Jenn HollowellBeing a Small Business Owner
October 12th 2008 16:42
I was reading in another writing blog (actually, several writing blogs) about acting like a business, and it’s importance. I had a conversation about this yesterday with my fiancé, too, so I think this is a good pointer toward a topic of writing today. It’s not uncommon for this type of thing to come up in conversation, but it’s frustrating when it’s misconstrued or misunderstood.
Many people say to my fiancé or me, for that matter, that I have a “dream” job because it’s everyone’s “dream” to earn money while being at home.
Back up a minute. I’d be working the same job if I worked in a newsroom, in a publisher’s office, or anywhere else where writing is required regularly. Why? Because I’m a writer and this is a profession . . . a career.
The dream job these people seem to be referring to are those scams that are constantly advertised on late night info-mercials or in SPAM email where people can sit back, do nothing, and the money just rolls in. Excuse me, but I’ve never seen a legitimate small business owner, like a freelance writer for example, be able to pull anything remotely close to that off successfully.
The trick: you have to be a business. In reality, this is not a trick at all. It’s common sense. There’s nothing easy about running a business. Work needs to be secured, accounting practices need to be in order, deadlines need to be met, quality work needs to be furnished, and reliability must be a priority at all times. How is that just “sitting home all day” while the kids are at school?
Yes, this topic (running a legitimate business from home) is a real hot button issue with me. I’ve written in the past about how it has always interested me how many of my peers really don’t know what it is I do for work or if it is, in reality, work. How could this be?
Do you face these issues with your freelance writing career? Are you viewed as a small business owner, or are you faced with people who don’t take you that seriously? Is this a frustration you encounter regularly?
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Comment by Michele L.
Ugh.
Comment by Jenn Hollowell
Freelance Tips
Reality Mom
"Well, Jenn's home all day - why doesn't she do this, that or the other thing?"
or...
"Jenn's home anyway, so why can't she go here, do this, or do that because I have to work."
Hmm....
Comment by Michele L.
Comment by Jenn Hollowell
Freelance Tips
Reality Mom