The Time of Private Clients: 3 Tips for Growing Your Small Business

Just when I think I couldn't love teaching any more, several members of my writing classes contact me about taking them on as private clients. YES! Yes, I would love to!

When I get this question, I have a series of responses that begin with tearing up. What people write with me is often hard. They are facing painful truths that have otherwise been dodged in life. They are choosing to stare their haunts in the face without fear. There is nothing more rewarding for me than being invited to support a writer through that process.

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There are a few ways I take private clients. One is through direct contract with me (shawna dot ainslie at gmail dot com). Another is through the Center for Creative Writing (linked above). These plans are established differently meaning I offer different services depending on venue, and we can talk more about that if you contact me. This is an aside, really. I'm not looking for clients at the moment. I currently have three plus a Monday evening class. This is a significant load, but I am open to establishing new relationships. Do feel free to reach out!

My true reason for writing about this is that translating in-person students to private clients has been a goal for me this year. I am seeing the fruits of my labors. The seeds for the trees were planted a few years back. I have been slowly cultivating my teaching practice in order to confidently offer what writers need. Now I am hearing that it has worked along with the request that we go further. It's exciting!

You know what I mean, Steemians. You come here and write every day hoping to turn a profit and be self-sustaining. My end-goal is actually to have a steady enough Writing through Trauma practice that I can switch roles with my husband. He can be the primary parent while building the business of his dreams.

I have quite a ways to go. I'm okay with this. Patience is something I have in abundance when it comes to pursuing this dream.

If you are trying to build your own small business, here are the practices that have best helped me:

Work for free.

Seriously. Establish your authority by offering free services on a regular basis. The profit you turn in your first year is your reputation.

Break down all goals into mini-goals.

This allows you to see your progress and prevents disillusionment. What I have been growing now, I have been growing since 2012. The first year my goal was to teach one class for pay. I taught three, and I populated them by offering my writing instruction services for free at least one night every month.

Stay positive, even when it feels impossible.

There will be dry spells and slow periods. That's okay. You may not see the growth happening, but it will be. Keep chipping away at those mini goals. Set new ones. Mark down some you achieved without planning to. You've got this.