We recently connected with Stephanie Chabot and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

With time comes perspective, which is so powerful. Safe to say, I can see many lessons from my previous jobs now that I’m several years out!

At this point, I’ve been a copywriter with my own business for a little over four years. My background is in marketing and writing, and I was actually a marketing coordinator at my last job–in other words, I was a generalist learning a LOT on the fly.

It’s bizarre looking back at it, but I started in that company in a hybrid role doing a mix of admin work (i.e., order processing and shipments) and marketing projects from blogging to YouTube videos to email marketing. Within that first year, the company grew significantly, and I told the owners and upper management that handling both the admin and marketing tasks was becoming too much. I also made it clear from the beginning that marketing was the end goal for me. I was initially told it would take some time to transition my responsibilities. Ownership was also hesitant; in hindsight, I believe they just didn’t know what to do with me and my skills, nor what kind of marketing support they would need. It was all new to them.

Fortunately, the Controller understood where I was coming from and had my back. Over the next six months, they shifted the admin duties off my plate, and I was able to work on marketing projects full-time.

That was my first time really advocating for myself at that employer. I still had a lot to learn about effectively standing up for myself and how and when to pick my battles–and I would certainly lose some. But that instance taught me that standing your ground in certain situations is crucial. I was also lucky enough to have two work friends there who always encouraged me to fight for what I’m worth.

This is SO important as a small business owner. From your pricing to your time and boundaries, you’re challenged time and time again. And when you’re relatively new, it’s easy to back down and give in to clients and partners who demand too much of your time or don’t want to pay you what you’re worth. Don’t get me wrong, starting with lower pricing and doing extra for clients comes with the territory and can help build your client base and portfolio. We all have to start somewhere.

But you also have to look out for yourself and your business. Remembering to stand my ground and say no to prospects that I know would not be good for me, even if it meant losing out on work, has been key to my growth. Best case scenario, they agree to my terms and pricing, and we move forward with clear expectations. Worst case scenario, we go our separate ways and I dodge a bullet while leaving room for better opportunities.

Advocating for yourself and knowing your worth will tell you exactly where you stand with the other party. It can be such a freeing and empowering thing! However, it takes time, experience, and cultivating. Every time you stick to your guns or wrap a successful project with a happy client, your confidence grows and it becomes a little easier.

Stephanie, 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?

It’s a little funny how I ended up being a copywriter. For several years of my professional life, my day job was to spend hours writing, creating, and coordinating for corporate brands. You name it, I’ve done it–web content, marketing materials, blogs, brochures, social media, the list goes on!

But let’s rewind for a moment. I’ve been creative since I was a kid, and writing has always come naturally to me. I love the power of words, how much fun you can have with them, and how many emotions you can spark with them (big word nerd here). I was also coined a Chatty Cathy by a high school teacher, so all that overly communicative energy had to go somewhere.

If you asked me at age 14 what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would’ve told you poet, journalist, artist, or possibly fashion designer (a bit all over the place, but definitely right-brained). In college, I still wasn’t sure what path I would take. I majored in communications with a focus on marketing and writing. Between college courses and my two internships, I honed my writing and marketing skills and was able to try my hand at many types of jobs and projects.

Eventually, I landed an entry-level position as a web copywriter at a timeshare resale company, where I learned the fundamentals of search engine optimization (SEO). I also learned a lot about writing for websites and blogs in general. That was pivotal for the future of my career as both a marketer and writer.

I then moved on to my job as a marketing coordinator at a CPG company that produced luxury massage chairs. While I still enjoyed writing, I wanted to explore and take on more of a variety of projects and responsibilities, and I felt this job would allow that. Over my four and a half years there, I wrote blogs and website content, supported product launches, created trade show marketing materials, developed email and social media campaigns, oversaw photo and video shoots, and liaised with our agency partners.

I learned a lot about marketing and business in general there, but the lack of advancement in my career was the catalyst I needed to finally go solo. And when I did, I decided to refocus on what I always knew to be my strength and how I could best help fellow small business owners: writing! So, I launched Chabot Creative, and I now specialize in:

– Website Content: Web pages, blog posts, and landing pages
– Email Copywriting: Newsletters, automated series/drip campaigns, and promotional campaigns
– Social Media Copy: Caption writing for social media posts

After establishing my own copywriting business, I know how difficult it is to juggle absolutely everything. And it can be a pain to create great content that speaks for your business when you’re so deep IN your business. For so many of my clients, writing feels like a chore, which causes them to procrastinate and often holds up their marketing and business.

That’s why I empower entrepreneurs to speak to their dream clients with clarity and confidence by helping them craft authentic, consistent messaging. I love diving into the heart of each client’s brand and understanding the details, emotions, and HOW they want to convey their business to their target audience. These are the nuances I love obsessing over and the challenges I love troubleshooting for clients. Plus, clients benefit from my knowledge of SEO and avoid hours of muddling through their content.

Perhaps the most humbling part of my business is receiving feedback from clients who say that I captured their voice and exactly what they were trying but struggling to convey. Most are excited after our work together because they have a much clearer idea of how to talk about their brand and offerings and a professional website to send clients and prospects to. I count myself lucky that I’m able to work with so many interesting, talented individuals and teams and play a small part in their brand’s success–while picking up some lessons of my own!

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My side hustle turned into my full-time business much faster than I expected. In fact, I only took on my first client to try something new–I never really thought I would (or could) start my own business.

While I was still at my last corporate job but searching for new opportunities, my friend referred me to a woman with a startup business who needed help with blogging, email marketing, and social media. I ended up helping her with MUCH more, from photoshoots to paid social ads to branding. We grew close, and although her budget was small and her business was new and struggling, it was a major learning experience. It opened my eyes to the possibility of freelancing as a full-time career. I hadn’t previously envisioned myself as an entrepreneur. I thought I wouldn’t have the discipline or know-how to do this on my own. However, I was growing increasingly frustrated at my day job and wasn’t lucking out with my search despite many applications and interviews.

One day something happened at work that was basically the final straw for me, pushing me to take a huge leap. I just knew I needed a change. So I quit my job (on amicable terms) and went all in on starting my own copywriting business with one client in tow. Fortunately, I had already been in the brainstorming and planning phase, with a name chosen and services outlined. This just expedited the next steps!

So I launched Chabot Creative, made my own website, and started sharing it with the world. Since I came from a corporate job and didn’t have too many contacts, I started on freelance sites like Upwork and then with networking opportunities. A few Upwork assignments helped get me started, but it was networking that really helped get my name out there.

Once I landed my second ongoing client via a networking group, it set my momentum. I also started focusing on partnerships with fellow marketing pros like agencies and web designers. Over time, I honed my offerings and defined my target audience. I realized I love working with woman-owned businesses, which helped me strengthen my messaging and start connecting with more of my ideal clients.

That said, I had MANY ups and downs, like any other business owner. I was only a few months in when COVID-19 hit, leading many business owners to pause their marketing and making it difficult to meet new people. There were many times I was about to shut it down and go back to a full-time job simply because I didn’t know when the next client was coming.

A turning point was probably when I was about two years in and started seeing slow but steady growth. My brand was gaining more traction as happy clients and partners were spreading my name. I also made my first big investment in a business coaching program, where I learned a lot about myself and my business. Two years later, I worked with another business coach. Both helped me continue to gain confidence, shift my mindset about things like how I work and earn money, and refine my processes. My coaches have been pivotal in my growth and progress.

Two years later, I worked with another business coach, who helped me continue to gain confidence, shift my mindset about things like how I work and earn money, and refine my processes. I made more progress in six months with her than I probably had in the last two years.

All this to say, I took a risk on myself and have created my own career like I never imagined I could. I’ve made lots of mistakes along the way, and I’m sure I’ll continue to do so. But four years in, I feel like I’ve really found my footing and see my business lasting long-term. Don’t lose hope, find your people, and don’t be afraid to invest in yourself! You don’t have to (and shouldn’t) build your business all on your own, even as a solopreneur.

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

I am a huge proponent of the power of networking! Of course, I’m in the marketing world, so things like blogging, email marketing, and social media are huge pieces of the puzzle. But nothing can replace meeting people and building relationships that way.

Since I came from a corporate background, I didn’t have a network when I first started my business. And I’m in a B2B market, meaning building trust is more important than ever. Yes, I’m a writer and could send all the pitches or apply for all the freelance roles. But connecting with people, whether in-person or virtually, has been vital to my business’s growth. It also allows me to build those relationships faster because people are able to get to know and trust me faster. One conversation with me should be enough for them to decide if they can see me writing for their brand!

My primary networking efforts include:

– A one-per-profession group with a really strong team of marketing pros who can easily refer to one another
– A women’s networking group where I can meet more of my ideal clients and referral partners in my niche
– A Chamber of Commerce where I can get out into the community and connect with local business owners
– Facebook groups centered on women business owners and marketing

I have met both clients and partners like web designers and agencies via networking, some of whom I’ve worked with for a few years now. So even if it’s outside your comfort zone (like it was for me), I encourage you to get out there and meet people!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chabotcreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chabotcreative
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chabotcreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniechabot/

Image Credits
Headshots: Heidi Young, Fearless Persona Photography Website images: GrazinaEventSpace.com