Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in podcasting but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Moffat, Podcast Producer and Manager of Musical Crime Productions, located in Carlisle, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My husband and I are a podcast management and launch strategy team. We help faith-based entrepreneurs launch and manage their podcasts. We handle the editing and other behind-the-scenes tasks so they can focus on their zones of genius and reach and empower more people.
Tell us about yourself
I worked in an office for over 13 years and always felt like I was meant for something else, but starting a business was never on my radar. When I began my entrepreneurial journey, my [now] husband was a touring musician, and we lived in different countries. Relying on someone "approving" my time off –– or calling in sick if they didn't –– was frustrating. I never thought it was right that I might not be able to spend time with my loved one because I didn't have enough "earned" vacation time.
One night, I saw an ad on Instagram for a copywriting course called Write Your Way To Freedom. Now, when it comes to buying from ads, I'm skeptical. This was the first –– and probably only –– ad I clicked on, read up on, and purchased from. I was nervous about investing so much money in something I saw in an ad, but something told me I had to... After a slow start, my copywriting venture eventually took off and allowed me to travel with my husband to gigs without anyone telling me I couldn't.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Learning when to pivot instead of gritting my teeth and pushing forward when I'm not aligned. Even though copywriting was a great starting point, something felt off. I loved writing and the flexibility, but writing copy wasn't for me. Eventually, I worked with a business coach and transitioned to ghostwriting. I enjoyed helping people craft their ideas into a readable narrative (and I still do!), but something wasn't quite right. I was called to pivot again... this time, with my husband, Billy.
Due to international travel mandates, Billy was essentially forced out of his 20-year career as a touring musician (we learned that everyone is expendable – another motivation to press forward). Following a series of divinely orchestrated events, I listened to the Lord's prompting and took a podcast management course to learn the ins and outs of podcasting. With Billy's background as a musician, he handles all things audio (not just episode editing but also creating custom intro music to help your podcast stand out). I take care of the management side of things (like uploading episodes to platforms, writing SEO show notes, planning launches, managing guests, and more).
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
When I worked a 9-to-5, I knew that I needed to get up at X, leave the house by Y, and punch the time clock at Z. When you're working for yourself, there's no one to answer to but you. Don't feel like getting up, writing content, and networking? Nobody is going to make you. But if you want your business to grow, you have to continue to show up even when you don't feel like it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If God puts something on your heart, don't let fear stop you.
- Make sure you have an accountability partner. I don't know if I would have made it this far without meeting Kelly Helmick at the beginning of this journey. In fact, I'm certain I would've given up long ago.
- Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. If you see other people in your industry succeeding, it can be easy to slip into a place of comparison. That's a dangerous place to be! Instead, stay focused on what you're doing and who you're serving, and show up to serve them well.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.musicalcrimeproductions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058154836531
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalcrimeproductions/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-gorry-moffat/
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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