3 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Francesca Baker covers copywriting, journalism, marketing, social media and PR – all centred around communication and creating a connection. Ultimately, she works with messages – and creating the right ones to resonate with an audience.
Francesca has been in marketing for over twelve years, and a full time freelance communications consultant for the last three. She is an NCTJ trained journalist, so understands how to tell a good story that resonates with the reader, from idea through to research and publication. She is familiar with analytics and SEO and knows how to use them in the full marketing mix, and has a background in research and insight so puts planning and measurement at the centre of communications strategies, optimising for success.
What would you like to share to encourage women to start their own business?
“The freedom and flexibility is amazing. I get to choose who I work with in a way that suits me. Running my own business has been a game changer. Four years ago I left agency life and London literally dying from anorexia. Now I run a six figure company and get to work on my recovery.”
What are your top 5 tips for entrepreneurial success?
Do what works for you – if you don’t want to niche, that’s ok. I wrote about that here – https://andsoshethinks.co.uk/on-not-finding-a-niche-as-a-freelancer/
Use social media to find work – I’ve met some wonderful people and got some great leads.
Bring your personality to work – it’s fun, and helps you work with people whose personality aligns with yours.
Charge properly, and know your worth. It doesn’t have to be a race to the bottom. What’s your experience, what value do you bring, how long will something take you. All of those factors should be considered.
Be nice. Top tip for business. People want to work with people who are helpful and kind.
Who are the women who most inspire you?
Natasha Steer, founder of Creatabot, who really lives her values and helps others find theirs.
Keely & Clara Augustus, Lyrici Arts, the nicest people you will meet, who bring theatre to BAME communities and help them share their stories.
Antonia Baker, freelance marketer, who didn’t let a pandemic get in the way of her starting her own freelance business.
Kate Tompsett, Happy & Glorious a British gift company, whose personality shines through in everything she does. She dances in her shop for all to see!
Gemma Pettman, PR, probably the nicest woman in business.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
“No need to hurry, no need to sparkle, no need to be anybody but oneself.”
Virginia Woolf, my favourite writer.
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