This interview was published on the BNI website.
Dimitris Kontarakis was introduced to BNI by a friend and colleague who was also a member. In a short time, he implemented all of BNI’s tools and achieved a 30% annual growth for e-steps, his internet marketing consultancy, primarily through referrals. Embracing the principles of effective networking, he decided to support other business owners in achieving their goals. Since May 2024, he has held a leadership role within BNI Greece as a Director Consultant for a business team.
He believes in collaboration, structured communication within a team, values quiet pauses, and dedicates one hour each day to complete calm.
His interview is as unconventional as he is.
What do you do during this one hour of absolute calm that you dedicate to each day? How does it benefit you?
A key part of my growth, and of course the growth of my business, is creating. You can’t be creative if every minute of your schedule is crammed. I view this hour of calm as a productive process. This way, I am more efficient and creative for the rest of the day.
You’re involved in digital marketing and personal consulting. What do you enjoy most about this work?
I love the challenge of solving complex problems, both in digital marketing and consulting, to help businesses grow with practical solutions and realistic plans. Digital marketing combines technology and human insight, which I really enjoy—it keeps me learning constantly.
What does one need to be a successful digital marketer?
As with all professions, success comes from combining skills with personal qualities. Technical skills alone, without human qualities, aren’t effective. Digital marketing, like the entire field of marketing, is about understanding people’s needs and shaping products or services to meet those needs.
To be specific, the hard skills required are data analysis, SEO (search engine optimization), SEM (creating and managing effective PPC campaigns), and more. But… does it have meaning? In this job, like any other, the value lies in how we use the tools, not in the tools themselves. That’s the challenge.
So, what soft skills are necessary?
I would respond with simple yet profound concepts like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving. Creating an action plan with specific implementation dates and critical review is essential. When these human qualities are organized into a system, projects meet their goals, and everyone is satisfied: we, for the results of our work, and our clients, for the effective use of their time and investment.
Would you say you’re organized?
(Smiling) I’d describe myself as a bit “obsessed” with organization. I structure my schedule with to-do lists, calendars, and project management tools. I use time-blocking techniques to focus on one task at a time. Only this way can you lead a life where you have time to think, envision, and be creative for yourself and your clients.
Have you ever worked as an employee? How does that compare to entrepreneurial life?
I worked as an employee in the past, and it was a very educational experience that helped me grow personally and led me to entrepreneurship. The life of an entrepreneur offers me freedom, autonomy, and the satisfaction of building something of my own.
What’s the biggest challenge in what you do?
The biggest challenge is my own self and the absence of clear goals. Not having a plan for something I’m doing “kills” me. I like to bring order to chaos because I always want to see a result that follows from a structured beginning, middle, and end.
Do you make mistakes? Have you, and if so, how did you handle them?
I used to let life decide for me, accepting whatever it placed at my doorstep. For a long time, I was a follower, content with what people offered—materially and intellectually. But that didn’t satisfy me. When I realized this, I worked hard on myself and continue to do so daily, changing my outlook on life. My mistakes have taught me my most valuable lessons.
If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?
If I were starting today, I’d probably make the same mistakes and be just as immature because that’s the beauty of life—you always start fresh, with enthusiasm and the inevitability of mistakes. Without making your own mistakes, you don’t learn. Wisdom comes from our experiences, not others’. However, thinking about it now, I might focus more on building my confidence and social outreach.
Meaning?
If I were starting over, I’d work on my networking skills earlier. Thinking that social skills are something you “either have or you don’t,” I didn’t delve into networking as early as I should have, and I lost precious time for growth.
Where do you see your field heading in the future?
My field is rapidly advancing towards personalization, automation, and data utilization. Artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in the future of digital marketing. The Kontarakis of the future may not be human, but it will still understand and empathize with future clients as much as I do.
Does that scare you?
The only things that scare me are those I don’t know; at the same time, it excites me as a challenge. Our skills grow in a constantly changing environment for that exact reason. Experience, knowledge, and market dynamics open new paths every day. I’ll move down those paths without fear, driven by a passion for creation!
You’ve set me up well with that. So, what are your plans for the next few years?
I really enjoy consulting, and in recent years, I’ve seen great results as a pragmatic coaching specialist. I intend to leverage this to benefit businesses I admire. I’m also investing valuable time in writing—my trilogy, Lost Knowledge, a novel, will hit bookstore shelves in October 2024.
