Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in writing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Barbie Carpenter, owner of Carpenter Document Consulting, located in Lexington, KY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Carpenter Document Consulting is a full-service academic editing and content-writing business. I work with graduate students and professors from across the nation, editing academic manuscripts such as dissertations and peer-reviewed journal articles. On the content writing side, I collaborate with retailers, small businesses, and nonprofits to develop engaging web copy, such as blog posts, category page content, and product descriptions.
Tell us about yourself
My business launched in 2009 after an out-of-state move. At the time, I was working as a technical editor in the defense industry and picking up some freelance editing projects on the side. I decided to transition that freelance work into a full-time job, and thanks to referrals from my current clients, my business was able to grow naturally. I enjoy the flexibility of having my own business and the diversity of my workload. Every day is different: one day, I might edit a dissertation for a nursing student, and the next, I am writing category page content about patio furniture. I enjoy both sides of the business and am motivated by the benefits I can deliver to my clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the annual growth of my business. I've expanded my client base, services offered, and workload every year since I opened in 2009. Even more, I've been able to achieve this growth while also starting a family. I'm proud of my ability to manage my business while raising young children, and doing so has given me the flexibility to be present for them while growing my business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, especially one who doesn't have any employees, it's difficult to step away from work and take a break. Going on vacation or simply taking some time off essentially means closing the business. However, over the years, I've recognized the importance of resetting and carving out time away from the computer in an effort to develop a better work-life balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Look within your current network for potential clients or referrals. It's easier to build your client base with people you may already know or have worked with in the past.
- Recognize that building your business takes time. Your first year might not be your most successful, but that shouldn't discourage you from continuing to grow.
- Don't shy away from change. Let your business evolve as your client's needs change and your client base grows. I began primarily as an academic editor and now write as much as I edit because the demand for high-quality, skilled content writers has grown since my business launched.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.carpenterdoc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carpenterdoc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbiecarpenter/
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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