In my previous post I wrote about what this year has in store and added the disclaimer that this year my blog posts are going to be a bit more rambling and show you more about who I am. So I thought I’d start off by explaining why I'm only going to work with purpose-driven organisations. 

I run my own business, so I can

One of the best things about working for myself is that I'm answerable to myself and the clients I choose to work with. I'm starting with this point because it's one that self-employed people, especially in the early stages of their career, forget. We're running our own businesses which means that we can choose who we want to work with. It's that simple. I still sometimes forget this, especially if it's been quiet. 

We've all had clients that were simply for the money because our services were needed and we gave in and provided them. For a fee, obviously. For me, these projects are normally ones that are just 'fine'. They're projects that I kind of enjoy but not as much as others where I'm totally on board with the organisation, the vision, the mission. 

Purpose-driven organisations put people first

If your organisation values purpose over profit, then it also values its people. Of course, the majority of businesses need to make a profit and that's both understandable and acceptable. However, if a business values profit at all costs, then it won't treat its employees or its contractors with respect. 

When purpose comes first, the rest falls into place and you attract people who really value and appreciate the work they're doing on your behalf. This often results in a team that works well together, communicates and respects each other. This also filters down to the work I do as a contractor; I'm working with people who love their work and want to help me. 

It's easier if we're on the same page

As an external contractor, there's a lot of things that I miss out on, such as company culture and casual chat. I'm not involved in the day-to-day, I don't meet the entire team and I don't get the chance to develop that relationship. But I can get on the same page if we share the same values and goals. 

For me, the page is a basic one: are you offering a product or service that will improve the lives of your clients? If not, then I may be able to help you, but I might not get you. If the answer to the previous question is yes, then I'm on the page with you. In fact, I'm there in all caps, helping you help your clients. Which leads me to…

I got into copywriting to help people communicate

I don't really view myself as a traditional copywriter because I don't just create marketing material. I create better communication, which, naturally, filters down into marketing. But I got into copywriting to help organisations tell their stories better so that they reached and appealed to the right audience. 

My purpose is to help people communicate better and provide them with the tools to do so. In fact, I provide clients with tone of voice guidelines that almost guarantee they won't need me to write their words for them again. It's probably a bad business model for me, but a fantastic investment for them!

I want to sleep easy 

Okay, the world has been burning for quite some time now so sleep isn't necessarily coming easily to anyone. But if I can finish up work for the day knowing that I've done some good, then that's a win. I'm under no illusions that I'm not a frontline worker saving lives but I can help improve the livelihoods of businesses. 

I'll sleep better knowing that I've helped an organisation who wants to improve the quality of life of their clients. That's a small victory and one that's relatively easy to achieve if I choose my clients by looking at what they want to do for others. We'll work better together if we both believe in what we're doing. 

So in 2021, I'm looking to work with organisations who improve the lives of others. If you're a not-for-profit, even better. I'm open to conversations and I want to teach you to communicate so that you won't need me again.