Dominique is a journalist and copywriter who works with business, agency and charity clients to help them communicate who they are and what they do with clarity, energy and passion. She has a world of experience in writing and editing, having worked for organisations such as TEDx, FinanceAsia, and Pareto Fundraising. Dominique is an international speaker on copywriting for fundraising and has presented sessions in Australia and New Zealand, as well as online to global audiences.
‘I admire entrepreneurs who take risks and aren’t afraid to fail. Also, those who don’t forget the people who helped them and who use the opportunity to give back to the wider community.’
Dominique started her business for both practical and philosophical reasons; she was trying to find a way take on an increased workload without simply working longer hours, and turning her freelance work into a business was the obvious way to do that. She says:
“I started my own copywriting agency, The Copy Collective, because people I met were always telling me how hard it was to find sane, competent, creative types who could meet a brief and a deadline, and give them what they needed.”
Dominique’s favourite thing about running her own business:
“Autonomy. Even though I rely on different people (especially my business partner) for ideas and advice, I love the fact that buck stops with me, and ultimately I get to choose what happens next. That’s also the scariest thing about running my own business.”
Advice from Dominique:
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Spend time looking for the right bookkeeper and accountant. Don’t be afraid to keep looking until you find the right one. This could save you an enormous amount of time, money and many headaches down the track.
- Make sure you have a dedicated space – preferably in an office – to work from. It will make a difference not only to how you work, but how you are treated by clients.
- Don’t be afraid to say no to work, or to negotiate more time to complete a job properly.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Learn how to read your accounts
- Work how much your time is worth and charge accordingly
- Make sure you’re aware of employment law
Dominique on HerBusiness:
“Being a premium member gives me access to a wealth of resources and a network of smart women who are also building businesses – that’s something invaluable when you’re a CEO, and you need some objectivity and support outside of your work colleagues or family.”
Learn more about The Copy Collective here.
This post was co-authored by Vashti Broos. Vashti is currently completing a journalism internship at HerBusiness. She studies Marketing & Public Relations/Communications and Media (Journalism) at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney.
