Week 1: Matt Navarra Media is open for business

It’s week 1 in my new life as a social and digital media freelancer.

• I have hired an accountant
• I have registered my business with Companies House.
• I have my business accounts setup.
• I am basically ready to rock… I think?

Before we get started

Going forwards, I plan to blog about my big freelance adventure here every now and then, as well as publishing a few short articles about any new or hidden social media platform features I stumble upon. I hope you will all stick around and give me (virtual) moral support along the journey.

Anyway, lets get back to what I was saying about my fears and anxieties about going freelance…

Making the leap

Having spent three years as the digital communications lead for the UK Government, then the past five years working for The Next Web as their director of social media, the transition into the world of self-employment and starting my own business was absolutely terrifying to me! However, it’s also exhilarating and I’m learning a lot. Fast!

The hardest part of all this so far was making the decision to make the leap from TNW to go it alone. I had the same fears most people have when considering going freelance:

• Would anyone pay for my services?
• What if I don’t get any work?
• How much do I charge?
• What do I do if it doesn’t work out?

Decisions, decisions

As my closest friends and family will tell you, I spent many months repeatedly asking them if I was making the right decision. I also spoke to dozens of other work friends and contacts (you know who you are!) to get as much information as I could about what i was letting myself in for, what were the risks, whether they felt I would be able to make it a success, and begging them for any tips or help they could give me. I owe them all a few drinks for the great advice they gave me.

Thank you, friends and family.

I spent way to long trying to decide upon on a name for my business. On reflection, those that told me it’s one of the less important things to worry about were right. However, I’m grateful to those who helped me decide on the name went with in the end - Matt Navarra Media Ltd.

So innovative, huh! :)

My first clients

So far my first week has been smooth sailing. (famous last words!)

I’m really excited to get started on work for my first clients which include:

• A well-known UK television network
• A leading social media marketing and PR agency
• A popular news media publisher
• An up and coming social media related app
• A globally recognised inter-governmental institution

One of my other concerns has been how to attract new clients once the first few months have past. I’ve been fortunate that after being regularly invited to appear on many TV news programmes like BBC News as an industry expert over the years, and contributing to many articles in publications like The Guardian, Digiday and others, I have built up a decent following online.

All of this has helped generate awareness of who I am and what I do amongst those that may have an interest in working with me as one of my clients in the future.

To help keep the momentum going, later this year I will have a website created, and I plan to speak at a few events.

Back to business

Now we’re all up to date on where I am at, I guess I should tell you what sorts of services I am able to provide.

Here’s a list of the main services I offer:

- Consultancy

Working with companies to optimise their social media strategy, audience development activity, copywriting, content strategy, product development (apps / social media tools), PR and Media planning, campaign idea generation, community management, and more.

- Training

Social / Digital media workshops and tailored training activities for a range of business needs.

- Writing

Bespoke written content for corporate blogs, news features or opinion pieces related to the social media industry.

- News curation

Providing a tailored news feed of the latest developments and features on social media platforms and in the digital media industry + analysis and consultancy of such changes to help business / brands / agencies stay at the cutting edge of this fast-moving sector.

- Bespoke

I’m able to shape my services around and work formats to fit the needs of clients — both in the UK, Europe and internationally (ask for details).

Here comes the sales pitch

If you think I can help you, your business, or your team with any of the above services

OR

You know of someone looking for help with social media, digital media, or publishing - Get in touch!

Please! 

No seriously. 

I have bills to pay. ??

Contact details

Email: mattnavarra(at)gmail.com

Twitter: @MattNavarra

LinkedIn: Matt Navarra

Website: Coming Soon

** This article was originally published on Medium **

Follow Matt Navarra on Medium