I'm not religious, and I don't believe in God. However, I do believe that life works in miraculous ways. While many people struggle with major decisions like quitting their job or moving into a new house, for me, these choices often present themselves as clear next steps. There's usually no reason for me not to take the leap. Although this may be because the initial situation is beyond repair and necessitates a change, it also feels natural, as if the world is guiding me towards the next stage of my life.
Here's what I've been up to the last month:
i) Offering content marketing services
If you've been following my journey, you'd know that offering retainer programs was never part of my plan. From my first year in business, I made it clear that it wasn't my goal. To be honest, I was scared of it. It felt like it sucked the life out of me, turning me into a content vending machine for clients. There was no joy or value in delivering monthly outputs, knowing that my true passion lies in strategy.
However, for other small business owners, solopreneurs, or entrepreneurs, you know that when you're in survival mode, you can't demand the ideal clients who want the services you love. I didn't know how it would turn out for me either. All I knew was that it felt like the right thing to do, and I had no reason not to develop something and give it a try.
That's how my Fractional CMO service came to be, and I absolutely adore it. I'm grateful that since its launch, I've closed one client and received several inquiries about it. It's genuinely exciting to be embedded in the client's team, working alongside different departments, and combining their ideas through a marketing lens. Participating in internal meetings and sharing my expertise not only benefits the client but also fulfills me personally. It feels like I'm part of something rather than just working for something. As I continue to invest in this program, my hope is to inspire more startup owners to consider a service like this, which can truly benefit their entire company.
ii) Engaging in educational programs
This has been a no-brainer from the very beginning. Although my initial intention was to engage in volunteer work for the purpose of generating more content, these initiatives have come to mean so much more to me as a solopreneur. These kids are like my source of fuel. Whenever I interact with them, I feel energized and enthusiastic about sharing my story and hearing their questions. Each time a workshop comes to an end, it serves as a reminder of why I'm doing what I do.
iii) Nurturing personal growth through learning
As part of my plan, I anticipate dedicating a significant amount of time each week to my EMBA program. That's why I'm feeling more relaxed and treating this year as a phase of testing and learning rather than a constant hustle for the business. As long as I'm doing something I love and earning enough to get by, I'm content. This year serves as a transitional period where I prepare myself for bigger things in the future. Pursuing an EMBA opens new doors for my career and equips me with knowledge to enhance my business operations.
In a recent section on markets and economics, we were assigned a 5-10 minute presentation. Fortunately, I was able to complete the task swiftly using the marketing tools I'm familiar with. I recorded the presentation using Streamyard and then used Descript to edit the video, removing any stutters and making necessary cuts. In the end, I was able to submit both the video and the transcript within just 30 minutes.
iv) Relocating to a new house
One of the major highlights for me this month is that I've moved, once again!
My husband and I absolutely loved our previous place. It was our first home, small yet cozy. However, discovering some disturbing activities our neighbor was involved in while we were away made us feel incredibly unsafe, especially for our dogs. So, we made the decision to move again. And, perhaps by luck or as a result of what I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, we stumbled upon our perfect new home.
Starting from a mahjong table set in my in-laws' backyard to a tiny shelf table, and now finally having a dedicated office room with a proper computer table in my new house—it's a dream come true! Having an office space has always been a small goal at the back of my mind, but I never imagined attaining it in such a way.
The sheer joy of seeing my dogs happy and waking up to a view like this every day (with no neighbors!) fills my heart with happiness.
- Joyce