Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelsey Woods, Founder of Content by Kelsey Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Great question — I started Content by Kelsey, a small boutique digital marketing agency, to help (mainly) service-based business owners crystalize their messaging, build authentic communities and successfully launch again and again using high-level copywriting and values-based marketing to strategically grow their brands.

We serve a wide variety of business owners, but we tend to specialize in supporting coaches, course creators, business-focused entrepreneurs, and travel-inspired brands. But first and foremost, we work with leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and visionaries who are dead-set on making a positive impact in this world.

Tell us about yourself

I graduated from university in 2017, all bright-eyed and ready to jump into the corporate world (because that's what I thought success was). Soon after, I realized I wanted the freedom and ability to serve more businesses on a larger scale and create a bigger impact — so I joined the freelancing world. After a few rollercoaster-like years as I dove head-first into the industry, I fully committed to this crazy lifestyle of owning my own business and incorporated Content by Kelsey. This allowed me to continue a) serving heart-centered business owners with purpose-driven dreams and b) supporting aspiring creatives who understand that a successful business is about more than just a paycheque but the values, intentions, and relationships that go into them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For sure, it's building a multi-6-figure business that aligns with my values, serves many of my passions, and helps other people make their dreams a reality. I started writing stories and chapter books in elementary school, knowing early on that writing was one of my unique gifts. I've always had a deep love of travel, having been to 19 countries and counting. And finally, I am a lifelong learner, always seeking the next book, course, program, or certification I can take to further my knowledge and best support, my clients. If you had told me that I could write for a living, employ other creatives so they too can live their dream, support business owners in bringing their ideas to life, and build a successful agency to accomplish it all, I would have called you crazy. But here we are, supporting dozens of new businesses every single year as each and every one of us lives in our zone of genius. Now THAT sounds like a major (almost unbelievable) accomplishment to me.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Easy — the ever-growing list of responsibilities that never stop falling on your lap (and the unspoken expectation to do them all NOW and by yourself). I'm sure you've heard the phrase "the many hats we entrepreneurs wear," but it's true. Being a business owner means that you're responsible for all areas of your business — marketing, accounting, strategy, offer creation, administration, operations, you name it. A lot of people jump into entrepreneurship for freedom and flexibility, only to find out that it actually takes serious determination, intentionality, and accountability to get there. It took me too long to realize that I wouldn't last if I kept going at it alone, which leads perfectly to the last question.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Invest in support (aka hire people to help you!). This is something I wish I had done so much earlier. It does NOT matter how far along you are; I can guarantee that this will be a major shift for you. Whether you hire a virtual assistant for 2 hours a week or you bring on a copywriter to help you market your offer and build your audience, simply investing in support frees up more of your time and allows you to do what you do best: build your business, create more offers, foster relationships, "fill in the blank." Rather than buying another course or spending hours researching the solution yourself, hire someone who is already a specialist in that area and protect your energy.
  2. Invest in learning (aka mentors, coaches, teachers, or anyone who is ahead of you). I was so wary of investing money into education after I graduated from university, but this was a major driver in my business growth. Seeking out people who are ahead of you, who are where you want to go, and then learning from them? Priceless. Do your research, read their testimonials, and if it feels good, do it.
  3. Invest in yourself (aka YOU are your most important asset). Again, I learned this the hard way by putting e-very-thing I had into my business and leaving little energy for myself. It might sound cliche, but deep rest is truly the only way you'll be able to give your business 110%. So make sure you're not living on your computer, neglecting your relationships, or failing at self-care. The better you feel, the better you'll perform.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.contentbykelsey.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contentbykelsey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contentbykelsey/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/content-by-kelsey-inc/

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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