The Copywriter Club Podcast #416: Extending the Runway with Blair Sharp

Release Date: October 8, 2024
Hosts: Kira Hug and Rob Marsh
Guest: Blair Sharp – Content Creator, Psychometrist, and Author of the "hey Freelancer" Newsletter

Introduction

In episode #416 of The Copywriter Club Podcast, hosts Kira Hug and Rob Marsh delve into the concept of "Runway" in business with their guest, Blair Sharp. Blair, a multifaceted professional juggling roles as a content creator, psychometrist, and newsletter author, shares her journey of building a sustainable writing business alongside her full-time job. The discussion offers invaluable insights for freelancers seeking stability while growing their ventures.

Blair's Professional Journey

[03:28] Blair Sharp opens up about her diverse career path. With over a decade of experience at the Mayo Clinic as a psychometrist, Blair ventured into writing in 2019 by contributing to a local parenting blog. Her passion for storytelling and mental health led her to explore various writing opportunities, gradually turning her hobby into a thriving side business.

Blair Sharp: "I started writing for a local parenting blog on a volunteer basis in 2019 and slowly dipped my toe into other kinds of writing."

Building a Sustainable Writing Business

Rob Marsh introduces the "Runway" metaphor, likening a business to an airplane that requires time and resources to gain momentum before taking off. Blair exemplifies this by maintaining her full-time job while steadily growing her writing endeavors. This approach provides financial security and flexibility, allowing her to transition smoothly into part-time work as her writing income increased.

[09:44] Blair emphasizes the importance of having a financial cushion to mitigate the uncertainties of freelance work.

Blair Sharp: "I always have the Runway there just in case."

Networking and Client Acquisition

Blair recounts her proactive strategy in acquiring clients, which involved reaching out to multiple brands simultaneously. Her persistence paid off when a treatment center responded to her cold messages, leading to her first significant freelance opportunity. Building a portfolio through volunteer work and leveraging her Instagram presence with 18,000 followers further solidified her reputation.

[25:13] She describes her outreach method:

Blair Sharp: "I DM'd like 14 different brands... and one of the first people that responded was a treatment center."

Launching the "hey Freelancer" Newsletter

Transitioning from Instagram to LinkedIn, Blair launched her newsletter, initially titled "The Relatable Creator," which she later rebranded to "hey Freelancer." By aligning her LinkedIn posts with her newsletter content, she effectively grew her subscriber base to 1,500 within two years. Blair shares her templated approach to newsletter creation, ensuring consistency and relevance for her freelancing audience.

[37:46] Blair explains the evolution of her newsletter:

Blair Sharp: "I started a newsletter called the Relatable Creator, and then switched to 'hey Freelancer' because that was what a lot of my subscribers were anyways."

Blair's Sober Story and Its Impact

A pivotal moment in Blair's life was deciding to quit drinking in 2018. This decision not only transformed her personal life but also influenced her professional trajectory. Sharing her journey openly, Blair found that her authentic storytelling resonated deeply with her audience, fostering a strong connection and expanding her reach.

[47:12] Blair recounts the catalyst for her sobriety:

Blair Sharp: "After tripping over the baby gate and seeing my husband's reaction, I realized I needed to make a change."

Her story underscores the power of genuine content in creating meaningful engagement and demonstrates how personal experiences can enhance professional writing.

Lessons for Copywriters

Blair imparts several key lessons for copywriters and freelancers:

1. Empathy and Understanding: Drawing from her psychometrist background, Blair emphasizes the importance of understanding how people think to create compelling content.

   [17:12]

   Blair Sharp: "I try to put myself too, in other people's position... to understand how they think."

2. Authenticity: Maintaining an authentic voice is crucial for building trust and connection with the audience.

   [18:54]

   Blair Sharp: "I want to be myself. Authenticity prevents the writing from feeling like a chore."

3. Consistency and Organization: Utilizing templates and maintaining an organized approach helps in managing multiple projects without feeling overwhelmed.

   [44:34]

   Blair Sharp: "I have a Google sheet that has topics listed... I just fit it into my schedule."

4. Leveraging Personal Stories: Sharing personal experiences can significantly enhance the relatability and impact of content.

   [53:46]

   Blair Sharp: "People can connect with your story, and it can change their lives."

Conclusion

Blair Sharp's approach to extending her business runway by balancing a stable job with her freelance passion offers a blueprint for freelancers aiming for sustainable growth. Her emphasis on empathy, authenticity, and strategic networking provides actionable insights for copywriters seeking to build meaningful connections and a resilient business.

For those interested in following Blair's journey or connecting with her, visit BlairSharp.com or find her on LinkedIn and Instagram under the handle The Blair Sharp Project.

Notable Quotes:

• Blair Sharp on Runway:
  "I always have the Runway there just in case." [09:44]

• Blair Sharp on Authenticity:
  "I want to be myself. Authenticity prevents the writing from feeling like a chore." [18:54]

• Blair Sharp on Personal Impact of Content:
  "Content can change lives when we do our jobs really well." [53:46]

This episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast provides a deep dive into building a sustainable writing business, the importance of personal storytelling, and strategies for connecting authentically with an audience. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting, Blair Sharp's insights are both inspiring and practical.

For more episodes and resources, visit thecopywriterclub.com.