Jocelyn Johnson knew that it was time to take her dreams as a writer to the next level, so she took her own advice to “just start” and opened up her business Bloom Copywriting and Consulting. Read our interview with the lovely Jocelyn below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I wanted to take a different approach to how I treated my dreams and goals. I knew that I wanted to be able to be creative full-time in different capacities. It just felt like time to shift things into high gear.
Tell us about your business.
Bloom Copywriting and Consulting is a full service writing company that wants to help people grow their brand. We offer bio and press release services, content for websites and social media marketing strategies. We also offer ghostwriting for someone with a big idea, but doesn’t know quite how to put it together. Bloom is just as much for the new entrepreneur trying to define their brand and their lane as well as the business owner/creative that wants to refresh their brand and revitalize their overall image.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I sat down and decided what I wanted to offer and what my strengths truly were as a writer. Of course I wanted to be able to offer a variety of options, but I also had to be honest with myself about which services could I provide the highest quality of work most efficiently. I definitely wanted to get my website up and running first. I didn’t want to be out networking and handing out my business cards without being able to send people to a site for a full list of what I offer.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Building, and sometimes stumbling upon, organic relationships has been the biggest and most effective way for me to get new clients.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge has been getting clients to commit to the larger projects. After emails and conversations about the client’s expectations and goals and how we can make those things happen together, sometimes they are afraid to make that final commitment.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Although I know my services are very fairly priced, I know that sometimes people just aren’t willing to invest the money in themselves or their brand yet and that’s ok. You definitely don’t want to move forward when you’re not ready. I also understand how it feels to have to trust another person/company to carry out your vision. I’ve learned not to take it personal. Each client is different and even if they decide to work with me or not, I have learned something from them, so I try to use whatever those lessons are as I move forward. I follow up with them to see how things are going with their business even if they aren’t ready to take any steps at first. I offer some free advice as well. Usually, once people see I’m genuinely love what I do they decide to work with me in some capacity.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Honestly, I’m in a difficult time right now. I’m in the process of redefining my own brand to make all of my creative endeavors and my freelance work for either feel like a cohesive brand. I will be revamping my website before the year is over. To stay motivated I try not to compare myself to another person’s journey to success. I trust my own path and I really do take the time to do research and see what works for me.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I try to understand a client’s big picture or help them define it and work backwards from there. Along the way we unpack many goals for their business and I help them figure out what’s short term and how to make things work together for the long term.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“Trust yourself.” I’m very analytical. I’m the type to go over 2 or 3 outcomes in my head before moving forward with something. Sometimes that works but sometimes you just have trust yourself and go for it.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
All you have to do is start. Start that book, start that website, create those business cards and start networking, etc. Just start. Also, don’t focus so much on the people that don’t support you. Focus on who does. Your energy is much better spent and returned when you focus on that.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Melissa Kimble, founder, of My Creative Connection and the #blkcreatives movement offers so many different resources, connections, and above all, a general sense of community for people that need an extra push, more knowledge, or a sense of support. Although social media outlets are obviously amazing, in-person connections and networking has always worked best for me.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @glam_jay @shortsinthefall @_readysetbloom
Facebook @jocelynjohnson @shortsinthefall
Website www.bloomcontentstrategy.com
Hashtags #shortsinthefall #bloomcontentstrategy
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I recently read “Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t: Why That Is And What You Can Do About It” by Steven Pressfield. It’s very honest, straight to the point, and just an all around great read. I recommend it for all types of writers.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’m looking for different marketing strategies – how to keep things personal but maintain a polished brand.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I hope to have an umbrella company and website that clearly defines what I offer as a creative. I will be taking some time to revamp my site, redefine my services, as well as offer more creative projects for sale. It will be a lot of work, but I’m excited about the transition.