We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Reeves recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I can be rather impulsive when it comes to starting projects (thanks, ADHD brain!), but I typically don’t see them through. I thought of the idea for Type C Creative on a Monday without having the full picture of what I wanted my business model to look like, which is a pretty normal occurrence. I started building a website and threw together a really bad logo using the design-for-dummies platform, Canva. (Note: I say this as someone who desperately needs a design-for-dummies platform.)

The next day, I saw someone post a message in a networking Slack group that seemed to align with my very loose service idea. I DM’d her immediately and told her I was thinking about launching a new business venture and gave her an outline of all the ways I could help her with her problem.

It’s important to mention that this wasn’t a stranger. We’d interacted with each other in the space for a while at that point, so I’d already built some personal rapport. I was also honest about building the plane as I flew it, which was reflected in the total cost of service. We set up a consultation the following day and by Friday of the same week I’d thought of Type C, I signed my first client.

I was positively giddy. It confirmed to me really quickly that I was onto something, which created an unstoppable momentum for my business. By the time I finished that first project, I’d paid for an actual logo, launched my website, and totally hit the ground running. It’s the confirmation I needed to see this idea through, and I’m so glad I did.

Andrea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always been really into organization. In my senior year of college, I started a business called Pretty Planners, where I would take my peers’ syllabi at the beginning of the semester, write down important project and test dates in their paper planner, and then make it “pretty” using stickers, color coding, and inspirational notes throughout.

My professional background is in communications, and I always gravitated toward the project management and operations side of things. I loved creating systems for better teamwork and efficiency. After losing my corporate communications job during the 2020 pandemic, I picked up multiple contracts in project management and virtual assistance. After several months of that, I was so burnt out and began resenting how busy I was. That’s when Type C Creative was formed.

What started as a systems strategy business for creative entrepreneurs evolved into an Intuitive Productivity movement—from paper planners to Inbox Zero to encouraging naps in the middle of the day. Now I help overwhelmed people build strong personal systems that make their day-to-day work feel more intuitive and effective.

I think what sets me apart from others in the productivity space is how much I value and encourage choice. Most productivity tips out there are built by and for white, cis het men and uphold systems of white supremacy and patriarchy.

I don’t tell people they should wake up at 5am or time block if they want to be successful. I understand the realities of oppression in the workplace that can make “doing things your own way” sound out-of-touch. I help people find ways of working that work best for them in a way that feels accessible and realistic. I believe productivity should feel intuitive and pressure-free.

I am also a skilled software concierge; tell me what type of platform you’re looking for and I can give you 2-4 options that would be perfect for your needs. My very nerdy party trick.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I mean, first and foremost is producing quality work and building quality relationships with all of my clients. Word of mouth has been my main source of growth, whether that be from past clients or other entrepreneurs in my network.

I enjoy building relationships with other business owners I align with, even if they aren’t in my industry and may never become clients. Sharing and connecting over similar values will always lead to opportunities, even if that opportunity is simply building a meaningful relationship with an inspiring human. It has also provided me with meaningful client referrals. Going into “networking” spaces with a quality over quantity mindset has really helped me. I don’t need to know everyone in the room, and I don’t need everyone in the room to know me. Also, doing my part to send other people potential clients when it’s natural and there’s trust there.

Second is very similar; I am very clear about my philosophy and values on my website and in my marketing. I’ve never received a client request from someone who just wants to improve their productivity so they can continue to hustle and produce more—nothing I put out gives off that vibe. Aligned clients refer aligned clients.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

A few things:

1. Before my official launch, I worked with Hillary Rea of Tell Me a Story (https://www.tellmeastory.info/hillary-rea) , who encouraged me to own my story and expertise. Before I could build a reputation with others, I had to believe in myself.  https://www.tellmeastory.info/hillary-rea

2. Using the foundation I built with Hillary, I created a very consistent online presence using my website, email list, and social media. Sharing tips and recommendations while weaving in my story throughout has created a lot of trust with my audience. Also, actually engaging back with people who respond to my content.

3. Showing, not telling. One of my most effective ways of building credibility in my market has been through hosting free workshops with CreativeMornings. Note, I say ‘workshops’ and not ‘presentation.’ When I teach, it’s an experience. It’s engaging. It allows me to touch on topics I love and am knowledgeable about while getting in front of a lot of people who have never heard of me or my business before.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.typec-creative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/typeccreative/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/andreareeves1
• Other: Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62478cf1a1688a461f031154

Image Credits
Ashley Cheshire