extensive understanding of digital marketing and how to deal with ad fraud.
What is Anura all about?
Anura is an ad fraud solution designed to improve campaign performance by accurately exposing bots, malware, and human fraud. It was co-founded by Rich and myself. We are located in Middletown, Delaware.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
Rich and I have owned a digital marketing company since 2003. As advertisers, we know firsthand the effects ad fraud can have on your business. We developed our own fraud solution in-house to protect our clients. When other marketers were expressing their displeasure with their current vendor and looking to license our fraud solution, we designed Anura.
What was the biggest problem you encountered with your business and how did you overcome it?
Funding. Building a bootstrapped business takes a lot of work and sacrifice. Add in a marriage and a family, and it could be a recipe for disaster. For Rich and I, we’ve always had a strong foundation to build and grow upon and were able to see the potential for success.
What were the top mistakes you made starting your business and what did you learn from it?
We’ve made a lot of mistakes over the years. I think going back to the beginning, it’s important to set expectations and be accountable for those expectations.
Also, decide on your core focus and values and stick to them. As entrepreneurs, you have to try new things. I think the biggest thing you can learn from your mistakes is don’t be afraid to fail. Sometimes, you have to find all the ways in order to find the right way for you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What is one thing that you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?
I think for me, I remind myself why I am an entrepreneur. I don’t let anyone talk me down, and if they get close, I remind myself: I am successful, and I can do it.
What are three books or courses you recommend for new entrepreneurs?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a must-read for any entrepreneur. I think as far as other courses and books are concerned; it all depends on what you’re looking for. I’ve taken so many courses over the years, depending on specifically what I was looking to learn, that I couldn’t recommend a specific course. Currently, I am enrolled in Udemy learning about SharePoint.
What was your first business idea and what did you do with it?
We’ve had so many business ideas over the years. We’re serial entrepreneurs. Is that a good or bad thing? I don’t know. Our first internet business was an online shopping portal before the internet was even graphical. Rich had this idea; we were newlyweds living in my parent’s home and had no money when we started it. At the time, we knew nothing about starting and running a business, let alone an internet business.
The internet was so new back then, and my “old school” parents were not supportive in the least. It was successful enough to have us move into our first home, and we continued to evolve from there.
What are you learning now? Why is that important?
Currently, we are learning about the EOS system. EOS is an entrepreneurial operating system. It is helping us focus on our goals and making sure we achieve them in order to exceed success.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before starting your business?
The biggest thing I wish I knew before starting our business is that it is okay not to know everything. Just align yourself with people who do. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration to just reach out and ask.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
Referrals, Word of mouth, and trade shows (remember those?). In the ad fraud solution space, you have to develop trust. Clients need to be able to try your product for themselves.
If you only had 1000 dollars to start a new startup, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
I would spend it ALL on marketing. Develop a website, regardless of how basic it is, and show your value proposition and advertise it as much as you can. When you earn back the money, reinvest it.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Do not be afraid to fail. Have passion and love what you do. Most of all, be authentic.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
Write down everything you need to do, prioritize it, and then do it -ONE BY ONE. I carry a notebook with me into meetings, to and from home because if it is written, it will be done.
What is your favorite quote?
Oh, my goodness, I have so many. I am a huge movie buff, but there are a few I use frequently:
220 or 221, whatever it takes.
from Mr. Mom when Jack has no idea what he’s talking about
Scoop of chocolate, a scoop of vanilla-don’t waste my time.
City Slickers
Ok. Wait, you’re being serious……. Here’s my ultimate quote
Behind Every Great Man, There Is A Great Woman.
It can be used either way. You’ll hear Rich say it and you’ll hear me say it.
Besides the obvious social media tools available, what are the top 3 most useful tools or resources you’re currently using to grow your business?
- HubSpot. It’s a must to keep our sales, marketing, and support aligned. All staff has access to the information they need in one place. Great resources.
- EOS– Entrepreneur Operation System. –Maintains our core focus while holding everyone accountable. We manage that through Ninety. io
- SEO Tools.-monitors our site and helps choose content topics, etc.
How is running a company different than what you thought it would be?
I think some people assume you can run a company and that means you can come and go as you please. That may be true if you want to fail. While running the company has afforded us time to do things with our family, it also is another partner in your life. It can be both stressful and rewarding. Stressful when you deal with issues, and you have to take on your mistakes and employees. Rewarding when you reap the benefits of what you sow.
How can readers get in touch with you?
I will be honest and tell you I’m one of those people. You know the type that screens her calls. Email is always best. You can reach out to me thru email at Beth@anura.io.
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