Cat Domingo of Go Solo recently interviewed me to learn more about my business and how I show up in the world. What I loved most about this opportunity was the ability to share tips for anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business today.

You can click here to read the article on the Go Solo website. OR scroll down to read a copy / paste of the entire article.

Connect with Your Customers Authentically - Joy Capps

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joy Capps, Chief Communications Strategist of Engaging Business Communications, LLC., located in Land O Lakes, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Joy Capps | Engaging Business Communications, LLC helps service-based entrepreneurs and small-to-medium-sized businesses connect with customers with ethical copy and values-based business coaching. My services include Done-FOR-You, Done-WITH-You, coaching, and courses.

Tell us about yourself

From working as a director of communications in corporate to serving clients in agencies as a managing director--I took on volunteer and paid freelancing projects on the side for many years. A life-changing catalyst where I had my foot rebuilt showed me how I was "selling my soul" by working long hours and missing out on life as I helped others look good and achieve results. This pivotal revelation helped me decide to work on my LLC full-time. That transition took place nearly nine years ago, and I have never looked back.

With a heart for serving others, I am passionate about helping others use marketing communications to show up in the marketplace ethically. In a world filled with subtle hype and manipulation, I'm motivated to help entrepreneurs take a stand by communicating with their customers authentically.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

On Aug. 19, 2022, my first book was published. Two years in the making, Joyful Copy: How to Show Up in the Marketplace Ethically and Authentically is one of my most significant accomplishments. It is now available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and more. And it is impacting lives and businesses around the globe.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

When you own your own business, learning how to go with the flow instead of grinding is one of the hardest things I've encountered. As an A-type personality, my innate drive pushes me to get things done. This approach makes it tempting to burn the midnight oil and put my business before everything else. Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing skill that I'm developing, but I've come a long way in the past few years.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Offer solutions that solve the problems of your ideal clients. Don't create products without due diligence to see what your target audience needs. Take steps to research and understand your audience. Then weave what you learn into your marketing communications and copywriting so your audience connects with what you're offering.
2. Start with the end in mind. Create an outline for every project to identify:
   WHO is the audience for what you're creating and writing?
   WHAT is your final output?
   GOAL - Identify your purpose. Are you educating, informing, or selling? Or are you building trust by offering value?
   ONE - Focus on one idea, one story thread, one emotion, one benefit, and one Call to Action.
   REASONABLE ACTION WHY - Good copy has a clear goal that leads to a specific action. A better copy will also include a reason WHY someone needs to take action. Motivate your readers to do that action in a way that resonates with their needs.
   PROOF—Show results in the form of a supporting statistic or a 1-2 sentence quote, or a testimonial.
   REVIEW—Make sure your outline is authentic, genuine, and void of hype and manipulation. You are sure to stand out.
3. Wave your freak flag authentically without copying other gurus. You have unique gifts and talents that will not shine as brightly when you copy roadmaps created for and by other people. Sure, copying someone else's techniques might get you closer to your goal, but trying to look like someone else will shortchange the world from seeing the brilliance you and your business offer.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.joycapps.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyCappsWrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joycappswrites/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycapps/