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Solopreneur Money

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From Recovering Attorney to Successful Solopreneur with Erica Holthausen, Ep # 165

What if the career that you spent your entire life working towards wasn’t actually a good fit for your life and values? Erica Holthausen was confronted with exactly that dilemma after working for years as a successful attorney.

In this episode, you’ll hear how she pivoted from her law career to becoming an accomplished writer and editor and finally to creating her own solopreneur business. Listen in to hear what she learned along the way and learn how to use writing as a tool to further your business.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

  • Erica’s story [1:22]
  • When she made the change [11:43]
  • What you need to know to start freelance writing [15:25]
  • The money questions [27:50]

Erica’s journey from successful attorney to successful solopreneur

Erica Holthausen discovered that she wanted to become an attorney when she was in middle school. This goal was her guiding light throughout high school, college, and law school. She was drawn to the profession by the desire to provide fairness and equity to the world.

However, after working for years in securities litigation she realized that she wasn’t accomplishing her initial goal of fighting for justice. This realization coupled with the grueling work hours expected of any lawyer caused her to make a drastic change. She quit her job, applied to a research residency program, and reset her life.

After meandering through nonprofit work and writing on the side, Erica found some amazing mentors who helped her on her journey to become a more accomplished writer.

Today Erica helps others with their writing with her business: Catchline Communications. She teaches her clients how to get published in high-visibility media outlets like Inc., Entrepreneur, and Harvard Business Review while giving them the tools they need to succeed.

How to use writing as a tool to further your business

Writing and getting published in trade journals could open doors for your business, but you have to understand what your goals are for your business. You shouldn’t try to get published just because someone says you should. Before embarking on this journey you should consider how these articles will help you achieve your goals. This will also help you understand what to start writing.

Now that you know where you want to start, you need to understand the rules. Each publication has different guidelines. Erica teaches her clients writing best practices but also to be cognizant of the publication’s guidelines.

Next, you’ll want to consider what you will write about. What will put you in the position of an authoritative expert in your field? This will help you build your reputation.

Plan out your articles in advance to develop the theme and topics so that you’ll always have something new to write.

Erica then helps her clients perfect their pitch. Every publication is different, but it is important to consider what readers want to read.

Listen in to hear more about the writing process and some fantastic writing tips that can help you get started proving your expertise in your field.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Erica Holthausen

Connect With Gabe Nelson

Subscribe to Solopreneur Money

Audio Production and Show notes by
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