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DanFerguson
Blockdot##comma## Inc. – Kewlbox.com | dferguson@blockdot.com | Creative Director and Cofounder | 11/20/2002 | Small Business Owner
Dan Ferguson is one of the Founders of Blockdot Inc. and the gaming web site Kewlbox.com. Two of the founders of Kewlbox / Blockdot##comma## Mike Bielinski and Dan Ferguson##comma## are considered the forefathers of Advergaming. He is one of the individuals behind the most popular internet game ever created##comma## Elf Bowling.
What kind of training or education did you acquire before your venture?
Dan has been involved with interactive design and agency art direction for over a decade. He most known for being the creator of Advergaming##comma## the use of interactive games on the internet to market or advertise. In March 2001##comma## Brandweek Magazine recognized him as one of the Top 10 Marketers of the 2001.
What services or products does your organization offer?
Blockdot##comma## a Dallas based creative group##comma## has helped some of the world##aps##s most recognizable brands to successfully execute their on- and offline strategies. Blockdot designs and develops web sites##comma## advergames##comma## CD-ROM and animated Flash demos.
What type of business or organization do you operate?
How many employees do you currently have?
8
How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?
We partner with larger advertising agencies who are in need of the technologies we have created or are limited with their resources. We have roven to be a valuable asset to larger agencies who need a partner that can perform like a creative SWAT team – move quickly##comma## acuratley##comma## and professionally.
How did you originally fund your organization?
The company was started by the three primary partners##comma## Mike Bielinski##comma## Jason McMinn and Dan Ferguson with personal funds.
Are you the founder of your organization?
One of three.
Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.
We are a moderately sized group of thirty somethings. Blockdot employs award winning technical and creative people to form an exceptional team accentuated by individual leadership and responsibility. Our inspiration is solid and honest working relationships with clients. We enjoy the fruits of hard work and relish the ability to achieve the unexpected. Having a an office jukebox that plays music 24 hours a day and includes a wide variety of bands##comma## Beatles##comma## Devo##comma## Rolling Stones##comma## The Jam##comma## Psychedelic Furs##comma## and Johnny Cash.
What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization?
Starting a company during these though economic times was tough but we have managed to find a flourishing business. Fair pricing and attention to our clients is crucial.
Did you accept any advice along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice?
We lived through the boom and bust of the internet. All three partners sold their profitable business##aps## during the boom so we learned allot. We have a network of advisors who help us make decisions.
Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
Partners. Even competitors. we have found by fgetting to know your competitors##comma## you can better understand the business lanscape.
What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
The employees and word of mouth.
What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients?
Sometimes it isn##aps##t about keeping up with the Jones##aps##. By focusing on what you do best##comma## your work will give you the edge.
What types of marketing do you employ?
We practice what we preach. We use advergames to promote our services and support it with our web sites – http://www.blockdot.ocm and http://www.kewlboxcom.
Do you employ any web or online marketing?
Yes##comma## we run our company through technologies we have developed and technologies we have bought. From acccounting and time tracking software to using technologies to promote our business.
What role does trust play in business or in your organization?
We should have quit our old jobs sooner.
Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
After spending time working at other agencies##comma## I realised the business potential. So I would say I was driven to be a business owner. My partners allow me to focus on what makes me happy##comma## while we all drive for success.
What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?
I read Adweek and Brandweek because of the industry that we are in. But any business magazine and newspaper is helpful.
Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?
Technology will be strong again soon. Most companies have cut budgets and resources##comma## now is a good opportunity to show how you can improve their business or save them money.
Do you believe networking and contacts are important? If so, how?
It is very important. Business is based on relationships. When people know or understand what you can offer##comma## most people are more than happy to refer you or pass your name along.
What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
Never sell for stock.
If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs, what would it be?
It is important to have people with these skills. If you do not have them##comma## make sure you have someone who does.
What, if any, final advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
It is not a 9 to 5 gig. Be prepared to put the time in##comma## but be smart. Sometimes work is how you do it##comma## not how hard you work at it. Be strategic.
