Tell us a little about your small business (+URL).
I'm a freelance writer, so it's a very small business - just me! I write mostly web content now, including my site here at About.com, http://gameshows.about.com.
How long have you been running your small business?
Just over seven years.
How did you get into starting a small business?
I wanted something flexible that I could do while raising my kids. I actually fell into freelancing quite by accident, while reading a message board about my favorite television show. The site owner was looking for someone to write recaps, and I thought it might be fun. It was!
From there, I started my own website devoted to television, and that led to many writing gigs, including this one.
I still love writing about television, but I've also branched into food writing and lots of other topics.
Describe your starting a small business experience.
At first I had no idea what to expect, how to do taxes, whether or not to incorporate, etc. Networking has been a lifesaver. Talking to other Canadian writers in the same situation has opened many doors and given me a much better understanding of the mechanics behind working for myself.
With my new-found confidence, I'm planning to start up another writing-based small business, hopefully soon!
Lessons learned
- If you're unsure, start slowly and do what you can in your spare time. Writing started out as a hobby, and I was slowly able to turn it into a small business.
- Find people with the same goals in the same business, preferably locally. Networking is so valuable, and it helps ease the "I'm in this all alone!" feelings.
