Hey, I'm Julie Davis and I run Tiny Buffalo Consulting out of Raleigh, NC.
Tell us all about your business...
I empower thoughtful (but overwhelmed) entrepreneurs to go from content confusion to clarity with simple strategies that amplify their online presence. I help my clients get their unique message out into the world in a much bigger way by:
1. Delivering custom content strategies that combine relevant, on-trend content marketing practices with the business owner’s unique skills and strengths.
2. Aligning content with their overall marketing + business goals.
3. Creating a strategy that’s anchored by the client’s brand and fits the current age and stage of their business.
What's your background and motivation to get into the solopreneur life?
My move into solopreneurship and incorporating was an organic one. After years as a freelancer, my client load was growing and I wanted to be able to start hiring team members to help me. My self-employment taxes were steadily increasing, as well, and I knew I needed to change my business structure if I was going to continue.
I love the flexibility of working for myself and being able to pivot quickly if I need to. I think of my business like a game of chess (in a good way). It's rewarding to figure out what my next strategic move is going to be.
I am also a true people-person, and I'm truly grateful for all the great people I get to interact with on a daily basis through Tiny Buffalo.
As a solopreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
Success for me is watching my clients succeed. If what I'm doing isn't serving others and helping them succeed, I need to be doing something else.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Wearing all the hats. As a business owner, you're in charge of everything—accounting, marketing, networking, PR, etc. And you still have to get your client work done and make space for the people you love.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a business today?
1. Be patient. We all want big returns on the investment or our time and money, but it doesn't happen overnight. Growing a business means taking a lot of small steps slowly in the same direction.
2. Don't give up too quickly. Stay the course. There's a lot of emotional ups and downs as a solopreneur. Make sure you have people who can support you through those emotions and who can be objective when you can't.
3. Get active on LinkedIn. It's the social platform with the most organic reach and engagement right now and the biggest bang for your buck in terms of networking. It's a great place to learn and be in community with other business owners.
If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help grow your business, what would it be?
Create content consistently. You'll learn so much about yourself AND your ideal audience in the process.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?
I don't work at night or on the weekends unless I have a big project deadline. That time is solely for my family and friends. I also try to schedule in self-care time on a regular basis like exercising or taking long walks in nature.
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and best business resources/books?
One of my favorite entrepreneurs is Benné Rockett of Rockett Launcher. Her unique spin on branding and networking for women business owners is out-of-this-world creative.
Wendy Maynard is another. Her incredible knowledge of how to grow your business on LinkedIn has been so helpful for me.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Solopreneurship requires a high level of vulnerability. You have to learn to "put yourself out there" but the more you do it, the more comfortable it becomes.
My confidence not just as a business owner, but as a person, has grown exponentially since I started my business. That's a rewarding feeling.
Where can people find you online?
You can find my website here. I'm also on LinkedIn and Instagram.
If you like what you've read here and have your own #GoSoloStories that you'd like to share then email bethany@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.