In celebration of National Small Business Week 2017, (April 30th -May 6th) we sat down with four members to hear about their story, passions, impact, and businesses. The first member featured in our interview series is Anne McColl, owner of The Best D@mn Copywriter. Anne started her business seven years ago and has been an active Hera Hub member for five years.

What was the inspiration behind your business?

I have always been a copywriter. I was drawn to advertising because of the creativity required to come up with concepts for campaigns—print, radio, TV. Now with iPhones, we all carry a TV studio right in our own pocket. Social media and blogs have transformed us all into media publishers. But with media overwhelm, telling a good story is more important than ever and is still the best way to connect with your customers and build relationships.

How has your professional background prepared you for entrepreneurship/your small business?

When I worked full-time as a copywriter for advertising agencies, my emphasis was on the creative work. Period. I didn’t have to worry about the details of running a business, billing, cash flow, taxes, how to present myself as a consultant, and how to hire contractors for projects. The craft of writing is still my favorite part of the job, everything else I’ve had to learn. Hera Hub has been pretty instrumental in learning these skills.

What is the most rewarding part of owning your own business?

I love that my business is pure me. It reflects my values and my creativity. By knowing who I am and how to articulate that, I am able to attract clients that let me do my best work. Helping them tell their story can make a huge difference in the life of their business.

By knowing who I am and how to articulate that, I am able to attract clients that let me do my best work. Click To Tweet

What is the greatest challenge in owning your own business?

Saying no. (i.e. shiny object syndrome.) There are too many interesting projects and too many worthwhile causes to get involved with. I always have to keep from getting distracted from the big picture. I have to remind myself that saying no really can mean saying yes to my family, my business, and myself. (That last sentence comes from a recent conversation with fellow Hera Hubettes.)

What is your life’s greatest passion? Purpose? How does your business align/support this mission?

I help people find clarity. There are so many world-changing movements, incredible businesses, and inspiring ideas that die because people can’t articulate what they do in a clear and compelling manner. While digging through piles of product features and services, I ask my clients thought-provoking questions that really help them clarify who they are and where they want to take their business. Sometimes it takes a little while to get there. Watching the transformation that takes place is insanely rewarding.

What about your business are most proud of?

I’m proud of the way I can integrate work and family. (Notice I didn’t say the word balance.) It’s wake up early, do some work. Take the kids to school. Do more work. Be there for their days off. Work a little less in the summer.

What is your business’ future?

Why should my clients have all the creative fun? As I continue to work with select clients, I’ve begun to write my own ebooks, illustrate my own work, and create my own products.

Connect with Anne online!