A natural contrarian who has frequently expressed total disdain for the traditional, common-sense advice typically proffered by those lacking in aspiration, Sam Ovens applied the savagely effective philosophy he developed and continues to espouse to go from being completely broke and living in the New Zealand garage owned by his parents to earning over $10 million and living in Manhattan. Mr. Ovens accomplished this tremendous transformation in just four short years, building consulting businesses and disrupting the industry by applying concrete methodologies and tactics to achieve specific results while others in the industry continued to rely on speculative tactics yielding nothing more than amorphous and wholly theoretical outcomes.
Mr. Ovens is now in charge of OVENS International, a digital marketing consulting firm that has represented some of the fastest-growing companies in both Australia and New Zealand. Through his work with OVENS International, Mr. Ovens has successfully assisted these companies in developing a wildly profitable approach to digital marketing that ultimately results in the development of an “online market chokehold,” which is of immense value to any company regardless of the industry in which they operate.
While running OVENS International, Mr. Ovens also founded SnapInspect, a property inspection software application designed for use by property managers and property management companies. Leveraging the revenue from his consulting business, Mr. Ovens created an application that became the world leader inside of two years. Mr. Ovens subsequently sold SnapInspect for an immense profit, citing his passion for consulting as the rationale for selling the application he built from scratch.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I started OVENS International out of a sincere desire to leave the corporate world behind and to take advantage of the massive shift to digital marketing, first as the provider of digital marketing services and now as a consultant.
How do you make money?
I offer consulting services and training programs demonstrating how to build a successful and wildly profitable digital marketing company.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
In just four years I earned over $10 million despite having next to nothing in my bank account when I first started out.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
No, I didn’t have any doubts. I was confident that what I learned from past experiences would allow me to be successful in this endeavor.
How did you get your first customer?
Digital marketing is one of my principal areas of expertise, so it would only make sense that digital marketing helped in securing my first client.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
I’ve found that the best strategy is simply offering access to detailed case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of my approach to digital marketing.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
It was more than a few months ago, but deciding to sell SnapInspect was the most difficult decision I’ve had to make recently. Ultimately, I decided it was best to continue to pursue my passion for digital marketing and consulting.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I’ve never been much of a traditionalist, so I have been able to see different perspectives and approaches that yield greater results than the so-called “tried-and-true” methodologies.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Since founding OVENS International, I’ve been able to help quite a few consultants achieve millionaire status. It is quite special each time I am able to help accomplish that.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I’m excited about working with highly motivated consultants who are ready to experience unparalleled success.
What business books have inspired you?
“The Foundation,” by Isaac Asimov. It’s not a business book per se, but there are a lot of lessons to be gleaned from it.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
I’m an avid reader, so I’m always buying new and used books in the hope that there is some lesson that I can apply to my business.
How would you describe the services your business provides?
I like to describe my consulting services as “savagely effective.”