WeBlogNorth Featured Content Creator of the Week - Bossing It!
This is a space that showcases all of you awesome WeBloggers in the North and gives everyone a chance to get to know each other, as well as raise your profile (and your DA!). This week we're chatting with Fran Grant, who shares inspiring content for women who want it all on her blog Bossing It.
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Name: Fran Grant
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Blog URL: www.bossing-it.com
Instagram followers: 403
Facebook Likes: 200
Time is a precious commodity, so use it wisely
How long have you been blogging/vlogging/creating content?
I launched BossingIt! on July 1st 2018
Why did you decide to start your blog/vlog?
I've wanted to write since I first picked up a pencil aged 4. As a child, I wrote kids stories, fiction and poetry, and I always vowed I'd be a writer when I 'grew up'.
However, after studying Business at Uni I went into a corporate career and then ran my own IT Recruitment business for 10 years.
After many years of working in an industry that was draining the life out of me (whilst also raising 3 young boys) I decided to take a huge leap of faith and follow my dreams of writing - otherwise, I knew I'd live to regret it!
Do you see this becoming a career or part of your career?
I've closed the door on a successful career that spanned 15 years to do this so I'm putting my all into it - my heart, my soul, every waking moment - so the intention is to make a career out of it. Happiness over money any day!
What do you hope to achieve for your content in 2018 and what’s your big-picture goal?
As I'm at the very beginning of my journey my short-term goal is to get my brand out there and build a good, stable following. I want to sharpen my craft and create excellent, engaging content, and by the end of 2018, I want my brand/following to be strong enough so that other brands will work with me.
L ong term, I want BossingIt! to continue to grow, with the aim of empowering and inspiring women to be the very best version of themselves, and encourage them to carve out the life they ultimately want to live. I'd love to expand on the blog by writing a book, and perhaps articles for other publications... and who knows maybe I'll get back into writing kids stories again!
What is your favourite social media channel & why?
I've been on Facebook for years and that's all I've known until 2 months ago when I created an Insta account. I have to say I'm leaning more towards Insta now, mainly because I enjoy curating an aesthetically pleasing grid (I know, ridic!) I also find it's easier to link to other content creators/bloggers and other people relevant to what I'm doing.
What is your favourite tool or app that helps in your content creation?
I haven't got one - am I missing something? Are there tools or apps I should have in my life? Actually, come to think of it I use Word Swag for creating my quotes/pics so I guess that's one.
Who is your blogging/vlogging/content inspiration and why?
I love Fox & Moon Planners on Insta - the content isn't that relevant to me (food planners) but I LOVE the whole look and feel of the page (it's totally pink and girly - think yummy doughnuts, unicorns and cupcakes - so it really appeals to me). Content wise I love Girl tribe Gang's inspirational content, and I can't help but follow a few other Girl Boss type of blogs too!
What do you like to do on weekends? Where can we find you hanging out?
Weekends are all about family for me - Hubby, me and our 3 young boys. After the boys swimming lessons we often head off to the skate park, the movies, the park, or soft play.
I wish I was cool enough to hang out in funky gin bars like I used to, but alas, I'm usually in my pj's by 7:30pm ready for a cheeky G&T or glass of wine before I fall asleep in front of a movie (much to the dismay of hubs). If we get a takeaway then it's a really hardcore weekend!
If you could go anywhere in the world or experience any one thing, what would it be?
I've been to India and I am so drawn to going back one day - either there or Africa - to work as part of a charity project (it's on my bucket list).
Apart from that, I'd just love to see as much of the world as I can, with my husband and our boys, once they're old enough. Memories and experiences over 'things'! I'm thinking Safari, European cities, paradise islands (not too much then!)
What're your tips for staying motivated and/or organised in your work?
- Don’t be afraid to take an unfamiliar path, but know your market.
- People will always have an opinion on what you’re doing. Remember, you don’t have to listen to them! Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you.
- Be deliberate and be afraid of nothing. Call upon the Lion inside!
- Plan your work and work your plan! Be organised, plan your day in advance and map out your short, medium and long-term goals.
- Set up a designated work area at home if you don’t have an office.
- Time is a precious commodity, so use it wisely. If you’re a working mum, define the boundary between work and motherhood - exclusively commit yourself to your business during work hours then challenge yourself to disconnect when it’s family time.
- Be prepared for the 9-5 to become the 24/7.
- Be prepared to live lean (unless you’re fortunate enough to have a stash of cash behind you).
- Allow yourself to be proud of yourself and all the progress you’ve made.
- Don’t compare yourself to others - your path is unique to you.
- Join a network of other business owners.
- Make yourself a priority sometimes and take time for self-care.
- Don’t say maybe when you actually want to say no.
- Trust your gut - it’s the best friend you’ll ever have! If something feels wrong, it’s usually because it is.
- Finally, whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.
What is the one piece of advice you’d give other content creators & aspiring bloggers/vloggers?
I've only just started out so I don't feel qualified to advise others - I'm the one seeking advice at the mo! Although I did read something in a book recently which has stuck with me, and that is 'write how you talk'. I always try and remember this when I'm writing, so it's more authentic.
Fun/Random fact about you (go on, surprise us!):
I was brought up in the army and instead of taking ballet (which I was desperate to do) I was made to practise Judo...
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