Member Spotlight
Alice Osborn
Write From the Inside Out
www.aliceosborn.com
www.aliceosborn.com
What type of business do you own?
My business is a sole proprietorship, Write from the Inside Out, which I founded in 2006. I offer editing, writing and consulting services to small business owners needing writing help on their print and online material, as well as creative writers who are working on their books, articles, and poems.
My business is a sole proprietorship, Write from the Inside Out, which I founded in 2006. I offer editing, writing and consulting services to small business owners needing writing help on their print and online material, as well as creative writers who are working on their books, articles, and poems.
How did you get the idea for your business?
While I was in graduate school for my MA in English at NC State, I edited student papers and tutored both undergraduate and graduate students in writing. I thought that I could work for myself as a freelance writer/editor who handled a variety of writing projects, rather than working as a staff editor for a large organization. The more I think about it, the seeds of my business started when I was in the fourth grade and decided to be both a writer and a consultant, but I didn’t know back then that I could do both!
While I was in graduate school for my MA in English at NC State, I edited student papers and tutored both undergraduate and graduate students in writing. I thought that I could work for myself as a freelance writer/editor who handled a variety of writing projects, rather than working as a staff editor for a large organization. The more I think about it, the seeds of my business started when I was in the fourth grade and decided to be both a writer and a consultant, but I didn’t know back then that I could do both!
Were you born and raised here in Raleigh?
No, but I've been here for almost nine years and have made Raleigh my home. I was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Northern Virginia, and lived six years in South Carolina before moving to Raleigh.
No, but I've been here for almost nine years and have made Raleigh my home. I was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Northern Virginia, and lived six years in South Carolina before moving to Raleigh.
When did you join WBON and what do you like best about this group?
I learned about WBON through Melanie Dogan and joined after attending the September 2008 meeting. I enjoy the casual, no-pressure atmosphere this group offers. I like getting to know my tablemates and their businesses while learning from fantastic lunch speakers who are also WBON members.
I learned about WBON through Melanie Dogan and joined after attending the September 2008 meeting. I enjoy the casual, no-pressure atmosphere this group offers. I like getting to know my tablemates and their businesses while learning from fantastic lunch speakers who are also WBON members.
What's the best part of being your own boss?
The best part for me is making money from writing! I also love helping new writers as well as business owners find their voice by tapping into their writing potential. It's wonderful to hear how I've helped a client's confidence or gave them another pair of eyes when they were under deadline pressure.
The best part for me is making money from writing! I also love helping new writers as well as business owners find their voice by tapping into their writing potential. It's wonderful to hear how I've helped a client's confidence or gave them another pair of eyes when they were under deadline pressure.
What's your advice for a woman starting her own business?
After I obtained my M.A, which gave me confidence and credibility, I jumped in without a lot of planning. I made up business cards declaring I was an editor, printed up brochures, and conducted workshops to gain a steady stream of clients. In about four months, I had several clients who began to refer me to other writers, and then my business just took off. I was lucky in that I had a great mentor, a husband and several friends who believed in me and always encouraged my work.
After I obtained my M.A, which gave me confidence and credibility, I jumped in without a lot of planning. I made up business cards declaring I was an editor, printed up brochures, and conducted workshops to gain a steady stream of clients. In about four months, I had several clients who began to refer me to other writers, and then my business just took off. I was lucky in that I had a great mentor, a husband and several friends who believed in me and always encouraged my work.
What's your strategy for attracting and keeping clients?
Customer service! I come from a retail management background where customer service was king. If I meet or hear from a potential client, I always follow up in less than twelve hours and am generous with my time. For clients, I deliver when I say I'll deliver and always give more than they expect.
Customer service! I come from a retail management background where customer service was king. If I meet or hear from a potential client, I always follow up in less than twelve hours and am generous with my time. For clients, I deliver when I say I'll deliver and always give more than they expect.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
I look forward to new client, speaking, writing and presentation opportunities. I’m even looking forward to the challenges I’ll inevitably face because that means I’m trying to reach my goals. I’m also excited about growing my business through strong strategic partnerships and networking, which WBON will definitely play a vital part in.
I look forward to new client, speaking, writing and presentation opportunities. I’m even looking forward to the challenges I’ll inevitably face because that means I’m trying to reach my goals. I’m also excited about growing my business through strong strategic partnerships and networking, which WBON will definitely play a vital part in.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I enjoy leading my book club, the Wonderland Book Club, performing my poetry at open mics around town, baking new desserts, drinking strong coffee and hiking with my husband and two kids.
I enjoy leading my book club, the Wonderland Book Club, performing my poetry at open mics around town, baking new desserts, drinking strong coffee and hiking with my husband and two kids.