Featured Solopreneur Bob Andelman: Be Willing To Do Whatever It Takes

This is “Featured Solopreneur,” an ongoing series that gives all of us a glimpse at how other solopreneurs operate their small businesses. Click Here to read more Solopreneur Success Stories.

Name of solopreneur:
Bob Andelman

Name of business and city:
Mr. Media Radio Interviews, St. Petersburg, Florida

Web site address:
www.mrmedia.com

Type of business:
Writer of my own books and magazine articles, co-author of books with CEOs, industry experts, etc.; online radio host/producer

When did you officially go into business?
Writer: 1982; radio: 2007

Why did you start your own business?
I have a stubborn independent streak. Not that I can’t and don’t play well with others, but I like to go at my own steady pace and make—and live with—my own decisions. I’m extremely self-motivated and ambitious in the sense that I know what I want to accomplish each day and day after day.

What was the best thing you did when you were starting up your business?
I was willing to do anything related to writing to survive. Instead of pursuing unrelated jobs, I wrote anything I could to gain experience and make new contacts: articles, of course, but also press releases, speeches, corporate reports, brochures, you name it.

What is a mistake that you made that you have learned from?
I had to learn early on to temper the expression of my opinions and my sense of humor. Whatever I believe personally (or find amusing) doesn’t mean the person hiring me shares those beliefs. What matters is completing a job, on time, being pleasant and agreeable to the people or company paying my fee.

What is your biggest current challenge in the business and what are doing to try to solve it?
As a writer, traditional avenues such as magazine and newspaper writing have dried up and book publishing is going through titanic shifts. Just as I did when I started out, I’m prepared to take on non-traditional assignments and apply my writing skills and creativity in new arenas. On the radio side, the content isn’t the issue; making the show’s voice heard in a sea of noise is. Word-of-mouth has been replaced by word-of-tweet.

What are your goals for the remainder of 2010?
Sell a new book project; introduce new listeners and sponsors to Mr. Media Radio.

Where do you want to be with the business in five years?
Producing more books—print or electronic—and working on more topics that matter to me, personally.

What are your main software programs?
Microsoft Word, Firefox, Audacity, Audio Hijack Pro, Skype, iTunes, iCal, Photoshop Elements

What’s your advice for aspiring solopreneurs?
Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams but first, always be willing to do whatever it takes to keep the lights on and your family fed.

Are you glad you became a solopreneur? Why or why not?
I can’t imagine doing anything but being self-employed. I like the freedom of setting my own hours, choosing who I will—or won’t—work with on a daily basis, and being able to try different things on a moment’s notice.