Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brenna McGowan, Marketing Strategist, and Copywriter based in Rescue, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a conversion copywriter and marketing and launch strategist. I help established course creators, coaches, and high-end service providers create pre-launch campaigns to remove the overwhelm and uncertainty from their sales cycles while increasing revenue.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business almost by accident in 2018 as a social media manager. At the time, I was helping a friend do some Instagram, Facebook, and email marketing. I wasn't very involved in social media at the time, so I had NO idea that people helped businesses in this fashion all the time. I joke that my ignorance helped because I created a website and announced my services to the world. I got clients immediately and haven't looked back.
However, over the years, I pivoted. First, from social media manager to email copywriter. Then I took all the knowledge I had about copy, funnels, marketing, and launching and started to specialize in pre-launch in 2022.
What motivated me each day was my family. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and three kids, and everything I do is for them!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Gosh, this is such a great question. Especially over this last year, I've had so many amazing wins. But my biggest win to date is starting a group coaching program, the Pre-Launch Plan Program, and seeing my students have amazing wins like their first 6-figure launch and increasing enrollment in their program by 300%. The best part was that they were able to do this in a non-salesy and systematic way with the Pre-Launch Process™ I've developed. With this process, you use your content to do the heavy lifting in your launch, which allows for a lot of space for the buyer to make the right decision — while taking the pressure off the person launching.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I actually wrote about it this week — for me, the hardest part is the overwhelm, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt bouts that come with being an entrepreneur. To be an entrepreneur means you have to take a lot of risks and constantly put yourself out there and try new things. There are always ups and down, and sometimes it's a bit of a rollercoaster.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Great question!
- Don't invest too fast or too slow - I know that sounds contradictory, so let me explain. On the one hand, sometimes we are quick to invest and realize the investment we made was probably not the right one. On the other hand, if you wait too long to invest, it can stunt your growth.
I was glad I didn't invest heavily in learning social media management training when I started because I quickly pivoted. However, I've invested heavily in courses, programs, and masterminds, and all have helped accelerate my growth. - Learn how to write your own copy - First, hiring a good copywriter is expensive. So when you're starting your own business, it will be hard to outsource this. But even if you can outsource your copy, you can never go wrong in having fundamental copy skills. EVERYTHING you do to market your business copies. This is a skill that will always pay dividends.
Plus, if and when you do hire a copywriter, you'll be able to tell what's good copy and what isn't (and won't be wasting money!). - Be nice, make friends, and network - The first "business" book I ever read was Dale Carnegie's Make Friends and Influence People. It got me my first job as a teller back in the day, and it's what helped me start a business. Having your own business requires people skills. Whether it's dealing with customers, colleagues, contractors, or employees — if you know how to work with people and create genuine connections, anything is possible (especially if you can also write good copy).
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://brennamcgowan.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brennacmcgowan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brennamcgowanco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenna-mcgowan-978724163/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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