The idea of launching a business has been in my mind since I was a kid. I don’t think I consciously realized it, but I was planting seeds way back in elementary school.
Always in the middle of starting clubs, writing newsletters, and creating black and white ezines, my younger self was pretty obsessed with organizing a group centered on creating media. (One of my first clubs was a third grade group called Magazine Makers. We made tiny magazines for our stuff animals. It later failed and dismembered because the other girls thought I was taking it too seriously.)
So now, years later, it only makes sense that I found my way to starting another group focused on creating media.
Starting Simply Stated Media
Simply Stated Media has actually been around for over two years. I set up the business when my job security was rocky, and I decided to dabble in a bit of freelancing on the side.
Then, after creating a few websites, Simply Stated Media was shelved when other opportunities in my life took priority.
But the plan always remained the same — come back and make Simply Stated Media my future.
About four months ago, I began slowly building again. I put the wheels back in motion, created marketing materials, compiled my service list, and solidified my concept.
Developing a Strategy and Service List
Sticking with what I really know, Simply Stated Media is built around my strongest skill sets: writing, brand positioning, and relationship building.
I set the basic services of Simply Stated Media around that foundation, and created supplemental services that I could offer with the support of a team of creative contractors I’ve come to know and trust through my years in the industry.
Right now, I am the only full-time member of Simply Stated Media. The rest of the team is compiled of contractors who can step in and assist on strategies that are out of my wheelhouse. The future of marketing and creativity lies in collaboration and independence, and I built Simply Stated Media on that concept.
I manage the work and have a team ready to step in and assist if I need them for help on our major services.
Writing and Content Creation: Simply Stated Media offers writing and content creation services that are digitally focused: blog posts, ebooks, and white papers. But we are also available to write print articles and work with writers and authors who need editing, consulting, training, and ghostwriting.
Website Development: Every business needs a website. But not every business needs to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on their website. Simply Stated Media offers simple website development perfect for businesses/entrepreneurs with a limited marketing budget. Our price point starts with simple, templated websites and increases with additional, complex add-ons and customization.
Digital Marketing Management: Like websites, all small businesses need online marketing but may not have a large budget for it. That’s where we come in. We are available to manage online (and offline) marketing on a retainer basis so clients can get the benefits of a dedicated marketing manager without the expenses of adding a full-time staff member to their team. Simply Stated Media works with clients to identify their goals and budgets then sets a plan that will produce results and stay within their allotted budget.
Contact me if you are interested in learning more about Simply Stated services.
The Roots of Simply Stated Media
When I think about how I got here, I feel pretty lucky.
My professional experience has been an education on starting and running a small business, communicating and working with clients and freelancers, creating compelling content, and analyzing marketing trends.
Three huge stepping stones got me to where I am today, and I’m grateful for those experiences.
Working in a Law Office
While working in the legal field doesn’t seem like a likely stepping stone, every job has something to teach you if you are open to finding and nurturing those lessons.
What I learned at the law office has been instrumental in helping me along the way. Hired to work as a receptionist/legal secretary at a business law practice, I spent most of my time typing. The attorney I worked for didn’t have a computer, and he hand wrote everything.
Typing up handwritten documents sounds like a mindless, tedious task, but it was actually a huge lesson in legal studies. I got to carefully read and absorb the contents of legal pleadings, letters, and contracts — all of which helped me better understand business law and communications.
Building Dive In Tampa Bay
While working at the law office, I never forgot my true passions: writing and media.
I continued to search for jobs in the field, but had little luck. Frustrated that I couldn’t find anyone to hire me to write, I decided to create my own platform for my stories.
I created Dive In Tampa Bay — a hyperlocal guide to Tampa restaurants, events, and nightlife — so that I could create samples and a platform that would hopefully lead me to additional opportunities.
It did.
Through Dive In, I was able to build relationships with local business owners and media makers. I established a much larger portfolio, started to hone skills in the emerging world of online publishing, and gained the experience I needed to start working at CopyPress.
Growing with CopyPress
I don’t know how I got so lucky to find a company like CopyPress when I did. A start-up online marketing company in Tampa with a full team of determined, smart, creative people, CopyPress was the company I had been waiting for.
I joined CopyPress as the Community Manager, responsible for hiring, training, and managing a large team of freelance writers. But being a start-up, I was able to wear many hats and gain a plethora of knowledge about online marketing and growing a business.
My three years at CopyPress will always one of the most important, valuable experiences of my career. It’s safe to say that without the knowledge and confidence I gained at CopyPress, Simply Stated Media would not be here today.
So as I officially launch Simply Stated Media, I’m happy to be able to reflect on what brought me to this point. I feel so thankful for the experiences that helped me get here.
And more importantly, I feel thankful for the people that helped me get here.
I have been extremely lucky to have so many supportive, encouraging, intelligent friends, family members, and colleagues to help me along my way.
Life and business are built by relationships, and I’ve made some amazing relationships that have enabled me to write this post and officially announce the launch of Simply Stated Media.
I’d like to thank those who have helped make this a reality. Your support, advice, and encouragement means more to me than you will ever know. I only hope someday, I will be able to return the favor.
Now, let’s get started!
