We were lucky to catch up with Sarae Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarae, thanks for joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

As a business owner, I could not be more fulfilled!

I never dwell on what life would be like in a regular job because I know exactly what that’s like. To do my best work, I thrive in variety. Some days I need the energy of a bustling coffee shop. Other times, the quit solitude of my apartment is where I need to be. There are moments when I crave the camaraderie of a co-working space, or the inspiration of a new environment to spike creativity. Sometimes, a familiar bookstore is the perfect setting. No matter what, I wouldn’t trade the freedom to work from the place that lets me perform at my peak for anything.

And the ability to choose who I work with? That’s pure gold. I have the privilege of selecting attorneys whose values and vision align with mine. In turn, they gain a paralegal who fits in seamlessly. I want to collaborate with attorneys who are doing exciting, meaningful work. I refuse to be at the mercy of others, and I certainly don’t want to put anyone else in that position either. If we’re not on the same wavelength in how we do business, it’s simply not a match.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a freelance, remote paralegal, and while it might seem like a stretch, I’ve heard it explained well that paralegals are to attorneys what nurses are to doctors. I handle the tasks that attorneys need done, while they focus on their top priorities. I specialize in intellectual property- trademarks, business startups, and more. And of course, as a paralegal, I have to include the necessary disclaimer: I work exclusively for attorneys and do not provide legal advice.

In November of 2023, I launched CEO Paralegal because I wanted to run my business on my terms, as the CEO of my own life. It’s been an exciting journey, and it only gets more fulfilling with time. I get to build my brand, define my vibe, and collaborate with attorneys who align with both. Starting my own business has given me an understanding of the risks, the courage, and the rollercoaster that comes with starting a business and getting it off the ground, making me a strong fit for the intellectual property field of law.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

After completing my paralegal certification I started my business as a freelancer with no paralegal experience, just a lot of determination. I knew that pitching my services could mean hearing a lot of “no’s,” but I also knew that there were attorneys out there who would resonate with what I bring to the table and be willing to take a chance on me. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to connect with amazing attorneys who were complete strangers across the country, who saw my potential and said, “YES!” Thanks to them, I’ve gained invaluable experience, and my business continues to thrive. Cool things happen when you take a chance, so don’t be afraid to shoot your shot! Rejection isn’t a setback; it’s simply a sign to move on to the opportunities that are better aligned, which will ultimately be the best fit for you.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

This is a great question because effective freelancing relies heavily on communication; clear, consistent communication. I make it a priority to stay in touch with my clients, regularly sending updates on what I’ve completed, what’s still on the to-do list, any questions I have, and any potential delays. Transparency and keeping clients in the loop builds trust in confidence in my work. This trust leads to long-term partnerships, where clients not only return for more, but also bring bigger opportunities.

Ultimately, communication, authenticity, and shared values lay the foundation for the kind of business relationships that keep growing. It’s about being the kind of professional clients can count on, and the more you show up in alignment with them, the more success you’ll find in your freelancing career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ceoparalegal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceoparalegal/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%9C%A8sarae-smith-63879b2b7/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ceoparalegal/

Image Credits

Christi Johnson