Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Luchies, Founder of TrepRep, located in Normal, IL, USA.

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

Through TrepRep, I provide entrepreneurial writing services for solopreneurs, small businesses, and startups. My customers come from a wide variety of industries, from dropshipping startups to world-renowned shipyards to public speakers.

Tell us about yourself

I discovered the importance of and my interest and abilities in online writing in 2007 when I started my first business in the sports memorabilia niche. I had no marketing budget, but I had to find a way to reach my target market. I started a blog and website and instantly began getting views, advertisers, and public speaking opportunities. Within two months, I published in a leading industry publication and traveled to Las Vegas to speak at a national convention. The following year, when I needed income after deciding to return to school, I wrote my first article for pay ($3.50!). This launched my career as a paid writer, and I haven't looked back since. I became self-employed in 2014 and am fully committed to helping fellow entrepreneurs.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is simply staying in business for over eight years. I have plenty of accomplishments that I could place above just being open for business, from giving a TEDx talk to helping over 1,000 businesses, but having your own business as a solopreneur is the ultimate grind. Just staying in business is a massive achievement.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is going outside your comfort zone to take care of your business. Each of us has a very specific set of skills and interests. However, being a business owner requires an extremely wide set of skills. So to start and stay in business, you have to push beyond your comfort zone and constantly adapt and change or find someone (or several people) who can help you in your areas of weaknesses. For example, I don't handle my own accounting — it's not a skill or interest I possess. Surrounding yourself with people who have other skills and interests is vital to your success as an entrepreneur, but it's NEVER easy.

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

  1. Make sure your entire network (friends, family, social media connections, etc.) knows what you're doing with your business and why, what you're selling, and what you and your business need. Many of these people will want to help you, but they have to know what you need first. I have not done enough in this area and regretted it.
  2. Seek out customers, clients, and revenue anywhere and everywhere. I find clients on LinkedIn, on "gig" websites like Fiverr, and locally at networking events. I also co-own a YouTube channel and teach courses online to generate side revenue that really helps fill in gaps during slow months. Don't leave any stone unturned!
  3. Surround yourself with people who you can trust and who have different skill sets and interests. For example, look at virtual assistants who can instantly fill in needs as you get going.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://michaelluchies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MDLuchies/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_luchies/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelluchies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelluchies/

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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