Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nilsa Crosby-Ellis, Owner of Helping Writers Write, located in Staten Island, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Helping Writers Write. My customers are aspiring nonfiction authors who are looking for a writing coach to help them move from idea to publication.
Tell us about yourself
Helping Writers Write was formed after I published my memoir in 2014. It was very well received, and I started getting inquiries from people asking for help with writing their books. As these compelling stories arrived in my inbox, I realized I enjoyed helping writers bring their ideas to life. Helping Writers Write is the place where I decided to marry my love of writing with my desire to help people tell meaningful stories that change lives. To that end, I coach aspiring authors' visions to completion, and the finished product is a captivating, distinctive, inspiring manuscript that is ready for publication. My motivation is derived from the amazing stories I get to help bring to fruition. I am always looking toward the end result and the pleasure it brings both the writer and the reader.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is my keen ability to work with writers from all walks of life and all levels of writing experience and still produce a final manuscript that we are both proud of that is polished for publication.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is that you bear the sole responsibility for success or failure. If it works, it's on you. If it doesn't work, it's on you. As "solopreneur," we sometimes operate in a vacuum, and it can be hard if you don't have the proper support in place.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top three tips for anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business today would be:
- Research, locate, and follow people who are at the top of their game in your industry and replicate what they are doing BUT with your own spin.
- Network and enlist the help of a mentor, a business bestie, or someone to bounce ideas off that you trust.
- Scale slowly and hire people who complement areas where you struggle. You don't need another person that can do what you can do; you need a person who excels in your area of weakness.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.helpingwriterswrite.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpingwriterswrite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpingwriterswritewell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilsa-s-crosby-ms-ed-856708191/
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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