Director of Storytelling

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laura LaVoie, Content Writer at DPEG Marketing, located in Asheville, NC, USA.

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

I am a copy and content writer for websites and blogs in the tiny home, agriculture, equine, and beverage space.

Tell us about yourself

In 2012, I quit a 15-year career as a recruiter to write full-time. I took a leap without a safety net and hustled to get my first clients. I always wanted to be a writer, but I put obstacles in my way until I finally realized I needed to write to be a writer. I did a lot of writing in the staffing industry and employment space since that was my background, but I quickly branched out into many other things. In 2022, I joined forces with another solopreneur who designed websites but wasn't a writer.

My primary motivation is to tell people's stories. Customers don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And through blogging and website content, we can create a voice and brand and build businesses up as subject matter experts.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

While writing for my clients, I also work on my own projects. I have published four non-fiction books, all available on Amazon. I'm proud of always staying true to my voice and values, even when writing for someone else.

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

I'm an introvert and pretty socially awkward. I struggle with generalized anxiety disorder. This can make things difficult when a big portion of finding new business is about networking and making connections. But I have to put myself out there and make it happen.

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

The best advice I got when I was starting out was:

Keep raising your prices until you start getting pushback. Then you know what you're worth.
Get an accountant.
You don't have to do it alone. Being a solopreneur can feel very lonely, but make connections with others and build your network. Have people around you who motivate you, and you can be accountable to them. Join forces if that makes the most sense for your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://dpegmarketing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LMLaVoieWriter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpegmarketing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DPEGmarketing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmlavoie/

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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