What is the story behind your company? What problem were you trying to solve?
In short, I wasn’t entirely sure what to do next. I knew that I had a fairly unique blend of skillsets and some experience in using them to help other businesses, but I wasn’t entirely sure what that market looked like. In the end the market essentially told me what it looked like, and I’ve made a few pivots since then.
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took to build your company?
After some encouragement from my partner, I spent the afternoon building the world’s worst website! It was really just three pages – an announcement of what I was up to, a short bio with an old headshot, and a few links to samples of my work. Thankfully I had an amazing network of friends who knew my talent and believed in me, and were happy to help refer some early clients. The more diverse experience that I got, the more I knew what I could handle, and the business began to take shape from there.
What has been your biggest challenge so far as a Founder, and how are you managing that?
I would say that my biggest challenge so far is figuring out how to scale. My goal has been to take this business from a side hustle to a full-time replacement income, and it’s just starting to happen now but it takes a lot of work. It required an increase in my marketing spend, a more concentrated business development strategy, a harder look at my pricing, and a real shift in focus about the kinds of clients that I am looking for.
How did you start building your marketing team? Is there anything that you wish you had done differently?
My marketing team has been a bit of a funny one. I’m grateful to have a supportive partner, who thinks strategically when I do not so she’s helped to give me focus and direction. Initially I had relied heavily on warm market referrals, since it was the majority of my business and is still a large part of my work. To scale though, I’ve had to shift my focus towards outbound marketing, and I really didn’t know how to do that initially. I’m grateful to have now connected with a platform that’s helping me do that, but it’s always a learning experience.
What advice can you give those who are trying to build their own business?
To those looking to start a business, I would say don’t let your weaknesses get in the way of your strengths. If you’re looking to start a business, it’s probably because you have one (or a few) skills/talents/products that are excellent and that you feel that the market needs. That does not mean that you are only an expert in bookkeeping and accounting, in marketing, in business development, in web design, etc. Thankfully, there are other experts out there who would be happy to help you! Ask for help in areas where you’re not as strong, learn as much as you can on your own, and find great online resources for a low cost that will support you in your early days. Your budgets and finesse will increase over time, but don’t let fear or inexperience stop you from pressing play.
How can our readers reach out to you or learn more about your business?
I’ve actually just redone my website, so I’m quite proud of it! You can check out my story and my work at www.thewritestuff.agency and if you’re looking to connect then you can easily reach out on the site and I would be glad to set up a call.