Life Notes Plus More

INTERVIEWED FROM THE HOME BASED BUSINESS POINT OF VIEW

Thank you for agreeing to answer questions about your home based business.   

First, what type of service or product do you offer?

I write books and reading material, specifically with a focus on fantasy sub-genres, adult romance and moral-rich literature (self-published on Amazon).

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I was an avid reader from a young age, eventually I got the inspiration to write my own stories.  I posted them online on platforms such as Wattpad and Bookrix and received great feedback; I figured if people liked reading my writing so much, why not make a profit.

Have you come up with a name for your business? If yes, what is it and how did that process work.

I came up with a pen name to go by, given the context of my business.  My pen name, Sheva Sahara, is a variation of my actual name.

Is this your first home based business?

Yes

How many hours a day/week do you work on your business?

Do you enjoy working your business?

I would say at least four hours a week – the challenge with maintaining an online audience is heavily reliant on consistency and constant new material.

Do family members or others work with you at this time?

No,I’m a one woman show.

Did you do a business plan or write out your business goals before starting?

No actually I had the privilege of turning my passion into a business so the only plan I had to make was converting my content to the appropriate Amazon formats.

Who is your target market?

Women of all ages, which is why I write such a wide variety of genres, fantasy, adult romance, teen fiction, etc.

How do you advertise/promote/market your business?

Primarily on Wattpad.com because that’s where my audience is, but I have also utilized the Instagram promotional tool and promotional services from Fiverr. 

How do you develop customer leads/prospects?

The W-word again: Wattpad

How long did it take you, to take your business, from an idea to getting your first paying customer?

I didn’t decide to turn my writing into a business right away,. but when I did, it was about a week before I had my first customer.

How/where did you get your first customer?

The W-word again:  Wattpad

How did you determine what to charge for your product/service?

I assessed the market for ebooks, paperbacks, and cross-checked that with the number of pages and the price difference for more or less pages, I also had to closely examine self-publishing royalties to determine net profit.

How much do you depend on your computer in working your business?

Solely.  Even though writing can be done on paper, the internet is where I’m able to freely upload, customize, and polish my writing. My computer is also essential for promotional purposes.

What would happen if it crashed, how would you carry on ?

Fortunately, I save my work on a flash drive so I would work from the public library if necessary.

How have you chosen to stay in contact with your customers and how often does this occur?

I am still active on my Wattpad account and I frequently respond to comments, messages, and inquiries at least 3-4 times a week.

Have you had  repeat sales or service requests?

Do you maintain a mailing list?

No

Yes

Do you have a referral program?

No

I truly do, it’s a passion for sure.

What has been your biggest failure or setback as a business and how did you come back from it?

What question did I not ask that you think I should have included?

Ok, great.  Can you answer this question for me?

Have not had one so far.

Briefly, What advice would you give  someone trying to start a home based business today?

 Whatever the business venture may be, consistency ALWAYS wins.  It may take years or less, but consistency is what will set you apart from your competitors.  This is key.

Also, if your business is similar to mine, be sure to have an online presence.  Start a blog or join a website like Wattpad and jump in, there are agents and publishing companies who scout on Wattpad.  Books from Wattpad have actually been turned into Netflix movies (The Kissing Booth, After, etc.)  The internet is the place to be, build clout behind your writing before selling your first product.

Thank you again for your cooperation in answering my questions.  I wish you all the success of your dreams. 

Note: If you have questions or suggestions for Sheva feel free to leave a comment.

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