Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in freelancing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janelle Barowski, CEO of Willow Bark Health Writing, LLC, located in Nashua, NH, USA.

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

I own a medical writing business, Willow Bark Health Writing, LLC. I specialize in crafting high-quality, well-researched medical content. From summarizing cutting-edge pharmaceutical news to developing a nursing curriculum, I can transform complex medical content into digestible deliverables. I've worked on curriculum development, test-prep questions for nurses, news content for doctors, and blogs. I also mentor nurses who want to leave the bedside. My clients are nurses, medical companies, doctors, and health publications. You can find out more about me on my website.

Tell us about yourself

I started at the bedside as a nurse. Like many other nurses, I was undervalued, overworked, and underpaid. Nurses have no flexible time off and are bogged down with colossal patient loads. I realized I could serve more people by leaving the bedside while creating a better life for myself. Public health is the nursing concept that revolves around doing the greatest good for the most people. At the bedside, I could only help one person at a time. As a medical writer, my articles reach thousands of people seeking accurate medical content. I am motivated by my dedication to providing well-researched medical information to people who need it the most. In a sea of misinformation, my articles stand out for their professional tone and accuracy. Now, I have time to ski every day and thrive financially. Freelancing has provided a much better work-life balance.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think my biggest accomplishment is that I have three articles that are ranked within the first 5 articles on the first page of Google. My SEO tactics and authoritative tone as a field expert have given my articles notable reach. Google is such a vast tool; I didn't expect to see my articles published on the first page. It brings me a deep source of pride to know my expertise is accessible to others.

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

I think one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is the feast and famine cycle, along with marketing. One moment, I am absolutely swamped in leads, and another month, they all seem to run dry. I tend to overcompensate the next month, and the cycle starts again. As a shy person, marketing can be a challenge. Building a personal brand puts you in the limelight. I'm a deeply personal person. Having a robust social media presence on LinkedIn does not come naturally to me.

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

My first tip is to hop on LinkedIn and add me. I post actionable, relevant tips on content writing every day. If that's not enough information, I'm always happy to book a 1:1 call to answer any questions about medical content writing. I've learned so much on the platform, and most of my leads have come from there.

My second tip is to make a website with a portfolio. Having a place for your clients to see your work can generate organic leads. It's really helpful to have a published portfolio ready when requested.

My last tip is to make SMART goals. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time specific. Make goals every week, month, quarter, and year. This keeps me on track and focused on what I want to accomplish.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.willowbarkwriting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-barowski/

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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