Spotlight On: Amanda Hirsch

Name of Business: Amanda Hirsch Consulting
Type of Business: Editorial Consulting
Web Site: http://www.amandahirsch.com/
Email: ahirschdc@gmail.com

Tell us more about your woman-owned business.

Amanda Hirsch Consulting offers writing, editing, and web content consulting services to media companies and nonprofit organizations.

Why did you decide to start this type of business?

In 2006 I decided to leave PBS, where I had been working for over 6 years, and where I had worked my way up from editor to director of PBS Interactive. Intellectually, the work was fulfilling and I cared a lot about the mission (and still do), but it just wasn't providing the spark that I was looking for. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I wanted to do next but found the job so absorbed me that it was impossible for me to really envision myself anywhere else. So after months of indecision, I decided to freelance for a while, to give myself the space to figure out my next move. As it turned out, I ended up loving working as a freelancer. Being able to design my own schedule made me deliriously happy. Mid-day yoga class? Sure, why not? It was also exhilirating to be free from office politics.

What makes your business unique?

When you are a sole proprietor, you are what people are buying-so honestly, the thing that makes my business unique is me. My personality, my approach to the work, and of course, my abilities and skills make my business unique.

Can you share with us the challenges that you have encountered related to starting a business?

I needed to learn a lot upfront about some business basics-whether to incorporate, how to handle taxes, etc. It was daunting but I took a course at the now defunct Women's Business Center which provided a strong foundation. I filled in the gaps by talking to other freelancers I knew.

Over time, it has been challenging to ensure the right balance of projects-"right" meaning, bringing in enough money, ensuring enough stability and ensuring enough excitement to keep me really engaged and learning. Sometimes I have found myself with too many projects in the "stability" category and not enough in the "excitement" category.

How did you overcome these challenges?

I always check in with myself. When I realize that something needs to be change, I take steps to correct the imbalance. It is always hard to turn down work but I find that when you listen to your gut, you end up on the most rewarding path and you do your best work.

What has been your biggest success thus far?

Being able to pay the bills every month since going freelance! I am also really proud that I am being paid to write original content, versus advising or editing or writing something in a client's voice.

What is your favorite free business resource?

Twitter! I love it as a way of getting exposed to great articles and ideas about current events. It is one of the filters I rely on to help me navigate and make sense of the overwhelming universe of information. Twitter has also been helpful to promote my business, along with Facebook. It drives a lot of traffic to my blog.

For those interested in getting into freelance work, I recommend checking out http://www.freelanceswitch.com/. It offers practical advice and insight into the rewards and challenges of freelance lifestyle.

What words of advice would you provide to others that are considering starting a business?

Take the time to write a 3-5 page business plan. Writing is thinking. Document your mission statement, target audience, success metrics, and other key information. You want to think your business through. It may feel like an academic exercise upfront but it will help you organize your efforts and measure your success.

Do you have any special offers for those reading this interview?

I am happy to provide one free hour of editing to any nonprofit or media company that contacts me. Just reference "Pink Heels" in your email. This offer is valid until June 1, 2009.

Would you like to be considered for an upcoming "Spotlight On" post? If you have a web site and a business Up & Running story, please email Jennifer Moore at Jennifer@Pink-Heels.com. You can be located anywhere in the world as we are creating a global network of fabulous women!