Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in books but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Noreen Hickey, an Author based in Perth, Perthshire, Scotland.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a children’s author, the Early Years stages being my market. Schools are inviting me to speak to this age group of children plus older children on being an author.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve worked for around 40 years in Education: Starting off as a Careers Adviser in Secondary Schools and College. Thereafter, retraining as a Primary Teacher. A period of serious illness struck, so I thereafter changed my path. I established my own Private Tutoring business and worked worldwide, e.g., in Aspen, Monaco, London, etc. Beyond that, my great love for writing took over. Now I have three books of poetry published, plus the first of four children’s books. Starting with ‘Barra the Squirrel.’
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Turning the ship round, as it were when illness struck. A traditional career path in Education then became a self-employed path. That brought challenges, fun, and success…in equal measure! I never looked back. From something life-threatening came a great life change!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Familiarising myself with modern methods of communication via social media! Balancing work and ensuring areas such as PR etc., are all timetabled in some shape or form, and being quite disciplined with this. You have to be a ‘master’ of a lot of different areas of work!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in yourself, and don’t let people talk you down. Go for it!
- Don’t let obstacles stand in your way. There are usually ways and means around things.
- Keep your dreams uppermost in mind, and don’t lose sight of them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://noreenahickey.ampbk.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noreen.hickey.790
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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