Deb Coman of www.debcoman.com is a writer, editor and coach. Her love of words, books, letter-writing, libraries and teaching began when she was just a small child. She now helps entrepreneurs, authors, and energy workers create, edit and polish their written content. Deb is an intuitive with attention to detail – she connects and supports others to get their message out into the world in a polished, professional way.
Entrepreneur Interview Q & A
1. What is your business/Business Name? What does your business do?
Deb Coman – Writing, Editing & Coaching. www.debcoman.com is a service-based business helping entrepreneurs, authors and energy workers create, edit and polish their written content to retain their “voice,” attract new clients and grow their business so they can live the life they deserve. As we work together, I expand your writing, proof and edit your work, and teach my skill set so that you can do even more for yourself.
2. Why did you get into this field? What opportunities did you see?
I’ve always loved reading, writing and communication, in general. I wanted a business that allowed me to have flexibility and independence. When I realized there were businesses with websites, training materials and email communication with poor grammar, typos and less than stellar writing, I knew that I could fill that gap and help them to build their business, get more clients and make more money.
3. What have been your biggest challenges? What has been your greatest reward?
One of my biggest challenges has been to individualize my service in a way that responds to my clients’ individual learning styles and needs, and to help them define their own specific communication needs when they have not already done that. When someone asks for a simple “proofreading only” but their work needs developmental editing and rewriting, it’s a challenge to let them know they need more than that. My approach is to help them uncover the “why” behind their work. Once defined, it becomes easier to illustrate how better writing (or rewriting) will help them meet that goal. I find a way to meet this challenge, when providing a simple proofreading would be much easier. It’s not an option for me to fall short of my mantra “Live worthy. Do good.” So, I find this a challenge, but one worth meeting with honesty and open communication. This turns my biggest challenge into my greatest reward.
4. If you could change something, what would it be?
If I could change something, it would be to let entrepreneurs know that when writing, more isn’t always better. Sometimes more is just more. Writing can be more simple, straightforward and clear. In a world of online entrepreneurship, people need to read, understand and act on your message more quickly because the next business available to them is only a click away.
5. If you could give a new entrepreneur advice, what would it be?
I would encourage a new entrepreneur to focus on the aspects of their business that increase their income. A website, blog, marketing materials, social media posts and all the other business tasks are important but it’s easy to get lost in the weeds while not increasing your income. Figure out what brings you paying clients and focus the bulk of your initial energy and time there. Recognize that how you communicate is everything in growing your business and for online entrepreneurs, online communication is primarily through your words. Words do matter. Put your focus on that when starting out.
6. Social Media. Yay or Nay?
Yay!, with a caveat. You need to figure out where your potential clients are on social media and focus your efforts there. If none of them are on Facebook, don’t spend your business hours there. If your niche tweets, get on Twitter, learn how to make it work for your business and be careful to find the balance between investment of your time and return on that investment.
7. How do you market your products?
N/A
8. Is your business a service or a product? If you are a product, how do you handle production?
A service.
9. What is unique about your business?
I connect with my clients, and care about the success of their writing and business beyond the project we are working on. The internet offers many options for writing and editing, and it can often be provided in a vacuum with little personalization or regard for the outcome beyond a proofreading. I’m invested in the success of my clients and often promote their work and connect them with other providers, colleagues and opportunities beyond the scope of our project.
10. Sell me your product/service.
Clear, concise, compelling writing is critical to online success. It sets you apart from the plethora of entrepreneurs who are only a click away. I help you get your message out into the world in a polished, professional way. Together, we define your purpose and your target audience. We create and edit your writing to grow your business. Invest in better writing to reach more clients, keep them reading, and pull them into your circle.
11. How can people get in touch with you? What’s your website/Contact information?
I can be reached here:
- Website: www.debcoman.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/DebComanWriting
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/DebComanWriting
- Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DebComan/about
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DebComan/en
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/debcomanwriting/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/debcomanwriting/