Five things I'm glad I did

Peter Crocker

For those that missed it, in my last newsletter I listed four things I wish I'd done from day one of my solo business. This time, on a more positive note, I'm looking at five things I'm glad I did.

1. Invested in a strong brand identity

I found it well worth investing in a good designer to put together a professional image for my business – logo, business cards and website. When starting out, any expenditure can seem like a risk, but investing in your identity goes a long way to establishing credibility with new clients. It also makes you feel confident about your business and is therefore critical when trying to establish yourself.

2. Set up a project management system

One of the first things I did after landing my first paid job was to create a spreadsheet called Timesheets & Job Tracking. In it I recorded details such as job number, date, job title, description, client, cost, payment details, status and hours spent. I still use this spreadsheet for each job and it is very useful for tracking profitability of jobs, most valuable clients, cash flow and more.

3. Under promised, over delivered

Starting out I felt that every new project could be my last. This insecurity led to staying up till all hours to meet silly deadlines, doing more work than I had quoted for and generally bending over backwards for clients. Going to this extreme is definitely not a sustainable way to run a profitable business, but when starting out, six months or so of sacrificing profits for happy customers can pay off. Warning: resetting budget and timeline expectations with ongoing clients is the next challenge!

4. Made friends with the enemy

When I first started I looked around nervously at other copywriters' websites worrying about what they were up to and whether they would steal my clients. After a while, I got the courage to approach those I most admired and we soon established a relationship whereby we shared thoughts, ideas and eventually clients. Now, some of the best business contacts I have are direct 'competitors'.

5. Specialised

Having left an advertising agency environment, I decided early on that writing was what I enjoyed and what I would focus on. This has meant saying no to non-writing projects. I've learnt, though, that over the long-term sticking to what you like doing makes for a more satisfying business.

What were your best moves (or biggest regrets) when starting out? We’d love you to share your experiences below.

Until next week.

Love your work,

Peter Crocker is a director of Flying Solo responsible for the areas of marketing and advertising. He is a business copywriter specialising in websites, videos and marketing communications.

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After training 4 year to become an actor, and another two year competing as a competitive amateur body builder.. when i finished my studies.. and after a false start in creating a comedy room.. This led me to a depression. I had the opportunity to train as a film producer.. and this was a lifeline.. It was a big decision to walk away from being an actor, but the truth of the matter is that there are ppl that are more hungry and driven to be an actor than me.
But it turned out to be something that was needed, trained actors needed a agent to understand them and represent them, and casting consultants needed qaulity talent in the vast pool of artists both trained and untrained.
The first few months have been difficult, and although there is little money there are castings coming through.
I have now had comics interested in doing gigs that i set up, and had an expression of interest from a major dating site to host a comedy night, and just recently a migrant organisation to host a comedy night.. so i am glad i have made the decision and have chosen to represent actors that are trained and gone the personal management way, and it is a more personal service for the casting industry.
Anyway i am happy and satisfied that it is going the right way.. putting the money aside, i am doing what i love and that is the main thing Starflex Management & Starflex Entertainment Group from Brisbane
Initially when I started my design business I spent a lot of footwork just getting out there amongst the local businesses, besides the much enjoyed exercise it was also rewarding to personal meet with potential clients and get a general feel for the local business scene.
I agree too, having my brand identity in place I was able to support my words with direct examples being my stationery/business card and online presence that showed a stability and professional approach that I have continued to follow through with today.
To add to this I will say I am always glad to take the time out to listen to people and what they expect and desire from making use of my services as a web and graphic designer. I enjoy the communication and process of my work. Bjarni Wark : Bj2design from Batemans Bay
Hi Peter - I, have had to quickly learn to do all of the above - it's neither cheap nor easy to go to such trouble, but (now in my 7th year flying solo) my pride and satisfaction in the results have made it all well worthwhile! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
The best thing I did with my business was set up my website (www.pilatesbrighton.com.au). Not only do the majority of my new clients now come via my website, but it also gave me a great tool to launch my GripSox(TM) product internationally and now have people from all over the world buying my product.
Another great thing I do is use the media as much as possible for free publicity. I help them fill their columns by writing information about my business and sending it to them.
The final thing I'm glad I've done is set up my new blog http://lukegoodwin.blogspot.com/ as I find it most useful to write down my thoughts and ideas, and it is also a great way to network with other Entrepreneurs. Luke Goodwin from Melbourne
I'm glad I ....
...called my business something other than my name
...took on every job/client that came my way (this makes me laugh now and helps me understand the jobs/clients I DO want)
...worked in a small creative office outside of home for the first few years (it makes being at home much sweeter now)
...hired a bookkeeper
...listened to my dad ("Nothing can take the place of persistence...")
Thanks Peter for making me think of all these things!! Nadya from Brisbane
I'm glad ... I decided to specialise on specific services rather than trying to bring everything to the table. Originally we offered everything from web, graphic and print design services to IT infrastructure support and maintenance. Although we were able to provide each of these services, it wasn't what I wanted to do nor where I wanted the business to be. We decided to scrap the IT Support nonsense and leave that for the screwdrivers out there thus focusing on creative design which is what we all truly loved doing.
I'm also glad I ... didn't choose every client that approached me. By selecting the clients I worked with, I was sure that we'd get along, things would run smoothly and ultimately I'd be on my way to creating a far more valuable and enjoyable business than ever. Jon Bergan - Bergan Blue from Terrigal NSW Australia

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