A Better “Me”

Terra L. Fletcher, 8 years old

I have this really great article on How to Write an About Us Page for a Company Website. Sometimes it is hard to follow your own advice. Matters are further complicated when you are your brand.

I read stacks of magazines. And what struck me recently is the simplicity of most interviews. Most are brief question and answer segments that give you just a taste into someone’s personal life. This got me thinking about my About Me and Biographies that I’ve written for various purposes including websites, profiles, and info I send along for speaking engagements.

My About page on my website was a 533 word essay (including mission and vision statements). And not what it should be, a quick glimpse into my personal life in an easy to read format. To fix the problem I called on a freelance writer I know for help.

I asked Amanda Lauer what questions she would ask if she were interviewing me. Here are my answers. Hopefully this is just enough to satisfy your curiosity and leave you wanting just a little more.

Where are you from?

I was born in Milwaukee. I moved around a lot when I was young, but I’ve been living in Shawano, Wisconsin long enough now that I call it home.

What formal education do you have?

Formerly, I dreaded this question. I’d stall, saying that I went to school for this and that and I studied this and that… and that’s all true, but I don’t have a degree. In anything.

I knew my business was doing well when people stopped asking what my degree was in. My work speaks for itself. Don’t get me wrong; there is nothing wrong with formal education and I do believe strongly in continuing education. My grandmother was a schoolteacher and she encourages me to learn something new each day. And I read. A lot. You can learn so much from experience and good books.

What is your business background?

Much of what I know about business must’ve come to me through osmosis. My parents were hardworking entrepreneurs. I started working as a young child. I spent spring and summers cleaning cottages and taking care of guests. In the fall and winter the chimney cleaning business was booming. I did everything from exhibiting at trade shows to answering phones and designing customer retention programs. I created my first website for my parents’ business. As a teenager I got jobs in supper clubs and once at a nursing home. For five years I worked for a manufacturing company where I learned inventory, accounting, and production. If you really want to see my full resume, email your request.

How did you get into your current line of work?

I’ve loved to write for as long as I can remember. In 2007 I tried selling what I wrote. I soon realized “I must be pretty good at this.” I sold articles on a variety of topics to a wide range of publishers. When I combined my varied business knowledge with my love of marketing Fletcher Freelance was born. I began reading everything I could on psychology, marketing, writing, and business.

What is the focus of your business?

Fletcher Freelance provides marketing consultations. First, I like to get to know where a business is and where it would like to be. I help put together a marketing plan and then we begin. I specialize in internet marketing and website content, specifically search engine optimized website content. Social media marketing is also a favorite venture.

What is your wish for your professional future?

I have a young son and I enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes from working at home. I hope to continue to do so. I’d like to do more work for internet marketing agencies and web designers – providing them with quality website content. That is what I enjoy doing the most. When I write my talent really shines through.

What is your perspective on the current economy?

There are still people with money. You can blame your business shortcomings on the economy or you can view it as an investor’s market. Now is the time to invest in your business to get the most out of it. Don’t be afraid to take action. That’s the way I try to run my business, always looking forward.

What is the most gratifying thing about what you do?

Writing has always been a passion. If I can write and get paid for it, I’m happy. When my clients get a positive return on their investment, I’m deliriously happy. And when my work pays for itself, I know I’m doing my job. Plus, I get to work with really great people. I especially enjoy meeting local business owners.

For help with your professional biography or company About Us page please call me today at 715-584-6773.