Block Media Worldwide: A plethora of content services

Tracy Block

I mentor, train, recruit and source work for new and aspiring female writers and editors. With my talented content team by my side, I am then able to produce custom content strategies for startups and established businesses, alike.

My goal with Block Media Worldwide is to let my team find the right words for you. From product copy to strategic blogs and email marketing to eBooks, my content consultancy covers the gamut.

What was the inspiration to start this business?

Throughout my 14-year career, I have always dabbled in various media roles. From freelance writer/editor to lifestyle publicist and content marketer to content team manager, I've always made it my mission to further my own professional growth by taking on new and versatile roles.

After putting the time into several media sects over the course of a decade and falling victim to a toxic, full-time workplace, I moved cross-country for a fresh start and decided to launch my own business. Although my operation was a one-woman show for the first couple of years, in 2018, I began securing a client load that warranted adding more writers and editors to my team. I eagerly and actively recruited and trained a talented team of versatile freelance writers and editors (which was, and still is, predominantly female).

I pride myself on my work ethic and thoroughly enjoy the role of being a mentor and boss to guide and mold the next generation entering my field. I struggled financially for many years in my 20s, but in launching my content consultancy in my 30s, I am now able to thrive and commit to more work than ever imaginable.

When you started your business, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

At first, no. I took a lot of risks in leaving a full-time role to pursue this dream. There were months without work and plenty of ups and downs.

However, once I had the client load to recruit a team of freelancers, I began to see the light and realized the sky was truly the limit in terms of my content consultancy's success.

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles, or challenges? What were they and how did you get past it and grow from the experience?

At one time or another, we are all new business owners, and we all face different struggles and challenges. For me, those challenges were, and still are, associated with maintaining a steady clientele, as well as a reliable content team.

Clients come and go, as do writers. As such, I've had to learn to accept the inconsistencies of this business, while helming a more flexible operation. For example, unexpected incidents (like the pandemic) can cause a client to impose budget cuts, and oftentimes, content is the first thing to go.

Additionally, there are clients who experience changes in staffing, which requires me to rotate and recruit new voices (writers) for different projects, despite my efforts to maintain the status quo.

Additionally, I work on a lot of one-off client projects or short-term retainers, which has me constantly heading back to the drawing board to recruit more clients so I can stay on track to meet my company's projected monthly income goals. For these reasons, I've dubbed myself a true "content chameleon," and keeping this mindset allows me to adapt and change as my clients see fit.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?

Know your worth, and don't be afraid to ask for the price you deserve for your services. Sadly, a lot of people don't understand the value of great content these days. Since anyone can be a blogger or a social media influencer, the importance of the work I do gets lost in translation, and oftentimes, is deemed not worth the investment.

However, I know that from 14 years of experience that the polished skillset I offer cannot be outsourced for a fraction of the cost to a foreign content mill. The phrase "You get what you pay for" is always relevant when it comes to the written word. Brand credibility should always be a priority for each and every business owner, and that starts with how you showcase your brand and the team you entrust to carry out this critical task.

The lesson I've learned here is that no, I do not need to sell myself short and go the extra mile to do work for a lower price than I deserve.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feel like it's too difficult?

Don't be afraid to ask for support. For me, the easiest way to do this is through female networking groups. I am a member of several Facebook groups, specifically, with missions to provide advice and resources to women in business.

Being an active member of a community (or several) is empowering and reassuring. You cannot do it all on your own, and no one expects you to. So, find and absorb that support, and utilize the talented network at your fingertips. Recruit within these networks of like-minded females who are looking to connect and uplift women just like you.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

Now that I am far enough along in my career to where a byline doesn't much matter, I am focused on providing ghostwritten content services to businesses seeking to revamp (or launch) their content strategies.

For me, this is the most fulfilling work that I do right now. To be entrusted with putting a company's mission into words is flattering, invigorating, and rewarding work. I know that I am great at what I do, and the fulfillment and joy that results from that work is what motivates me to continue the growth of my business, from the services I offer to the team that supports me.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

If possible, make sure to have some money socked away in your savings before you invest in a new business or expand your current venture. Or, consider a joint venture, where you are not taking on all of the financial burdens on your own. Since launching a new business requires risks, it's important to weigh the multitude of investments at hand.

Being transparent and realistic about what you can and cannot afford is one of the most important tools at your disposal. Additionally, consider your expenses. Luckily, I am able to thrive by hiring a team of independent contractors, versus employees, for example. Furthermore, my use of the remote work environment allows me to save on office overhead, which has been provided great savings for my company.

To connect: Insta:@tracydadiva

// https://tracyblock.contently.com//https://blockmediaworldwide.com