Anne Maybus provides clever writing services– everything from blog babysitting to your social media setup.

Anne explains what a Clever Streak of writing can do for your business.

Anne, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
I decided to start my business after seeing so many small businesses struggling with their writing. Most online businesses these days know that blogging and using social media such as Facebook or Twitter can give them a boost. The trouble is that any time spent writing is taking them away from the actual running of the business. Most of us can’t afford to employ someone to do the work for them so outsourcing is a logical and inexpensive way to cover all bases.
 
Where did the name for your business spring from?
I love the name ‘Clever Streak’. It gives me an impression of speed and originality. This is how I want my business to perform and it is what I want to offer my clients. I do tend to tackle things a little differently to others!

How is Clever Streak original?
The main point of difference is that we specialise in ghost blogging. We write articles, newsletters and anything that you need to have written but we focus on the social media. Ghost blogging, ghost twittering and ghost posts on Facebook can be quite time consuming (oh it is sooo easy to get caught up in Twitter!) These are small amounts of writing but they bring a great return to the business. It will save lots of time, cost only a small amount yet capture a lot of customer attention.

We try to create a package to suit each client’s individual needs and budget. Written materials are very personal, aren’t they? They should reflect your business personality and that is what we do. Each business has a different writing need so one blanket package approach just doesn’t work.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
The hardest part was being accepted as a writer by people who knew me from me other business, which is Beauty Banquet – an online store. For some the change seemed a bit radical. Once they realised that I had been writing for years in one format or another they gradually began to accept my new role. It is funny, but most of my background is far more relevant to Clever Streak yet it was Beauty Banquet that I was known for.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
I hadn’t anticipated the demand for e-books and e-courses. I worked for many years in Human Resource Development and that has come in very handy! I think that people come to me because I not only write the books I can lay them out so that they look great too. I am loving it! Writing e-books means that I can get stuck into some detailed writing instead of creating short bursts of words for a blog post.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I love working from home but most of all I just love the varied assignments that I get. One day I could be writing about fashion and the next day creating an e-course on budgets. It keeps me interested and excited about the work. I also love meeting new clients and getting to know them. There are some brilliant women out there who have created successful businesses and I am getting to know lots of them.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
I belong to quite a few networks and they have all helped to get me started. Business Mums Network, Business Women Unite, Australian Businesswomen’s Network and Wahmnetwork Australia are just some of the networks that I should mention. They offer advice, support, encouragement and they ask the hard questions that sometimes I don’t want to think about (but should!)

What are your future goals for Clever Streak?
I want to build my business so that I can employ others. Then we can write for more people and help them to build their businesses too. On a personal level I want to write a book and have it published. Now there is a challenge for me.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Join networks! All the usual advice about doing your research and preparing a business plan before you do anything is vital. What people often don’t tell you about is the value that comes from networking. Don’t worry that you haven’t got anything to offer in return. We always feel like that in the beginning. We seem to be the one asking all the questions. That is natural and the questions you ask are helping someone who isn’t brave enough to ask them. You will find that you have plenty to offer if you just look inside yourself.