Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in creative writing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dylan Orosz, owner of Dylan Writes, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My name is Dylan, and I am a freelance writer. I help small business owners write everything from websites to blogs and strategy guides.
Tell us about yourself
I am from Houston, Texas, and I am a movie-lover, hooper, and analytical mind. Trained in business, I left the accounting & finance world to follow my passions and become a writer. I write and enjoy all kinds of stories, especially sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. For my business partners, I try to use my creativity to craft inspiring messages for every touchpoint of their enterprise’s online presence. Fun fact: I do still maintain my CPA license. But don’t ever ask me about taxes; I was in audit and then transactions and use TurboTax like everyone else.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment (thus far) was the courageous act of quitting my finance career that I’d spent significant time and money working towards - because it did not serve me. I realized after a few years of working at the firm that 1) I would never be happy in that environment, and 2) I could not continue to contribute to something I don’t believe in. I wanted my labor to be meaningful to people, and I wanted to form connections. Years of hobby writing experience and a commitment to learning the arts of copywriting and SEO have already delivered me success. As a fresh freelance entrepreneur, I’ve been able to make meaningful connections & contributions to over a dozen major clients, only two years into this new career.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Planning for the future. As a freelance writer with sometimes many ongoing clients at once, balancing 1) doing the work with 2) hunting for new work can be a challenge. Organization and self-discipline are a must when starting a business. When it comes down to it, everything is on you. And, for me, that is a great thing. But there are always trials and tribulations. Independence also means upkeep.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Choose a passion, not a moneymaker. Cliché, but believe me, you never want to spend the majority of your labor doing something you don’t have some passion for.
- Always work with people you can trust. Sometimes the business world can be a jungle; be careful and seek out kindred spirits.
- Use the Internet! Any modern business needs a website, emails, and blogs with a well-developed SEO ecosystem and high-quality presentation. That’s where I come in. I help your dreams become readable in your home.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dylanwrites.live/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zsoro/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/z_s_o_r_o
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-orosz-cpa-0b00187b/
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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