Small Business Week Interviews Wendy Van Hatten

Interview with Wendy VanHatten, owner of WR Enterprises

Tell us about your business.
I own a writing services business. This includes press release writing, travel writing, copywriting, and general pr writing. Also included in my business are editing services. I will edit, make corrections if you want, and give feedback. I am a writer and an author and my books and ebooks are for sale on my website.

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Owning my own business was a way to work for myself in an arena I enjoyed. After 16 years in health care administration, and losing my job due to a buy-out, this was a complete change for me. Traveling has always been a passion, so I started with travel writing. Becoming published started me off on a writing career. Entrepreneruialism has been encouraged by my dad from early on in my life.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
I have a mentor that I credit for pushing me into writing…then helping me along the way. She and I have co-authored a book on women and success. Her name is Mary M.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Having books published…especially one about our son and his time in Iraq. This is neither a pro or anti Iraq, but a human interest read.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Persist. Times change, people change, your interests change. Through it all, follow your goals. That usually means persisting.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Organizational skills.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you succeed?
Getting a mentor. Find one in the area where you want to succeed. Make sure that person is a success in that area. Then…Follow Their Advice.

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
One more book.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Learn how to market yourself. It’s not easy but it is so important.

How can our readers find you online?

http://www.vanhattenwritingservices.com

http://www.travelsandescapes.com