Business name:
S.T. Writing Services
The Lady in Charge: Sharon Thompson
Business Location: Brisbane, QLD
Launch date: November 2009
Business website: www.stwritingservices.net.au
How would you sell your business concept to an investor, in 50 words or less?
I write anything, for anyone: I write copy for advertising, web content, blogs, articles, book chapters, transcriptions and more. I do this with a quick turnaround time, at competitive rates. My process is simple and effective, and clients are always satisfied.
What drove you to go it alone?
I think everyone dreams of working for themselves at some stage, but what really pushed me from the stage of thinking about it to actually doing it, was falling pregnant with my first baby. I wanted to have a flexible timetable, be home-based, and feel that there were no limits to my earning capacity. The only way to do this that I could see was to go freelance, set up my own writing business. I am lucky I have a skill easily transferable to working from home, and it seemed silly to waste!
In terms of business development, or promotion, what have you invested time or money in that you could have done without?
I have managed to get this far without paying for advertising yet, so I feel that this has worked well to this stage. However, in the next few months, I will be looking at paid advertising. Business development-wise, it is still early days, and I am still learning, so it is hard to say – time will tell!
What’s the most surprising thing (good or bad) you’ve learned about yourself since launching a business?
I have learned how vital it is to have the right frame of mind: starting the day in a negative mindset can be poisonous for your business and yourself. As somewhat of a natural pessimist generally, I have learned I can control my thoughts, and in doing so, control how the business is being run. I have also pushed through a lot of tough issues, and so have realised I am more of a fighter than I ever realised! Also, I am not a natural businesswoman, and that side of things is still a challenge.
What do you find the most difficult – and most rewarding – aspects of running your own business?
The most difficult thing is the continuous marketing! As I have often been part of developing marketing strategies, I thought this would be fairly easy for me, but I have discovered marketing yourself as opposed to someone else is a whole new ballgame! Writers are notoriously reclusive and I do find selling myself a little hard. I prefer to let my work speak for itself.
The most rewarding? The feedback – we all love flattery and when a client is pleased with your work, comes back for more or recommends you it is a wonderful feeling.
Ask Sharon a question!
If her story resonates with you, or you’d like to know how she deals with any particular thing – leave your thoughts in the comments box…
Like to see your business promoted here? To be eligible for a success In The Making feature:
- You must be an Australian-based, female business owner (or part owner).
- Your business must still be in its first two years of trade.
- You also need to be a registered SNOBS’ Member.
