My new book David's Goliath is available now

Those of you that have been with me from the start will know that this blog was set up as I went about starting my own business. In the very beginning that was going to be an estate agency, but the way that the UK housing market was going and the rise of the online-only estate agent put paid to that.

It was while setting up as an estate agent that I started writing commercially. I wrote blogs and books to provide an income that would be there in the first few weeks and months of an estate agency, while I was getting on my feet. As the idea for an estate agency dropped, it was soon replaced by the idea that I could write for myself and others. Contented Writing was born. I now write website copy, blogs and ghostwrite books for others among many other assignments. I also write for myself.

Until now all of my books have been Kindle only and were non-fiction on subjects that I knew a lot about - managing back pain, writing and inevitably the housing market. But my latest book is my first novel and also the first in print. It is called -

David's Goliath: If you found a book that told the story of your life, would you read on?

This is the story of a man who goes on holiday to get away from it all for a short time. He spends some time in Spain on his own and while there, he picks up a book that was seemingly left behind by someone and starts to read. Pretty soon he and the book are inseparable and it turns out that the story he is reading is in fact the story of his life.

David reads through and recalls the significant moments of his life but all the while he has the thought in his mind that he will reach the part of the book that tells him of the future. Will he read on?

This book is the culmination of over a year of work and I have thoroughly enjoyed trying to fit this in with all the work I do for others and family life. The book has a lot of me in it, as the main character is based on my life and experiences. Not all of these things have happened to me, but many of them I have seen first hand though friends, family and work colleagues.

I'd love to hear from people who have read the book. Please let me know what you think. The only way to write something bigger and better next time is to hear what people think of this one. I have begun the next novel, which is a crime thriller about a serial killer with a twist. I'll keep you updated on how this is going.

Top 4 things to remember when using content marketing to supercharge your startup

Content marketing helps your startup business to reach new customers. When you begin in business you need a steady supply of customers to get off the ground and continue on a successful trajectory. Content marketing establishes you and your business as an authority in your industry. It connects you with more potential customers and develops a level of trust. Here are my top 4 things to remember when using content marketing to supercharge your startup-

It can be a slow burner

Content marketing doesn't always bring you immediate results. This is about building a rapport with your customers and that just doesn't happen overnight. You are sowing seeds that will grow over time. You and your audience need to get to know each other first. The work you put in here means that when someone needs your service or product you are the provider of choice.

You have to stick at it

Content marketing builds over time. You can't upload content at the start of a campaign and then completely forget about it. Content marketing doesn't work they way. You need a constant flow of quality and relevant content for your readers. This helps you with your SEO rankings, keeps your content looking fresh and connects with more customers.

Publicise it

Content is great for furthering you'd startup business but you need people to read it. To get an impact from your content marketing you want to spread the word as much as you can. Use your website and your social media reach to get the message to as many potential customers as possible. The more people that read what you have to say then the greater chance you have of your message being read, shared, liked and commented on. The more you can connect with people the more well-known your brand becomes.

Fish in the right pool

A strong message is great but it has to be seen by a relevant audience. You want to get your message out there in all the right places. You need to know where your audience hangs out so you know you will reach them. Look at all the options you have, especially social media, so you can find the relevant market for your product or service. By connecting with your people in the places they already spend their time then you will appeal to them. This is another step towards turning them into your future customers.

If you are looking for help with your content writing then get in touch via my website. I can write content for you and help your startup business get off the ground.

Deciding on an accountant after speaking to two

As I have started to pull things together for my startup business I said that I would keep you informed. On Monday I went about the business of finding an accountant. I had emailed some the week before and two came out from the crowd as people I'd like to speak to. I arranged to meet them both on Monday afternoon - and here's how it went.

Accountant 1

Although accountants have a reputation.l for being dull, this was not the case at all. I spoke to them and found that they were  vibrant, switched on and really interested in my business. As with the other accountant (more later) it was a no-obligation chat. It gave me the chance to ask questions, gain knowledge and build rapport. This was everything I had hoped for but probably not what I had expected.

I wanted to know the things that would directly affect me such as how I should set up my accounts, when I was due to pay tax and how much their service cost. I felt as thing they had my best interests at heart and I could work with them. We left it as we would stay in touch but nothing was needed until the end of the tax year in April 2017.

Accountant 2

This was a little bit of a contrast and it felt like I was dealing with a used car salesman or financial adviser. There was some interest in what I did at the start but it felt false. After that it was all about trying to get me signed up and trying to sell me extras such as accounting software and a business bank account. I know everyone has to make money but it didn't feel right.

Again I said that I would stay in touch but I did email to say that I would be using someone else.

Conclusion

With many people you deal with in business (or anywhere in life) it is the feeling you get that dictates your decisions. I don't think it is fair to name names on here. I am based near to Durham in England so if you are looking for an accountant in this area message me and I can give you a bit more detail if you'd like.

The next step is a business bank account. I'll let you know how I get on with this soon.