Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Clark, Founder of Megan Elizabeth Clark Copywriting, located in Hanover, NH, USA.

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

I went freelance about two years ago with the goal of supporting small business owners on all things content marketing, copywriting, and search engine optimization. I offer copywriting services like blogging and email marketing, plus SEO consulting and education. My goal is to make SEO feel less confusing and overwhelming, so that small business owners or freelancers (like myself!) can thrive online and build more profitable businesses.

Tell us about yourself

Like so many others, I lost my job at the start of the pandemic. What initially felt like a loss ended up being a blessing, however, because it forced me to take a hard look at my life's trajectory. I had spent the last 5+ years working in human resources, and I knew I needed a change. Instead of playing it safe and applying for another HR role, I took a course in copywriting and launched my own freelance business. And for the past two years, I've managed to find clients and support myself entirely on my own, and there's something incredibly powerful about that. But I'd be lying if I said it was easy. There are days when I want to give up or when I question my ability. I'm no expert at this, and some days that feels thrilling, while on other days, it feels daunting. But at the end of the day, I remind myself that I got my business to where it is today, which means that I have what it takes to get my business to where I want it to be tomorrow. We are all capable of so much more than we often give ourselves credit for. The key is not letting your fear hold you back because some of the best life decisions are the ones that scare you the most.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It might sound cheesy, but my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is even deciding to become a business owner. I've always been someone who likes to play it safe, so taking a risk and starting something on my own will always be my greatest accomplishment. I told myself at the beginning, "what's the worst thing that could happen?" and I realized that the worst thing would be not trying at all.

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

Being your own boss is equal parts awesome and intimidating. As your own boss, you get to make your own decisions, but that also means every aspect of your business is entirely up to you. This is what I find to be the hardest part of being a business owner. The burden of being your own boss can sometimes be tough, especially when you feel lonely or lack motivation. There's no one but you to keep the train moving, which is why it's so important to surround yourself with a supportive community, find mentors, and meet other small business owners. It's not always smooth sailing as a business owner, and there have been times when I felt isolated in my experience.

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

  1. Connect, meet, and talk to other small business owners. (Don't be afraid to shoot over a LinkedIn connection request!) Take them out to coffee and ask for their advice! We might be busy, but we're a supportive group because we know how hard it can sometimes be. By getting to know other small business owners, you'll not only get sage advice that they wish they had when they were getting started, but you'll start to build your small business community.
  2. Invest in the tools and the education you need to start your business. It might feel like a big expense in the beginning, but your business won't get off the ground if you're not investing in it.
  3. But as you're investing in your business, do your research. There are so many courses, tools, and advice out there on the internet that it can feel super overwhelming. Not every tool or course you come across is going to be worth your investment. Ask questions, read reviews, and do your research before you buy. I've made the mistake of spending a lot of money on courses before that ended up being a waste of my time, and if I had just spent a bit more time researching, I could have saved myself the expense.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you're just getting started with your business (or you've been working at it for years!), remember that progress is progress, even if it's one baby step at a time. There have been days when I get so frustrated or overwhelmed by all that I want to do that I end up doing nothing. But checking one thing off the box or taking one step forward is better than standing still. Take the leap, and don't be afraid to fail!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.meganelizabethclark.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganclarkcopy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan--elizabeth-clark/

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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