I love hearing about people who are keeping it real.
The ones who are juggling this crazy thing called life, and a family, all while growing their business, their way.
Because the truth is, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns all of the time.
But it is worth it in the end.
In the #RealLifeBiz interview series, I talk to some of my favourite people about how they do what they do.
And this week we are talking to the amazing Kate Toon.
So Kate, what do you do?
I’m an entrepreneur I guess. It’s not a term I love. But whatcha gonna do?
I have two core businesses. Firstly there’s The Recipe for SEO Success, where I teach small business owners how to DIY their search engine optimisation. I do this via a large course, several micro courses, resources, templates, an ongoing membership scheme and a podcast.
Then there’s The Clever Copywriting School, where I teach copywriters how to be better at their job. Again I have a membership scheme, a directory, a shop, a podcast and an annual conference: CopyCon.com.au.
I also speak at events around Australia, run workshops and have written a book or two.
How long have you been doing it?
I’m in the 10th year of running my own businesses. I started out as mainly a freelance copywriter, but started branching into passive income around five years ago.
What does ’balance‘ mean to you/look like for you?
It’s something I struggle with. I often feel frazzled. I beat myself up for not spending enough time with my son; but in reality he doesn’t go to morning or after-school care, my partner and I take turns to drop him off and pick him up. I don’t usually work weekends.
These days, I’m travelling more for work – which my son doesn’t love – but it could be a lot worse. I tend to put myself at the bottom of the pile, but am working to eat well and do at least minimum exercise.
What does a normal week include?
Monday: Dog walk, school stuff and drop off. Usually I try to keep Mondays free for deep work, such as writing and course construction – it doesn’t always happen. School pick up, dinner and then faffing around on social media in the evening.
Tuesday: No family responsibilities, so a full day of work, podcasts, group coaching for my membership, briefing my VA, admin… you name it.
Wednesday: Similar to Tuesday.
Thursday: Family stuff and work.
Friday: Again, try to have this as a free deep work day.
All up, I have 30-34 hours a week available for work.
What’s the best thing about being your own boss?
The freedom to decide what I do. I’m not a planner, so if I have a mad idea I can pursue it. Lots of people would advise against this, but many of my crazy ideas have turned into lucrative and successful business ventures. It’s all on me, I love it.
And what’s the worst?
The freedom to decide what I do! I have to motivate myself, decide my next step, I’m responsible for everything: my team, my income, my mess ups. Some days, it can be hard to manage everything. It’s all on me, and sometimes I don’t love it.
When times are good, how do you celebrate?
I generally celebrate with my PEOPLE. I go back into my groups and share my wins with people I know understand. A lot of my real life friends don’t really get what I do, so it’s great to have business buddies who appreciate what it takes to do what I do.
When things are crappy, how do you handle it?
I’ve been known to cry at
my desk. And swear – a lot!
A glass of wine with a friend is great, also venting to my partner. I try to
not share too many of my miserable bits with my community, but I do try to be
transparent about the bad times.
What’s the long term plan? (Keep working, build an empire, sell, retire, etc.)
I honestly don’t have one.
I don’t think too far ahead.
I’d like to pay off my mortgage and then see where I’m at. I’d like to do less,
but I do enjoy the financial rewards of working as I do. Ultimately, I’d like
to write another book and speak at events, as well as continuing to run my
communities – but also have a little more ‘me’ time.
What is the one piece of advice you would give someone running their own business?
It can be incredibly lonely, so it’s super important to have a group of like-minded peers you can trust. Often your ‘competitors’ are the ones that best understand what you do, so don’t be afraid about connecting with them. There’s enough work and love to go around.
Build community and connection would be my number one piece of advice.
Thanks for featuring me Sam