Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Dickson.
Jamie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my business on my living room couch in early 2019.
I had just finished watching my fifth episode of Making a Murderer when I realized I had been planted on my sofa for a better part of the day with nothing to show for it.
A little background: I was a “stay-at-home” mom (still waiting for a better title for this particular job) for about eight years, and my youngest son had just started all-day pre-k.
I’d reached the parenting promised-land because both of my kids were at school all day. I was living the life–or so I thought.
After a few months of doing whatever the heck I wanted between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., I soon realized that I needed to fill my days with something other than crime documentaries, trips to Target, and occasional PTO meetings. I was so freaking bored and that day on the couch I decided I needed to get back to work.
I have a journalism and communications background, so in January of 2019 I pitched myself as a freelance content writer and used Instagram to connect with small business owners.
I soon noticed that many small businesses need help with social media–particularly Instagram–so I added social media management and consulting to my list of services.
By May of 2019, I landed my first two retainer clients and I haven’t stopped since.
I’m very happy to report that I am no longer bored (but I do still sneak the occasional crime doc.)
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh man. I wish I could say it was smooth. I started out with an “Ignorance-is-bliss” attitude, which was good, because had I known how challenging starting a business would be, I’m not sure I would have done it!
I’ve had to work really hard to overcome imposter syndrome, or what I like to call “fraudy feelings” (thanks for that fun alliteration, Being Boss podcast!).
Having been out of the workforce for so long, it was hard to find the confidence to raise my hand as an expert.
It took me a while (and many, many conversations) to realize that a lot of women–especially moms stepping back into the workforce–deal with imposter syndrome.
So, finding a community of women business owners–both in Central Georgia and virtually– has helped me fight those feelings and build up my confidence.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I help small businesses attract their ideal customers/clients through content writing, social media management, and social media consulting.
Earlier this year, I made the decision to niche-down and serve parenting experts and family-focused businesses. I love working with these business owners; I know their client/customer base inside and out because I am one!
I’m passionate about helping small businesses create genuine connections on social media because I truly believe that people buy from people–not brands. I feel so strongly about helping small business owners understand that in order to make an impact and turn followers into customers, they need to actually connect with their audience on a human level.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Social media and content marketing are always changing (hello, TikTok), but I really believe that regardless of what platform you’re on or what strategy you implement, creating connection and community should be your North Star.
It’s up to small businesses to consistently listen to their audience in order to provide value and build trust.
Why?
Because having 100K followers on Instagram isn’t going to do you any good if none of them trust you enough to make a purchase.
Pricing:
- Social media management – starting at $700/month
- Social media consulting – starting at $300/month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamiecdickson.com
- Phone: 4782306401
- Email: jamiedickson@jamiecdickson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie_c_dickson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiecdicksoncontentcreation
Image Credit:
The photos of me against the brick wall were taken by Eliza Ash (ELIZA ASH VISUALS)
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