Entrepreneur Spotlight・Sophy Dale
“I love being part of creating a new economy of microbusinesses, usually women-owned, and with a real commitment to service and generally making the world a better place.”
I am so thrilled to share Sophy’s story with you today! Sophy and I first met in Susannah Conway’s Inside Story group (best course I ever took!) and have since become business buddies and friends. Sophy is pragmatic and down to earth, with a touch of magic and brilliance. She is an extraordinary copywriter and it’s been wonderful to follow her journey from book coach and editor to messaging coach and web designer partner. I wish a program like hers had been around when I was still working as a web designer! Being an educator myself I really love her approach to teaching, her program is a unique combination of eCourse and 1:1 support (psst, she sends you video feedback!). Thanks for a great interview, Sophy xo
Sophy Dale has been working in online business for over a decade, initially as a book coach and editor, then, for the last few years, she has taken her expertise in storytelling and communication and become a copywriter and messaging coach.
She is based in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, but works with clients and students all round the world.
1) Tell us about your business
I am a copywriter, course creator & founder of the Creatively Connected community for web designers. The core of my business is a programme called Write Your Site, which is a combination of e-course and 1:1 support for coaches and other service-based solopreneurs to get clear on their messaging, learn how to do Voice of Customer research and write all the main pages for their website. I sell the course directly to solopreneurs but also collaborate closely with web designers who want a more affordable way for their clients to be supported to produce their web copy in a timely manner (as opposed to buying done-for-you copywriting).
2) Has Covid changed the way you run your business?
In one way, no, since I already ran a completely online business. In another yes, since we’re in lockdown and my daughter is at virtual school, which has had an impact on my working hours. Also, I think more people are taking their businesses online, which is affecting demand for help with the copywriting side of this.
3) What are the challenges and rewards?
As I say, I think demand has increased somewhat, but on the other hand, there are people coming into the online world not so much through choice but more through the effects of Covid, which I think means that there’s a need for more hand-holding and support. It’s hugely rewarding to help people to create a new business, or take their existing business online. I find small business owners endlessly inspiring - they are so resourceful, creative, independently-minded and open to new ideas, and I love being part of creating a new economy of microbusinesses, usually women-owned, and with a real commitment to service and generally making the world a better place.
4) What does your self-care look like these days?
Lot of long soaky baths with magnesium salts and essential oils! Yoga and qi gong, walks by trees and water, time hanging out with my husband and daughter, and always more books and reading.
5) Do you have any tips for other entrepreneurs during these uncertain times?
Hang on in there! Building a business doesn’t happen overnight, but if you do good work and build up a network of good relationships, you’ll get there in the end.
As Amy Poehler says, "You can’t do it alone… Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." That’s why I set up Creatively Connected, to be surrounded by a group of people to collaborate with and learn from.
Also, invest in the right training - I still use things I learned from Kerstin’s course, which I took years ago and I use the copywriting principles that I teach in Write Your Site every day too.
