My Resume Writing Business Crossed the 7-Figure Mark [Update]
This is a follow up story for Resume Assassin. If you're interested in reading how they got started, published almost 2 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
Hello everyone! I'm Mary Southern, the proud founder of Resume Assassin, a venture that has been flourishing for over a decade. Please feel free to check out my original story.
The inception of Resume Assassin was fueled by my deep-seated passions for resume writing, job searching, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Over the years, my commitment to excellence has driven me to craft compelling resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles tailored to empower job seekers in securing coveted positions with some of the world's leading companies. On the entrepreneurial front, I've assisted fellow business owners in attracting 7- and 8-figure clients through strategic and personalized job search documents.
In the last year alone, Resume Assassin has experienced remarkable growth, boasting a 20% increase in business without a substantial investment (close to $0) in traditional marketing channels.
Instead, my focus has been on fostering a community where satisfied clients become the driving force behind my business. With an emphasis on referrals, positive reviews, and recommendations, combined with effective SEO strategies (particularly in the vibrant job market of Austin), I've managed to create a thriving business ecosystem.
At Resume Assassin, I am not just in the business of crafting resumes; I am in the business of building relationships and truly making a difference in the lives of my clients.
As Resume Assassin continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the job market, the commitment to excellence remains unwavering, promising continued success and growth in the years to come.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to. Has the business been growing?
Over the past year, Resume Assassin has achieved remarkable growth, boasting an impressive 20% increase in business. The most noteworthy accomplishment has been reaching a significant milestone – surpassing the seven-figure mark. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of the services provided. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the minimal investment in traditional marketing channels, showcasing the power of relationships and strategic business decisions.
A key driver of this growth has been the intentional focus on expanding the business's presence on LinkedIn. By actively engaging on LinkedIn, I have sought to both grow my professional network and deliver valuable content through posts and articles.
This effort not only positions Resume Assassin as a thought leader but also fosters connections with potential clients and collaborators. The recognition as the "Top Resume Writing Voice" on LinkedIn has added substantial credibility, further solidifying my brand's reputation in the industry.
The growth has not only come from strategic online efforts but also from the strong referral network cultivated by satisfied clients. As a testament to the quality of the services provided, clients have become advocates, sharing my information with their colleagues, family, and friends. The holiday season has seen a surge in clients purchasing Christmas gifts for their loved ones or returning to update their resumes, preparing to tackle the new year with confidence.
In response to the dynamic changes in the job market, Resume Assassin has adapted its services to meet the needs of clients affected by recent layoffs or those proactively updating their documents. This adaptability has not only helped clients navigate challenging times but has also positioned the business as a reliable partner in career development.
Looking ahead, my focus has shifted towards building relationships with career coaches and recruiters. This strategic move not only ensures a steady pipeline of resume writing clients but also provides opportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals.
As Resume Assassin continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the job market, the commitment to excellence remains unwavering, promising continued success and growth in the years to come.
Another vital lesson learned has been the acceptance of relinquishing some control and understanding that fluctuations in monthly performance are a natural part of entrepreneurship.
What have been your biggest challenges in the last year?
Over the past year, one of my most significant challenges has been navigating the polarizing thoughts and emotions associated with the desire for business growth. Some days, the drive to expand and take Resume Assassin to new heights consumes me, propelling me to seek out opportunities for growth. On other days, I find contentment in the balance of my current workload. Striking the right equilibrium between ambition and satisfaction has proven to be a delicate dance, requiring constant introspection and strategic decision-making.
Another prevalent challenge that many entrepreneurs can likely empathize with is the persistent fear that everything built could suddenly crumble. The advent of new technologies, such as ChatGPT, introduced an element of uncertainty and concern about the future.
Initially, there was a fear that the emergence of automated tools might impact the demand for resume writing services. However, finding solace in the realization that technology still has its limitations, and in this case, ChatGPT's inability to effectively craft resumes, has been reassuring.
Managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the unpredictable nature of business success and setbacks has been a poignant aspect of this entrepreneurial journey. Living through the exhilarating highs and challenging lows week by week has required resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding that, as an entrepreneur, embracing the unpredictable is part of the journey.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
One of the most profound lessons I've embraced this year is the importance of consistently pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. As an inherently introverted individual, the challenge of putting myself out there—be it on social media, podcasts, or platforms like Starter Story—has been a continual learning experience.
Acknowledging and overcoming the nervousness that often accompanies opportunities, such as podcast interviews, has been a hurdle. I've come to realize that saying "yes" to these opportunities, despite the discomfort, opens doors to new connections, valuable insights, and potential growth for Resume Assassin. It's a continuous journey of personal and professional development that I recognize as essential for the sustained success of my business.
Another vital lesson learned has been the acceptance of relinquishing some control and understanding that fluctuations in monthly performance are a natural part of entrepreneurship. Discovering the delicate balance between pursuing growth and allowing the business to ebb and flow has been a valuable revelation.
Listening to a podcast on bottom and top-line profits underscored the idea that a relentless pursuit of increased revenue can impact overall profitability. Embracing the reality that not every month will surpass the last has brought a sense of equilibrium, enabling a healthier perspective on business success and sustainability.
Lastly, a pivotal realization has been the significance of taking intentional breaks. Balancing work commitments with family life, particularly with a young child, has become a priority. Recognizing that my son is aware of my work habits, I've made a conscious effort to avoid making it a defining aspect of his childhood memories.
Moreover, acknowledging the importance of mental health, I recently took nearly a week off—albeit with a few hours of work each day. This experience reinforced the need for entrepreneurs to prioritize self-care and rejuvenation, recognizing that a healthy work-life balance is not only beneficial for personal well-being but also contributes to sustained professional success.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
In the upcoming year, my focus is on striking a harmonious balance between business growth and maintaining a high-quality work/life balance. While I aim to expand Resume Assassin's footprint beyond the current Austin and Texas markets, venturing into new states and timezones, my priority remains ensuring that the growth trajectory aligns with maintaining the exceptional level of service that has been a cornerstone of my business.
Diversifying the client base geographically is an exciting prospect, and I'm eager to explore innovative ways to connect with job seekers across different regions.
Looking ahead to the next five years, a significant milestone is the development of an AI-led interview prep tool. This endeavor holds the promise of revolutionizing how individuals prepare for interviews, making the process more accessible, enjoyable, and streamlined. The potential impact of such a tool on the job-seeking landscape is substantial, and I'm excited to be at the forefront of innovation in the career development space.
Amid these transformative projects, I remain grounded in gratitude for my current position and the recognition that every decision, step, satisfied customer, and hard-earned review has contributed to the journey.
My plan is to continue taking measured and dedicated steps, not only to sustain the achievements to date but to foster continual growth in the years ahead, keeping Resume Assassin at the forefront of the evolving job market.
What’s the best thing you read in the last year?
One of the most impactful entrepreneurship books is "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries. This book has achieved iconic status for its transformative insights into startup methodology. Ries introduces the concept of the lean startup approach, emphasizing the importance of validated learning, rapid iteration, and a scientific approach to building a successful business.
The book provides invaluable lessons on how to efficiently navigate the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, offering practical techniques for developing a sustainable business model while minimizing wasted time and resources. "The Lean Startup" is a cornerstone for entrepreneurs like myself, guiding them through the process of creating a viable, scalable business with a focus on adaptability, customer feedback, and continuous improvement.
Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to demystify the challenges of entrepreneurship, making it an indispensable resource for both novice and seasoned business leaders seeking a roadmap for innovation and success.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their business?
For entrepreneurs grappling with the challenges of growing their businesses, it's crucial to embrace the reality that success often emerges from a series of failures and setbacks. Today, it seems like everyone has a successful startup, it's so easy to overlook the hurdles and initial struggles faced by many thriving businesses.
Entrepreneurship is inherently difficult, and risky, and requires resilience in the face of adversity. Instead of being deterred by the inevitability of failure, entrepreneurs need to view each setback as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone toward eventual success.
My paramount advice for those navigating the journey of entrepreneurship is to maintain steadfast perseverance. The growth path is paved with countless small decisions, connections, and victories that accumulate over time.
Like investments or savings, these incremental steps compound, eventually propelling the business forward. It's about consistently putting one foot in front of the other, even when the road seems challenging or success feels distant. The journey of entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, and by persistently pushing forward, entrepreneurs can create a trajectory that leads to sustainable growth and long-term success.
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
I am not hiring at the moment, but always looking for partnerships or podcasts.
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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