Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amber Petty, Founder & CEO of Amber Petty LLC, located in Glendale, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Amber Petty LLC. I have a free newsletter that features paid writing opportunities and advice and paid workshops & classes that help creatives get bylines and build their audience.
Tell us about yourself
I started a business, as everybody does, by spending 13 years in New York trying to do improv and musical theater. After moving to LA at 30, I tried freelance writing as a side job. Soon enough, my side job became my main job, and I wrote for places like the New York Times, Parade, Greatist, Thrillist, and Snooki's blog (jealous?). During the pandemic, many of my acting friends were out of both acting work and side gigs, so I put together a free workshop, and my business was born. Today, I work with creatives who have always wanted to write. I help them get creative satisfaction, larger audiences, and some cash for their words.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I made $110,000 in my first year. Literally, double what I made at the full-time copywriting job I left to do my business full-time. Outside of finally reaching financial goals, multiple students took my classes and went on to work as full-time writers. And nearly every day, I get an email from a student with their latest byline.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Knowing what to do and what not to do. At first, I felt like I had to do everything. TikTok? Instagram? Collaborations? Affiliates? Blogging? Getting on podcasts? I better do all of it right now (despite the fact I'm only one human person). Over time, I found the things that were most helpful for me, what could be left behind, and now I'm transitioning into getting more help, so I'm not always riding solo.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Experiment: I didn't even know this would become a business when I started. But because I tried something out and continued to try new things, I've been able to make money much faster than if I made elaborate plans and tried to do everything "perfectly."
- Don't freak out about social media: Should you do social media? Probably. But being consistent with my email list has been far more profitable than chasing leads on Instagram.
- Do something: All the research in the world won't tell you what people will actually buy. A half-assed offer with a clear benefit for the client is a thousand times better than a hypothetically great offer that never gets made.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.amberpetty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberPettyWriting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambernpetty/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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