Founded in 2009, TheOnlineCo is a digital marketing agency built on the mission of helping businesses grow by prioritising customer needs before technological tools. What started as a solo venture by James Parnwell soon evolved into a family business when April joined him in 2015. We spoke with April and James Parnwell to learn more about this amazing venture, the family business, and how family and family values are at the heart of their business.
Tell us about your business?
It’s 2009, and my husband, James, found himself at an interesting juncture in his life, and he saw an opportunity to venture into digital marketing. He completed his degree in the ’90s when marketing was a TV, radio, print, billboard, etc. Enter the digital marketing age, and this immediately piqued his interest in strategic planning, testing and data-driven marketing activities. And so, TheOnlineCo was born... I joined him in 2015 when the kids started school.
Over the years, we have realised that many business owners need help with their digital marketing; they often need clarification on the massive range of choices and the amount of wrong information out there. So, we developed a process called the ‘Digital Marketing Playbook’ where we put together a comprehensive and robust 12-month strategic plan (this covers SEO, Social, PPC, LinkedIn, EDM’s, websites, etc) to help give clarity and get their marketing back on track.
What has been your greatest success?
Our greatest success to date actually hasn’t anything to do with our business. It’s all about our family, the kids we are raising, and the legacy of generational values that we have shown them, which have influenced who they are today. We have 2 of our children who work in the business, not directly with us, but under Managers (need to keep that separation from mum and dad), and they really value being a part of building their inheritance. There are not many who get that opportunity. But they do.
What do you value about FBA?
I have been watching this space from afar for several years. I am really looking forward to gleaning all that I can from the business experience in this community. I am excited about being in contact with like-minded individuals who “get” what it’s like to work in a family business; then there is the social aspect. As a team that works remotely, we enjoy attending events and meeting new people – we can’t wait to bump into you at one of these.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
My advice I’d like to give to other FBA’ers … don’t take business to bed!!!
Support family business.
