Lucy Clare Grant founded Fierce Digital Marketing after offering freelance work to local firms.
How and why did you start in business?
I offered freelance work to local businesses when I was an apprentice, and absolutely loved it!
I was doing the same ‘job’ for each organisation or company, but the work was vastly different.
When my first freelance client recommended me to a fellow business owner in Perth, I set up a meeting, proposed my plan and waited to hear back.
They weren’t entirely sold so we set up a second meeting. I prepared for this furiously and realised I loved the chase. I built my brand – Fierce Digital Marketing.
How did you get where you are today?
Work experience has been the most valuable tool in getting me and my business to where we sit today.
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to market something I love. This led me to seek more marketing work from local organisations – voluntarily and paid – to enhance my understanding and knowledge of the job in its entirety.
Who has helped you along the way?
Perth and Kinross Council’s large involvement with Modern Apprenticeships (MA) allowed me to enhance my knowledge of marketing further, together with gaining an understanding of event planning.
I also made valuable business connections, including with the Business Gateway team.
When I shared the launch of my business with Business Gateway Perth, the team was super enthusiastic to help me network even further, and more importantly, they ensured I was taking all measures a small business owner needs to consider, while putting these in place.
Once Fierce was running at full capacity, I went back to Business Gateway for advice on employing my first staff member.
They covered all areas for moving forward.
What was your biggest mistake?
When I was working on the committee of a voluntary organisation, I sent an email with open cc’s, meaning each recipient could see all of the email addresses – GDPR breach.
So, I was given the job of ensuring every committee member was up to date with GDPR on a monthly basis – I’ve never missed a beat since.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
I think my greatest achievement, career wise so far, has been figuring it out. I do work that I have an incredible passion for, it makes me feel good.
That is all anyone ever said to me – do something you love, and I thought, ‘but who loves any job?’
Hopes for the future?
I hope to grow our team. Since starting up on my own, with the incredible help of Lucy Ross Design, our team has gone from two bodies to four.
What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
The hardest part of running your own business is at the beginning, when you’re covering every job role there is. The bookkeeping, admin, meetings and networking plus marketing of your own business and work or clients.
Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
Make yourself a priority, not your bank balance.
