Featured Solopreneur Angelique Rewers: “It Doesn’t Get Easier If You Wait”

This is “Featured Solopreneur,” an ongoing series that gives all of us a glimpse at how other solopreneurs operate their small businesses. Click Here to read more Solopreneur Success Stories.

Name of solopreneur:
Angelique L. Rewers, ABC, APR

Name of business and city:
Richer. Smarter. Happier.™, Baltimore, Maryland

Web site address:
www.richersmarterhappier.com

Type of business:
Small-business strategist and marketing consultant

When did you officially go into business?
2006

Why did you start your own business?
To eliminate external barriers (like a boss!) to achieving everything my heart desires. As a business owner, my success is limited only by my imagination.

What was the best thing you did when you were starting up your business?
I secured two clients before quitting my “day job.” This took some of the fear and uncertainty out of making the leap from a guaranteed paycheck to the world of self-employment.

What is a mistake that you made that you have learned from?
I spent a lot of time and money doing something that wasn’t working—and by not working I mean it was costing me money versus bringing in money—but that I kept doing because I wasn’t willing to admit it was a failure.

What is your biggest current challenge in the business and what are doing to try to solve it?
My bandwidth is completely maxed out with the number of clients I can serve. So I’m strategizing on how to create a group coaching program so I can serve more clients without sacrificing the value I provide, which is customized marketing and business strategy advice unique to each client’s business.

What are your goals for the next 12 months?
To master leveraging my time so I can up-level my income. I’m also looking to bring more speaking and PR opportunities into my business. They are two of my core strengths, but I’m not leveraging them like I should. I also plan to focus on implementing more trusted, repeatable systems so that my business can run more efficiently.

Where do you want to be with the business in five years?
Five years from now I see my business being a true change agent in the small-business world.

What are your main software programs?
I use a Mac, so in addition to having the standard things like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, I also use the iWork suite, as well as all the standard Mac programs. My bookkeeper uses QuickBooks. And I also use the professional Adobe suite to support marketing projects. For time keeping I love the online system Paymo.

What lifestyle choices have you had to make to stay in business?
The biggest decision has been to hire a nanny for our twins versus becoming a stay-at-home mom. I know there are things I miss out on during the day when I’m working. But I feel more fulfilled being a mom and a business owner, and I think I’m better in both roles because of what I learn from the other.

What are your strategies for staying competitive?
When it comes to distinguishing yourself from the competition, there’s no substitute for being the best in your industry. So I’m always striving to expand my knowledge and expertise, hone my marketing skills and enhance my client service.

Do you need a second household income to support your lifestyle? (Is the business primary, or supplemental to the household?)
I’m married and my husband also brings in an income. However, my business is earning six figures, so I could certainly support myself on my own, although I don’t have to.

If your business should fail, what is your fallback position?
Failure is not an option. If things aren’t working then I’ll simply make adjustments.

If you could start your career all over again, what would you do differently? Why?
If I could start all over from the beginning I would chose a career path other than one that involves marketing, copywriting, business consulting etc. While I do love it, it requires A LOT of energy, creativity, brainpower, and hard work.

What’s your advice for aspiring solopreneurs?
Do it. And do it now, not later. It doesn’t get easier if you wait. You’ll never have all the pieces in place. And you can’t get time back.

Are you glad you became a solopreneur? Why or why not?
Absolutely. I can’t imagine doing things any differently. I once had a friend say to me, “well if you hit a rough patch you could always get a job.” There was a visceral reaction in my stomach when I heard that. I knew then that under no circumstance would I ever have a J.O.B. again.