Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karyn Johnson, Writer, Editor & Proofreader of Words in Bloom Writing and Editing Services, located in Columbus, OH, USA.

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

I am a content writer, editor, and proofreader who partners with B2C companies to assist with content needs such as blog posts, emails, etc. I also partner with agencies to help them produce content for their clients. My primary niches are education and travel.

Tell us about yourself

I've been a freelancer off and on since 2005. I got started by accident. I was a military spouse living overseas with no real career prospects, and my personal travel blog led to some paid writing work. My most recent venture, Words in Bloom, is about a year old. I was sick of the corporate culture -- toxic environments and never getting ahead -- and wanted to have more control over my career, so I am focusing on freelancing full-time now. So that's what motivates me each day, calling my own shots and crafting the career and the life that I want.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Just getting started was my biggest accomplishment. The day I registered my business name with the State of Ohio (March 30, 2022), I knew I was committed, and there was no turning back.

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

One of the hardest things for me is networking. I have gotten more introverted over the past few years, so it's very difficult to put myself out there and talk to people and tell them what I do. I force myself to do it because it's necessary for my business, but making connections with people is valuable both personally and professionally.

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

  1. Get comfortable with discomfort. You will have a lot of discomforts as you start and grow your business.
  2. Learn what social media platform is the best for growing your business and spend some time growing your presence and following on that platform. Interact with others on that platform. Post frequently about the work you're doing and/or share thought leadership. (For example, a lot of freelance writers and editors grow their businesses and connect with prospects using LinkedIn as their primary platform. I make a point of posting on LinkedIn several times per week and interacting with others as much as I can. As a result, my following has grown a lot over the past few months.)
  3. Accept that you have your limitations and can't be an expert at every aspect of running a business. I may have a background in marketing, but I hired a business coach early on because I needed someone who could think about my business objectively -- I was too close to it -- and walk me through the steps I needed to grow my business. She continues to be one of my greatest cheerleaders as well as a friend. I'm not saying you need to hire a business coach, necessarily.
  4. Get an accountant if the finances are too stressful. Get someone to handle your marketing if it's too much for you. You can't do everything, so don't be afraid to get help when you need it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wordsinbloom.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w0rds_in_bloom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karynj/

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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