Solo Entrepreneurs: Want to Boost Productivity? Add a Copywriter to Your Virtual Team

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As a solo business owner, do you feel as though there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done? As a coach, I work with many business owners who feel that way.

You may be a coach or a graphic designer, a virtual assistant or a social media expert. But regardless of the core services you provide to clients, you probably also pinch hit as a copywriter, computer troubleshooter, and bill collector in your own business. The problem is that business owners can become overwhelmed and unproductive when they’re trying to do it all themselves.

As a coach, I’m always looking for ways to help my clients save time and energy so they don’t end up sacrificing their personal lives for their businesses.

So this week I interviewed one of my favorite colleagues, Nikki Evans, to talk to her about how she helps clients become more productive and effective in their businesses. Through her business, Spotlight Writing (see additional information about her business at the end of this post), Nikki creates compelling marketing messages and copy for business people, so they receive the attention they deserve.

What follows is our interview:

EHB: I’m all about helping solo business owners become more productive. And one way they can be more productive is by delegating certain responsibilities to a virtual team of professionals. So could you tell me a little bit about how you think a copywriter and editor can help solo business professionals be more productive?

NE: As a solo business professional myself, I know how much time and effort I spent on writing my own words for marketing my business. After I did the initial writing and several revisions, I asked three business associates to edit what I had written. Their recommendations were invaluable. So, I believe hiring a copywriter and editor can not only help business professionals to be more productive, but also make sure they are saying what’s important for readers and listeners to know about their business.

EHB: Why do you think it’s important for small business owners to have someone they can turn to, to help them with their written materials and with presenting themselves effectively?

NE: Small business owners I know are justifiably proud of their businesses. They know how their products or services can benefit their customers. But I would say about 85 percent of them are ineffective at both saying and writing about their business so prospective customers understand those benefits. When I meet someone whose elevator speech is all about them and their business and not about the benefits they provide, I know right away that they could use the help of someone like me.

EHB: What do you bring to the table that’s different than what most copywriters typically provide? And how might that help entrepreneurs?

NE: There are many great copywriters out there who know proper punctuation, spelling and grammar. Give them a topic to write about and they produce very readable material. Thanks to years of marketing communication experience, I put myself in a different category of copywriting. I call myself a marketing messages creator.

EHB: Tell me a little bit about how your marketing background plays into how you help small business owners?

NE: Everything I write for owners is designed to compel listeners and readers to want to learn more about their products or services. To take that next step to purchasing what those business owners have to offer.

EHB: What do you enjoy most about working with small business owners, as opposed to large corporations?

NE: I love working with anybody who is passionate about the success of his or her business and appreciates the value my marketing background adds to the work I provide. That person is usually the owner of a small business.

EHB: I know a lot of small business owners who are reluctant to turn their copy over to someone to edit because they’re afraid of the possible results. What would you say to someone who might feel that way to ease his or her mind?

NE: Gosh, I didn’t realize that was an issue for some small business owners, Ellen. Prospective clients don’t need to be afraid of what I might do. When I hand over my edits, I always make it clear that they are my recommendations for improvement, born from the desire to help them grow their businesses. Whether they take my advice or not is up to them.

Ellen H. Brown is a certified coach who works with solo business owners interested in maximizing their productivity and leading healthy, balanced lives. Her business, Wellness Journeys, is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Download her free report to help you boost profits and productivity without sacrificing your personal life at http://www.wellnessjourneys.com/profits-and-productivity.php

About Nikki Evans

Through her business, Spotlight Writing, Nikki Evans creates compelling marketing messages and supporting copy for business people when the words they're using to promote themselves and their businesses aren't getting the attention they deserve. As her tagline promises, "Your words, only better." Go to www.spotlight-writing.com for detailed information about her services.