Today, we are talking with Ed Roach of The Branding Experts. My thanks to Ed for sharing with us!
1. Can you tell us what business you are in?
I am a corporate brand consultant/graphic designer.
2.. How long have you been doing your business?
I have been in business for more than 25 years.
3. How many hours a week do you usually work?
70 I suppose, but frankly I’m accessible 7 days-a-week. I really enjoy what I do, so I make it a point to allow my clients, the freedom to know that I can assist them on their schedules. It’s not uncommon, that during the evening, when one of them has a brain storm they bounce an email my way with a question. I try my best to respond quickly. It’s not about me, it’s about them.
4. Tell us what an average work day is like for you.
I start at 8 by going over the night’s email. I have my projects, people to contact as a written list. I check my week’s meetings on my Blackberry. Once this is in order I delve into projects at hand. I stop at noon for a short lunch, and read the daily paper. In the afternoon, I try to take a short break and usually stop by 4. After supper (with my wife at some point), I am back at it to some degree. The evening hours is also time for my self-promoting. Writing articles for blogs, checking out Linked-in, my web stats, replying to blog comments. Also any self-promoting projects get attention in the evening. I do enjoy watercolour painting as relaxation, so I may paint a little as well.
5. How long did it take your business to become profitable?
I have always been profitable right away. I price myself hourly although most projects are “project priced” meaning the fee is established up front. Once agreed to, it is up to me to be sure that it is done in a timely manner, so that I generate a profit and make a living. I have been doing this long enough to know exactly how long something should take. I also time every project to be sure that I am on track. Productivity is important to any business. Value for money is dire to me and my clients.
6. What is the best piece of advice or tip you could give someone who wants to get started in the same type of business you’re in?
Don’t short change yourself. Many young people feel that if they are the cheapest they’ll get all the business. What they don’t understand is that in doing that, they reduce themselves to being a commodity. And in that, they become a price. And the next cheap price knocks you out. You can never win on price. You also make it very difficult to raise your fees. You work harder for less. Talk to others in your field about general business practices to learn what not to do. Join mastermind groups in your field. Your brand is everything. Nurture it at every chance.
7. Anything additional you’d like to share?
Promote yourself online using blogs, html marketing and commenting. It isn’t on your competition’s radar. There’s a video on my website that outlines these promoting opportunities. Embrace them. The cost is minimal, but requires and good deal of effort. Are you worth it? 
