Career Q&A: Starting a Business
Last month, I had the opportunity to speak at several events for entreprenuers and I was able to share my tips and experiences with fellow creatives. I thought it would be helpful to share my career tips here for anyone that missed the events, but also want advice about starting a business, becoming self-employed, etc.
When did you know you were ready to start your business?
To be honest, I had been thinking about what it could look like to go on my own for a few months before I did, but needed the push to go for it. I was technically a contractor (self-employed) for two years, but was working exclusively with a Los Angeles based PR firm. Because I was a contractor, I had flexibility to work from home, take on a few side projects and learn the in’s and out’s of being self-employed (i.e. paying quarterly taxes). But I was making 95% of my income from one agency and relied on that. When one of my main accounts started to become unclear about their future plans, I knew it was time to make moves because nothing felt stable. I already had a few side-projects and decided to set-up my LLC with a lawyer in November of 2014. Ironically, in January 2015, the agency decided to ‘let me go’ because of reasons that didn’t have to do with my job performance. So, I decided to go for it!
How did you build your business when you first launched?
I told my husband to give me 3-months to get my income to where it needed to be to run my business full-time. I also created a business plan (nothing fancy, just a Word Doc) with plans on how I would run my company, price my services, my ideal clients, etc. I had some cushion, but not a lot. I had to make sacrifices on my spending and even cut memberships, like my gym. It took 2-months of coffee meetings, LinkedIn networking and emailing every contact I had in my database, but I was able to double my desired income in the time I set for myself.
What helped you find clients when you launched?
There is power in in-person meetings and I do think networking, along with having a professional website + marketing materials helped me to land clients. I moved quickly on my marketing materials as I wanted to focus on making connections, so used easy/free tools to get things done. I designed my logo on PicMoney.com (have since had it re-designed) and created my own website on Squarespace. I also made a strategy to re-brand my Instagram to be more about my services, business offerings and portfolio work, whill still mixing in my personality & style. Finally, networking was key. I emailed everyone in my list to share info on my business and the services I was offering. I pitched ideal clients on social media and via email with examples of my work and ideas on how I could move their business forward. You never know where one coffee meeting or networking event will lead you. Sometimes yu don’t see the immediate return, but it can pay off in the long-run.
What tools do you use to grow your brand?
I am all about systems for my business. I love having tools that make work easy to replicate and take the ‘brain work’ out of day-to-day tasks. I love Quickbooks for invoicing and bookkeeping. I use Canva for everything - from my invoices to pitch decks and of course, social graphics. It’s simple, but I also love Google Suite and use Docs to create all of my client onboarding lists, Google Forms for event feedback, etc.
If you could share one piece of advice that helped you with others, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes.’ I said yes to many projects, partnerships and opportunities when I was first starting out on my own…and still do to this day. Listen to your gut and if you have any incling to try something, even if it feels scary and new, just go for it. You never know what you will learn from the experience. I am constantly learning, evolving and even pivoting my business as a result of the opportunities that I try and learn to enjoy. I have taught myself many skills from being self-employed and I am thankful that I have been able to grow because of this!
How do you overcome growing pains?
It’s tough, to be honest. When you are in thick of growth, it feels really hard (and painful) sometimes. I have gone through lots of crazy situations since starting my business 5+ years ago…from hiring and firing to failed partnerships (on both sides) and even business losses. You have to look at these situations as lessons and to keep going, if your heart is still calling you to do so. I have learned that when I am really struggling, the best thing is to take a step back and ask myself, “will this matter in 2-weeks? 2-months? 2-years?” That helps put everything in perspecitve and to make clear decisions when things feel worse than they truly are or to make decisions to let go when it’s time.
What is your proudest moment as a business owner?
Sounds cheesy, but honestly is that I was able to handle running a business while having a baby. I was so scared when I was pregnant that I would not be able to handle both. I was even told by other women that I could not do both. But I did. And I learned so much, grew in incredible ways and even doubled my income for my business! If you want something and you're willing to work hard - you can have it all.