Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Teodora Ema Pirciu, a content writer and content marketing strategist, based in Alessandria, Piedmont, Italy.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I work with B2B brands, marketing agencies, and other freelancers.
Tell us about yourself
I took this one step at a time. I started as a freelance writer almost ten years ago and tried to learn as much as possible from every project. As I became more confident about my skills, I expanded my niche to learn more about marketing. At some point, I realized I wasn't implementing much from what I knew for my own business. That's when I started investing time and resources in my education as a business owner besides my marketing courses. I'm still learning about this.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My long-term clients and the relationships I've built with them over the years. I've seen them grow and learned from them, and their stories inspired me to shift my mindset. I'm not thinking of myself as a freelancer anymore.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Learning to say NO and fire clients who don't respect boundaries. When you have a business to run and goals to meet, NO becomes crucial for growth. I still have a hard time with this, and my business is not growing as expected. The good news is that I know how my lack of courage impacts my income, and I'm doing my best to change the current circumstances.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Hire a bookkeeper or an accountant. Without guidance in this area, you set yourself up for failure.
- Talk about your business with the right people — who are rarely your friends or family. Many business owners find the support they need in online communities or from other entrepreneurs, not from their dear ones. I owe the fact that I have a business to the love and wisdom I got from a Facebook group dedicated to freelance mothers and my Twitter friends.
- Tell your story more than once. Use any opportunity to discuss what you do and for whom you do it. People don't remember everything you say, so find ways to share your skills across multiple channels as often as needed. You've got to help your audience remember you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmaPirciu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teodoraema-pirciu/
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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