Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sydney Chamberlain, founder of Society of Writers, located in Sandpoint, ID, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I provide ghostwriting and marketing services to businesses in the areas of software and financial services.
Tell us about yourself
I began my freelancing journey in 2014, fresh out of school, and determined to find a career flexible enough to let me travel and challenging enough to allow me to put my creativity to work every day. My father has always been tech-savvy, and he started exploring SEO and marketing when I was a little girl, so the subject has always fascinated me. Having the freedom to use the tools he had to create websites, design logos, and learn about the industry fostered my entrepreneurial spirit from a very young age. So, when it came time for me to transition into a career, business writing was the obvious choice. It's the perfect blend of storytelling and marketing, and there's a chance to learn something new every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Once I began tapping into my professional network, I think I went farther in 1 year than I had in my first 6. Inspired by that, I founded the Society of Writers in October 2022, which is a mentoring community designed to provide freelance writers with the resources, training, and connections they need to get ahead.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Doing it all, or feeling like you have to. I'm at the point where I'm pretty close to deciding that I don't need to do everything and that it would be worthwhile to get a personal assistant. Learning to "let go" of certain less important tasks, like scheduling meetings, has been tough, but I think delegation is the secret to getting past the extremely time-consuming (and sometimes draining) aspects of running your own business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You don't have to be an expert to start! Everyone learns as they go. Just make sure you surround yourself with successful people. Filling your network with other business owners who regularly share their insights and experiences will put you light years ahead.
- Get your name out there and start building your personal brand early. Getting started means active outreach — you can't wait for opportunities to find you!
- No matter what industry you're in, learning about marketing and SEO will help you go so much farther in the digital world. It can also save you money when you're first getting started and don't have the budget to hire someone to help with that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website (Personal): https://sydneychamberlain.com/
Website (Company): https://societyofwriters.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneychamberlain/
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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