We were lucky to catch up with Kim Kiel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kim, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Business owners take risks almost daily.

We take risks showing up on social media or speaking on stages.

We take risks signing big projects or clients.

We take risks hiring team members.

The risk and the reward vary from person to person.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life is starting a business.

Prior to becoming a freelance copywriter – and now owner of a boutique copywriting agency – I had a non-profit day job.

I was a fundraiser for a local public broadcaster. I loved the work. But I didn’t love the commute.

I had two young kids at the time, and the commute to drop the kids off at their dayhome or school, then get to work downtown, and then do the reverse at the end of the day was exhausting. I was late for everything and felt like I was failing at work and at home.

One morning I dropped my 5 year old off at his dayhome and the childcare provider told me she would be taking September off. Which meant I had to find a new solution for childcare (and I’d already gone through several options by this point).

I remember driving to work, sobbing. I couldn’t take this stress and guilt anymore.

I basically drove into work and quit on the spot.

However… my employer didn’t want me to leave. So over a few weeks, I worked with them to create a smaller contracted position that I could do from home and in part-time hours, so I could be present with my kids and their school schedule.

And that was how I launched my freelance business.

The thing is, I’d considered starting a business for a couple of years at this point. I had read up about entrepreneurship, and followed experts online, but it always felt too risky to start a business.

How would I find clients?
How do I pitch proposals?
What do I call myself?

Around the same time, I found an online program that teaches you how to start an online business.

It gave me the basics I needed to feel confident and launch my business.

It felt like a huge risk to go all in and hang my shingle for the world to see.

But now I see it was the best decision I’ve made.

My freelancing business has turned into a multi-6 figure copywriting and strategy business. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients who’ve made multiple millions of dollars with the copy I create for them.

What’s even more rewarding for me is the ripple effect my work with my clients has. Because I work with primarily women-led businesses who are very purpose-driven, I believe I’m playing a small role in having a big impact in the world.

And more so, I have the flexibility and time to spend with my family.

It was definitely a risk that paid off.

Kim, 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’m a brand voice expert, copy coach, and founder of the boutique copywriting agency Kim Kiel Copy.

With 17+ years of writing multi-6-figure campaigns for small businesses and nonprofits, I help Gen X entrepreneurs and experts share their gifts and positive impact with the world.

I’ve always enjoyed writing.

When I studied environmental science at University, I was appalled that in a 4-year degree program, only 1 half-year course was dedicated to writing and communication. How would we solve the environmental crisis if we didn’t know how to communicate to the public about it? How would we motivate people to act if we couldn’t tell them clearly what to do and why it’s important?

I believed (and still do) that while science is important, there’s an art to communicating and sharing the science with others – so they will care.

So I wrote a letter to my Faculty to get special permission to take more writing and communications classes that would give me a major in environmental science and a minor in communication. The Faculty members said, “If you can write a letter that persuasively, you deserve to study writing.”

That was my first taste of the power of words to persuade people.

During my career, I worked in environmental nonprofits as a front-line communicator or educator, and eventually moved into fundraising. As a fundraiser, I discovered direct response techniques and persuasive levers to get people to open their hearts and wallets to donate to causes they love.

I use these same techniques today as a copy coach and direct response copywriter for leading brands and businesses.

I combine the science of persuasion and human behavior with the art of writing to help women-led businesses stand out in their markets and sell their services.

My clients are wowed when they see the first drafts of the copy I write for them – because I’m able to capture their voice and sound like they wrote it themselves.

My mission is to amplify women’s voices, so they can sell more, shift the balance of power and economy and have more agency in their lives.

I do this by writing their websites, emails or sales copy, and by teaching women how to write in workshops or on my podcast, ill communication: Copywriting tips and sales strategies for small business.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best sources of clients for me are networking and referrals.

Whenever I join a community or a program, I have a side goal to build relationships with the group members.

When they need to find a copywriter to help them write their copy, or if they hear someone else looking for a copywriter, I want to be top of mind.

Too often, service providers join communities built for them exclusively. For example, I find a lot of copywriters join copywriter communities. While I do join these programs from time to time, I’ve prioritized joining coaching programs filled with my ideal clients. I have also invested at high levels to join some of these programs. Not only do I learn and grow as a business owner, but I generally find clients or referrals from these communities.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The stats around women in business are pretty sad.

>>> only 12% of women entrepreneurs will reach $100,000 in annual revenue

>>> women-owned businesses typically earn 80% less than male-owned businesses

>>> less than 2% of women-led businesses will reach the million-dollar mark

And yet…

… $5Trillion dollars could be added to the global economy if we close the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

Studies also show women founders are more likely to hire locally and give back to their local communities.

If more women had more agency and wealth, the power and social dynamic could change.

This is what motivates me.

I want more women to have successful businesses that create a positive impact in the world.

So I help women discover and share their unique voices so they can build community, impact and revenue.

I have a particular sweet spot for helping other GenX women in business.

These are the true badasses of business.

These women are running businesses while supporting their parents and older relatives AND looking after their children.

Gen X women have tremendous responsibilities in this sandwich season of life.

As a copywriter, I can take a few tasks off their plate and lighten their load, so they can spend more time on their business or with their families.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kimkiel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkiel/
• Other: Podcast: www.kimkiel.com/podcast

Image Credits
Carrie Roseman Studio Christina Louise Branding