Starting and growing a business is one of the most exciting and challenging ventures you can pursue. It will stretch you, push your limits, and has the potential to bring incredible fulfillment. If you’re ready to take that step, I want to share the 8 most impactful actions I took to start my resume writing business and lay a solid foundation for growth. If you’re thinking about starting your own journey, I hope my story inspires and equips you to take that first step with confidence.
1. I became certain this was my path.
In 2023, after much prayer and seeking the Lord, I knew in my heart that starting a resume writing business was the right path for me. This conviction was crucial because, without it, I would have been easily distracted by shiny object syndrome—jumping from one idea to the next without real commitment. Having that deep, unwavering belief in my decision gave me the confidence to move forward with clarity and purpose.
2. I updated my website in faith.
I worked on my website while simultaneously taking every free course I could find. Money was tight, but the internet is full of valuable, free information. Even before I felt fully qualified, I called myself a resume writer. Was I an expert yet? No. But I knew that if I waited until I felt “ready,” I’d never start. I recommend taking courses first if you have the patience, but I updated my online presence in faith, knowing that by the time clients started coming, I would be prepared to serve them well.
3. I took advantage of free training.
Since I didn’t have a formal certification or degree in resume writing, I had to find ways to build credibility. I dove into free trials, YouTube tutorials, and resources from experts who had already paved the way. I figured that if I saw a resume writer with several certificates—even from free courses—it would build my confidence in their ability. So, I did the same. And while I do plan to get an official certification soon, the knowledge I gained through self-education was more than enough to get started.
4. I optimized my Upwork profile.
Upwork became a key platform for landing my first clients. My very first client was a construction worker who needed a resume with a quick turnaround. Was I nervous? Absolutely. But I had trained enough to at least try. The worst that could happen was a bad review, right? But guess what—he loved my work! In fact, he came back a year later for another update. That experience gave me the confidence to keep going.
5. I leveraged my Google Business page.
This was a game-changer. My higher-paying, serious clients started finding me through local Google searches. They would search for resume writing services in my area, see my business page, check out my offers, visit my website, read my testimonials, and enter my funnel. If you haven’t set up a Google Business profile yet, do it now—it’s a powerful (and free!) tool that can help you gain visibility and attract quality clients.
6. I decided to go all in serving my clients.
At one point in my business, I decided to go all in on serving my clients with excellence. I wanted them to feel fully supported, from our first conversation to the final draft of their resume. That commitment to high-quality service turned my testimonials from average to outstanding. Those heartfelt reviews became rocket fuel for my business, boosting my credibility and attracting more clients.
7. I organized my business in Notion.
To keep everything streamlined, I set up a Notion workspace to track my to-do lists, goals, workflows, and business documents. I stored my mission statement, branding strategy, and content plans all in one place. Having a clear vision and a structured plan kept me focused and moving forward, instead of feeling overwhelmed and scattered.
8. I built efficient workflows.
As a solopreneur, efficiency became essential. I analyzed my process to remove bottlenecks and improve productivity. I used the Toggl app to time each step of my resume writing process, refining it for speed and effectiveness. I even had ChatGPT create a client strategy guide by analyzing their current resume, target industry, and discovery call responses. These systems freed up my time, allowing me to focus on what I do best—helping people land their dream jobs.
Laying a solid foundation.
All of these steps worked together to help me build a strong foundation for my business. But the most important step? Stepping into the identity of a resume writer.
I knew God had called me to this and confirmed it over and over again. So, I fully embraced it. I spoke it, believed it, and walked in it. That conviction gave me the courage to put myself out there and offer my services with confidence.
Now, I have the systems in place to consistently attract and serve clients. I’m stepping forward boldly, letting people know I’m here, ready, and willing to help.
Follow My Journey: From $0 to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
This is just the beginning. Right now, my business is still a “side hustle,” but I know one day it will support me fully. If you’re thinking about starting a business, know this: If God has called you to it, you cannot lose. Step out in faith, take action, and trust that He will guide your journey. Be blessed and encouraged!
