A Special Message

I’ve been saying for months now that I launched this business at the start of 2020, but that’s not entirely accurate. It was actually one year ago today when I put up a bare bones, unbranded website with a single post and a scarce portfolio and declared myself available for hire. 

This past year has been a ride! I have been overwhelmed by the support of family, friends, colleagues and supporters as they have rushed to hire, refer, and promote my work. I would not still be running today without all the support I’ve received along the way. 

I’ve also learned a few things that I’m happy to share.

1. Just because you don’t know how to do something, that shouldn’t stop you from trying. I had never fully run a business before, and would have believed that I couldn’t because I had no idea what I was doing. Instead, with a little help where needed, I’ve made it work through a combination of focusing on my strengths, and bringing in whatever support (both hired, and from generous friends) wherever necessary. There are so many amazing resources out there, so don’t let fear get in your way.
2. Stay flexible! A friend wrote early on about how when you run your own business, it will be unrecognizable in 6 months from where it is today, and unrecognizable again 6 months later. Boy were they right! There’s an old Yiddish expression about how ‘man plans and God laughs,’ and it’s definitely true in business. Have goals, have a vision, but make sure that you are agile enough to hug the curves in the road along the way. 
3. Lastly, content really is king! Admittedly for the first 6 months or so of this business I was so busy writing others’ blogs that I didn’t have my own. As soon as I began writing again for my own marketing and regularly promoting my own material, the business gained some serious traction. More importantly, I began getting inquiries from well outside my warm network, who had stumbled across me on the internet because there was something to stumble across! Content is an inexpensive way to promote your business, but boy is it worthwhile (come on, you knew there would be a shameless plug!).

I called it The Write Stuff Agency because I knew that I could not do this alone, and I haven’t. Thank you to EVERYONE who has helped out along the way - I owe you one.

Here’s to year two!

Shaun

P.S: Yes, it’s a Hanukkah candle in the photo. If there’s a 4th tip, it’s learn to work with what you’ve got :)