Your Name: Adrienne Moch
Business Name: Adrienne Moch Writing & Editing, a writing and editing resource service for companies
Type of Business: Marketing & PR/Writing and Editing
Business Location: San Diego, California, United States
Twitter @AMWritesEdits
Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Adrienne-MochWriting-Editing/150629814899
Reason for starting
I consider myself an accidental entrepreneur. Unlike those who always aspired to run their own businesses, I was perfectly content being an employee…until I wasn’t. I began doing some freelance work and it was actually one of my clients who suggested I’d be better off–from financial and professional satisfaction perspectives–to go out on my own. Although I was as terrified as I was excited, I ultimately took that advice, with my goal being to serve as the finest writing and editing resource available.
How do you define success?
I define success as feeling professionally relevant and providing a service that clients find invaluable. Yes, we all need to make money, but it’s never been about dollars and cents for me. I know plenty of people who think they’re successful solely because they have large bank accounts…but I need more than that; I need to know my work is appreciated and in demand. That’s the true mark of success!
Biggest Success
I’d have to say my biggest success has been sustaining my business for the past 8 years through the ups and downs of the economy, while developing a reputation for being efficient, cost-effective, and a real difference-maker. Since everyone knows how to write, it can be a challenge for some to understand the significant value of working with a professional writer/editor. I’ve managed to overcome that by taking advantage of every opportunity I’ve had to be a valued resource for clients–who then become my greatest source of new business.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
In addition to addressing the challenge noted above–getting people to understand the significant value of hiring a professional writer/editor–I’d say another top challenge is dealing with the changing landscape of the writing/editing field. Over the past few years, many websites have popped up offering project opportunities, but the pay is shockingly low. I’ve stayed away from those sites and allowed “writers” of less stature to compete for that business. I pride myself on being a professional and prefer to work with clients who want to get what they pay for by engaging someone with significant experience and a strong track record.
Who is your most important role model?
My most important role model has always been my dad. He never owned a business, but he instilled in me the values of hard work, honesty and being true to yourself. Years and years ago, my dad told me I’d probably never be professionally satisfied unless I was my own boss, but I didn’t act on that advice until after he passed away. It’s one of my great regrets that he didn’t live long enough to see me become an entrepreneur.