Meet Daniela Furtado | Owner & Managing Director of Findable Digital Marketing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniela Furtado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniela, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
From moving countries to starting a business, taking risks has become a big part of who I am and it’s given my life a lot of colour and texture.

A lot of my risks started with boredom or curiosity. I didn’t go after it wanting an adventure or risk. Many times, I simply asked myself “what would happen if …?”

Here’s a simple example:

In university, I was bored with my morning commute and was looking for ways to make it more fun. In the winter, I challenged myself to find ways to initiate conversations with strangers on the streetcar. While some people gave me odd looks, I had some of the most fascinating conversations with others and my commutes became so much more entertaining. Most importantly, I developed confidence and a skill that has served me in business and life.

Risks have taught me a lot about fear, anxiety and courage and confidence. It’s normal – and healthy – to be afraid but there have been moments when fear crippled me. In those moments, I let it take too much control over my life and decisions, and I was left with regret. To me, taking risks means having the confidence that I’ll figure it out and get there (wherever there is) despite the challenges.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run an agency called Findable Digital Marketing. We’re experts in all things search engine marketing from SEO to PPC, and most of our clients are either in the cannabis or interior design industries. I know, odd mix, but it works! I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made in our first 2 years on business, and I’m excited about the future.

The first 6ish months weren’t easy. I spent a good few months crying and crippled with anxiety, but my drive to learn, create a life on my own terms and truly help others grow has pushed me to figure it out. I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’d say my top 3 lessons are:
1. Niche down your target customer.
2. Create systems and playbooks.
3. Always be open to rethinking.

For the future, I’d like to continue growing the team so that I can spend more time doing what I love which is teaching. I want to speak at conferences and I’d like to dip my toes in tech policy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you come to Toronto, start with a bike ride and brunch picnic by Lake Ontario. If you’re feeling adventurous, dip in for a swim. In the afternoon, check out some galleries around Parkdale or Little Portugal. Have pho or dumplings for dinner in Chinatown then end the night with live music in Kensington Market.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends and family have supported me tremendously in every endeavour I have ever taken on. Since starting a business, I’ve made an extra effort to surround myself with other business owners. They’ve been sounding boards and mentors.

Here’s a shoutout to them:
Jiji Ugboma, chief editor of Clever-ish Magazine.
Jasmine Williams, copywriter at Jasmine Williams Media.
Jude Kamal, lead designer of Sansa Interiors.
Heather Purcell, CFO of fin/ally.
Bart Anestin, CEO of Creative Partner Studio.
Mosab Alnomairy, founder of Henna Platform.

Website: https://www.findabledigitalmarketing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisdanielafurtado/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisdanielafurtado/

Image Credits
Neal Fagan https://www.nealfagan.com/