Set Yourself Apart From Other Applicants

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Randy Levin, Founder of Write To College, Inc, located in Westbury, NY, USA.

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

I am a college application essay adviser. I work with high school seniors from around the country and, on occasion, internationally, applying to very competitive colleges. Both parents and students seek me out for my services. My main job is to help the student brainstorm for personal essays... I also edit their drafts and advise on revisions. Additionally, I help with their resumes, scholarship essays, and interview prep.

Tell us about yourself

I was a stand-up comedian for twenty years. I made a good living at it, but at a certain point, I recognized that I would have to spend my life on the road if I continued. I decided I needed to change careers if I wanted a "normal" life. I probably saw Dead Poets Society one too many times, so I went back to college at 36 years old and became a high school English teacher. Over the next ten years, I became more and more disheartened by the educational system and the bureaucracy. I loved the concept of teaching and working with the students, but I hated everything else about it. So I left teaching. With my MA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing, I decided to piece things together: Work a bit as a stand-up comedian, write resumes, non-technical company manuals, and website content, AND.... help with college application essays since I was doing that already when I was a teacher. I quickly realized that the boutique industry of college consulting was growing exponentially. I looked for people in the college consulting business (areas other than essays) for advice. One, in particular, gave me the best advice. I created a PowerPoint presentation on the "Top Ten Mistakes Students Make on Their College Application Essays" and offered it to libraries in affluent communities with academically competitive high schools. As soon as I did my first one, I realized that my life as a comedian and a teacher had merged. My presentation was very funny and yet extremely informative. Soon, either the PTA or Guidance Depts in these schools started to bring me in to speak directly to students AND their parents.

I love what I do for several reasons. First and foremost, I am my own boss. As I often say, "If I have to work for an idiot, it might as well be me." I can do my work in a Starbucks, the library, or at the dining room table. All I need is my laptop and cell phone. It's also seasonal. From July to the beginning of January, I worked 7 days a week. Just when my eyes start to bleed from reading hundreds of essays, the season is over. From February to June, my time is my own for the most part. I revamp materials, market myself for the next season, and secure presentations at high schools for March, April, and May. I feel like I am helping students get into their dream schools and, at the same time, teaching them about writing and, actually, about themselves too. It's partially creative and definitely rewarding.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I went from 0 to 6 figures in only 3 years. At this point, I have a waiting list each season since I cap off on the number of students I work with.

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

If I don't work, I don't make money. It's all on me. Additionally, dealing with irrational clients is always a pain. They hired me for my expertise, like everything I had to say, paid me a substantial amount of money, then decided they knew better than I do and tried to micromanage the process and second guess all my help and advice.

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

Look at your skill set holistically. Is there an arena in which you can combine your skills?
Make a list of the things you don't like in a job and don't want to deal with at all. That's just as important as what you want to do...what don't you want to do?
Create your own Buzz. Market yourself....YouTube videos, blogs, Instagram, etc, etc, etc. And "live" stuff, too, if it applies... speaking at the library or a professional club, etc. You can go to your local college's business dept and see if you can have a student intern who really knows social media, etc. Free help for you and experience for them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.writetocollege.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1on1CollegeApplicationEssayAdviser/

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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