Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daniel Abbey, Founder of Rhyme, located in Metro Manila, Philippines.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Rhyme specializes in verbal strategy, copywriting, and design for medium-to-large B2C brands.
Verbal strategy is an often overlooked service. How you talk about your brand is as important as your visual identity. Rhyme’s mission is to bring clarity, substance, and energy to a brand’s verbal comms, so it stands out among the crowd.
Having worked in real estate communications before my agency stint, I know what the industry needs and what buyers respond to. So right now, we serve several real estate companies and work with them to craft their messaging, tone of voice, and marketing materials, for their leading brand and individual developments.
Tell us about yourself
I started Rhyme in 2022. I've worked for the past five years as a creative director and business developer for an agency in Manila. Before that, I worked in real estate marketing and communications and was also a freelance writer/designer.
After the pandemic and shifts in personal priorities (I have four kids), I needed to explore a change and do something independently. Writing is my first love and at the top of my skill stack. It's my superpower. I enjoy creating compelling product descriptions, decks, and company identities, elevating them with copy that informs, engages, and persuades.
This is what motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. To write and create exceptional, copy-based solutions and strategies for clients needing that expertise. And, of course, to make more time for family, hobbies, and life outside work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To be able to say no to a project or have a proper say in the terms. It’s essential to have “power” in an engagement. Otherwise, you’re just a gun for hire, one among a sea of many, easily disposable. Expertise buys you that power. And in the long term, it works out best for you (you land great deals) and the client (they get your best work).
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being organized. I’m not naturally an organized person. I like to intuit my way to the best outcome - that’s what creativity is. But running a business means taking care of accounting, invoices, etc. I'm almost allergic to this stuff! But that's not a valid defense regarding tracking cash flow or paying taxes. Have to stay on top of this stuff.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Test your idea before you jump in 100%. See if you can land a client or two and get the ball rolling. Secure a downpayment. Manage the project. Get paid. If you can cycle through a gig, start to finish, you'll know you can make it happen. Don't quit your day job if there's no demand or you're struggling to find clients/customers. Keep testing your idea.
- Have some runway. It's essential to have savings or income while you're making the transition to full-time solopreneur. Six months is decent
the more you have, the better. - Surround yourself with like-minded people. Fellow entrepreneurs, friends from the same industry, people with good energy - they'll help you move forward. Going solo can be a lonely affair. You need all the support you can get. Find your tribe, and give back as you move up in your journey.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thisisrhyme.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danabbey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Daniel_Abbey_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielabbey/
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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