Gillian Pavey (MSc, ACMA)

• Company: Wordhouse Writing Services
• Industry: Publishing
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/gill-pavey/1b/378/1b4
• Website: http://www.wordhousewritingservices.com/
• Location:

About you:

Is this your first business? (If not what other businesses did you have and what happened to them?)

No, this is not my first business; I had an accountancy practice in the UK for seven years before I moved to Ireland. I wound it down in preparation for the move. I dabbled in advertising and marketing in the 1980s but this doesn’t really count!

When did you first decide you wanted to work for yourself?

As early as 14!

What are the things that you find most valuable and rewarding about working for yourself?

I derive a lot of satisfaction by being in control. Self-employment is the ultimate meritocracy; a key driver for me is technical excellence and achievement through tangible results. I enjoy the freedom (and responsibility) of managing my own time and making as much tea as and when I like!

Where did you get the idea for your current business?

I had been writing and copy editing for a magazine as an intern for two years. I thought I might make it as a novelist and indeed, when asked what would I do if I had free choice, I said “writing” but realised that would not make me a living. It was a small leap sideways from novel writing to proofreading which I knew I was good at and had some experience in, so I did some market research and realised that the opportunity was there.  

About Starting Up:

How did you evaluate your business idea before deciding to go ahead with it?

Market research indicated that there were needs that were not being met. I talked to people everywhere I went and examined the websites of two professional institutions for proof-readers and editors in the UK; one had a list of proofreaders and I identified some gaps in specialisms which I would be able to fill. I was fortunate that the magazine where I had been an intern was very happy to become my first paying client so I had something to kick start the business with.

Did you prepare a business plan before starting your business? How often do you revisit it? What advice would you give to others when writing a business plan?

Yes, I wrote a business plan. First of all it was a requirement as I was grant aided for the start-up, and in any case it is a useful thing to do because it focuses your mind on what you are going to do and how it’s going to work. The advice I would give to others is to ask the difficult questions when you are preparing a business plan – where are the sales going to come from, how certain are you this will happen, what contingency plans do you have if it doesn’t work out like that? Also, on a more practical note, make sure your cash flow allows for VAT if you are registered, and a set aside for tax obligations.

What challenges did you face in the early start up stage of your business? How did you overcome these challenges?

Understanding and navigating the grant-aiding process was a big initial challenge, while at the same time trying to establish strategies for marketing the business, building the website, win clients and stay sane. To overcome this, I had to get back into the disciplines of time management and prioritising tasks. The old mantra “plan your work then work your plan” became important.

What did you learn about yourself during the start-up experience?

I learned that there is a right time for everything. I had a close friend, an outspoken rather critical lady who told me she thought my idea was “brilliant” - rare praise from her. I said it felt right - it gave me a tingly feeling inside - and that being the case, why had it taken me so long to realise it and bring it into being? She said “because it hasn’t been the right time until now.” I realised she was right, and experienced a surge of enthusiasm and self confidence. It WAS the right time, for me.

About your business:

What is the nature of your business?

I provide tailored proofreading, copy editing and original writing services.

How many employees do you have? Full- or part-time? 

No employees.

What is an average workday like for you?

There isn’t really an average workday yet as the business is at an early stage.  The absolute priority is delivery of service to the highest possible standard so whatever I have in at the time is top of the list.

How has your market changed in the past few years? How has your business changed to keep pace?

There have been some massive changes since I started proofreading in the ‘80s, the advent of computer technology has changed the way a lot of the work is done. As my business is so new, I am calibrating it to what is needed now by looking at client requirements.

What are the most crucial things you have done to grow your business?

So far, it’s been online networking and looking into every possible opportunity even though it may not be in the original business plan.  I joined a local group for women in business despite believing that the local area was not where I would find clients, but I’ve been surprised by the results which included a free listing in a prestigious women’s magazine. You need to be open minded and not turn anything down that will help the business even if the rewards are not immediately obvious.

What plans do you have now to expand your business further?

I have two avenues to follow in the next few months; the first being third level education and the second, commercial publishers. Down the line I will be looking at commercial clients as well such as web designers and printers with a view to collaborative agreements.

What has been your most effective marketing tactic or technique?

It’s a little early to say, but advertising my services where possible clients are likely to look such as a self publisher’s website or at a university or college is a no-brainer. Getting in front of the right people is the key, and not being too pushy!

What’s the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

“Don’t worry about the work itself; it’s the clients who will be the problem”

If you read that carefully there is a cause and effect, and if you do that in business you will have unhappy clients. Get it technically excellent, look after your clients in every way and they will never be a problem, unless you count more repeat business than you can handle.

What’s been your most successful strategy in building your business so far? What tips do you have for other entrepreneurs that want to use that strategy as well?

Online networking has been a great strategy without a doubt; I use every opportunity to put the word out even if subtly through developing connections.  Work can come in from the most unexpected directions and circumstances. There are lots of experienced people out there willing to help and advise and it fosters good relations if you can offer a small favour in return if you feel that you have been helped.

What is the toughest feedback you have ever received? And how did you learn from it?

Losing my job a while ago in my 50s, it made me feel worthless and incapable. During my period of unemployment I finished a Masters degree, completed the course for the European Computer Driving Licence, wrote four novels and became involved as a volunteer proofreader, columnist and copy editor for a magazine.               Keeping busy and using my brain gave me confidence and reassurance that I was     tougher than I thought and I rediscovered old skills as well as developing a few new ones.

About entrepreneurship:

What is your definition of an entrepreneur? Do you believe that everyone has what it takes to be one?

My definition is the one given in the Oxford Dictionary – “a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit” (my italics). I believe that not everyone has what it takes to be one, nor can such people train to become one. Either you have the mindset, or you don’t; training can only develop what is there in the first place.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own business?

Be realistic about what is involved, it’s not all power lunches and playing golf, it’s very hard work and long hours especially at the beginning. Make sure that the backroom work such as accounts are kept properly, the filing is organised and you are up to date with correspondence including emails or it will come back to bite you later. Make sure you will be paid on time. Be professional at all times even if you have a headache, feel tired or just don’t feel like it. Your image is an element of                 what your customers and clients are buying. If you are in a relationship or have a family, make sure they are all onside and make the very best of the time you are able to spend with them.

Who do you look up to in business?

In no particular order - Alan Sugar, Anita Roddick, Bill Gates

How important do you think innovation is for entrepreneurs?

Technically, innovation in proofreading and copy editing is rare due to the nature of the skills, so innovation has to come from the way in which the skills are presented and delivered to convince new clients that they really would benefit from buying your goods or using your services.