Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Axelton, a Freelance B2B & B2C Marketing Content Writer based in Lakewood, CA, USA.

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

I’m a freelance writer who creates custom content to help corporations reach their target customers. Marketing/content agencies hire me to help their clients grow their thought leadership, build brand awareness and generate leads. I’ve written for companies in fields including financial services, insurance, health care, business services, technology, and more.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in the small business space for many years, first as an editor for a national magazine targeting entrepreneurs, then writing informational content for small business websites and organizations. I got really burned out on small businesses. In 2019 I shifted gears to writing marketing content for corporate clients. It was a whole new world! My typical day might start by interviewing a subject matter expert about trends in corporate event planning and end by writing a blog on how to improve your credit score. I get to work with some really smart people and am always learning something new.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Despite a tumultuous economy, my business has grown every year, and I consistently meet the financial goals I’ve set. Still, my biggest accomplishment is when my clients tell me how much they like my work. One client recently told me, “I wish there were two of you!”

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

As a solo entrepreneur, there’s no one to fall back on. That can be scary at times, but the freedom of being your own boss is worth it. It can also be difficult to maintain a work-life balance—as a freelancer, it’s hard to turn down business, even when you’re already swamped. I’ve had to learn to set boundaries around my time.

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

  1. Don’t try to be all things to all people. Carve out a niche and focus your efforts there.
  2. Nurture your contacts to build a network you can turn to for support and referrals. My current client list has come entirely from referrals, either from previous colleagues or satisfied customers.
  3. Stay on top of your finances, don’t be afraid to ask for more money, and act quickly if your sales start to slump. Maintaining a financial cushion allows you to be selective about the customers you work with.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.karenaxelton.com/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3YfAHvU

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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