Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Rogier, Founder of Sarah Writes Grants, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Sarah Writes Grants offers a full suite of grant management and consulting services for nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and government agencies. I like to say, "If you serve people, you're my people." I primarily focus on the subjects of youth development, education, workforce development, and mental health. Clients come to me for help developing grant strategies, preparing and writing proposals, and managing and reporting on active grants.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in the nonprofit sector for about 15 years, first in direct service to youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems and then in fundraising for youth-serving organizations. Grant writing allows me to combine my passion for writing with change-making in the community. At the beginning of 2020, I was struggling with an organizational culture I didn't feel well-suited for. I previously thought I would need to be further advanced in my career to take on consulting or starting a business. At the time, I had a mentor who encouraged me to bet on myself and think about taking the leap sooner than I had planned. The result is that I have really increased my community impact, as well as my satisfaction with my career. Instead of writing for one organization at a time in a full-time position, I can help many different causes and clients over the course of a year.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner thus far has been successfully launching and growing a sustainable business during the pandemic. I had only one client sign through in-person meetings before the lockdown started in my community. I'm very proud of how I pivoted quickly, leveraged my network, and grew my client base at a time of great uncertainty. Because of our work together, many of my original clients were able to access pandemic-related relief grants that allowed them to continue to operate essential services. Three years later, I'm proud to have some of the same clients and to have grown my business to include new organizations as well.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is battling your own self-doubt. Impostor syndrome can creep up on you, especially when you are new to the world of entrepreneurship. You have to know that there will be losses and setbacks, and try not to take those personally, which can be tough, especially if you're the face of your own brand.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Know yourself: Figure out what drives you and motivates you to do your best. It's incredibly freeing and also a little scary when you realize no one else will be there to tell you what to do. Discover how you do your best work and lean into that. Build in time and space to take breaks and care for yourself.
  2. Know your worth: Do your research and make sure you're charging a market rate for your services. Create a solid pitch and be clear about what you do (and don't) offer. Don't undersell yourself or add something that's not within your scope just because you're afraid of losing a client.
  3. Know your clients: My business comes almost exclusively from current client referrals and people within my personal and professional networks. Be intentional about cultivating relationships, getting to know people authentically, and really caring about solving their problems.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sarahwritesgrants.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahwritesgrants
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwritesgrants/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbradbury/

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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