MilSpouse Entrepreneur Spotlight: Amy Schofield, Schofield Strategies

Your Name: Amy Schofield
Military Branch Affiliation: Navy
Years as a Military Spouse: 8

Business Name: Schofield Strategies

Year Established: 2011

Tell Us About Your Business:

Schofield Strategies offers personal and professional branding services. Personal branding services include resume writing, professional bios, and LinkedIn profiles. Professional branding includes written web content and newsletters. My services are offered to individuals, solopreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses around the country. I have even had some international clients.

Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

No, I always thought I would have the typical 9 to 5 job. However, with my husband’s motivation, I decided that starting my own business would be incredibly beneficial to the military lifestyle.

What motivated you to start your own business?

I touched upon this above, but it was really my husband who motivated me to start my own business. He saw that I had the tenacity and skills necessary to make a career on my own.

What is the best part of being an entrepreneur?

Flexibility! The flexibility to learn new things. The flexibility to move with my husband’s career and still keep my clients. The flexibility to adapt my schedule so that I can work “in real time” with military spouses who may be stationed in Japan.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an entrepreneur?

When I first started my business, my biggest challenge was creating a website. I had no idea how to develop one, but with the right tools, I was able to launch a website on my own! (Note that my original site looks nothing like my current site, but still, I was very proud of what I was able to initially put together!!)

Do you find that being an entrepreneur fits well with your role as a military spouse (or does it even factor in)?

Yes, definitely. This touches upon the flexibility aspect again. When we move, I will be able to continue working with the same clients. I have also developed a wonderful military spouse mastermind group, comprised of several other military spouse entrepreneurs. It is great that we trust one another and are able to bounce ideas around to the group.

How do you blend working from home and your family relationships?  Craziest moment?

This is easy for me since I am a highly organized person. I block out time on my calendar for everything – whether it is personal or professional-related – so that I can see everything I have to accomplish both short and long term. Honestly, the craziest moments I have had have been when the UPS driver rings the doorbell when I’ve been on the phone with a client and the pup barks thinking it is someone for him to play with!

Biggest lesson learned so far as an entrepreneur:

Don’t be afraid to 1) jump right in and 2) outsource what you need to another entrepreneur who specializes in whatever you need assistance with! I have now built up my business to the point where I have surrounded myself with colleagues I can easily outsource tasks to and trust that they will be accomplished on time and with great success!

Best piece of advice for a budding entrepreneur:

Same as above! Don’t be afraid to 1) jump right in and 2) outsource what you need to another entrepreneur who specializes in whatever you need assistance with!

Favorite motivational quote:

“Luck is the residue of design” – my dad always tells me this!

Connect with Schofield Strategies online!

• Website URL: http://www.schofieldstrategies.com
• Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/schofieldstrategies
• Twitter Profile: https://twitter.com/s_strategies
• Linked In Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/amyjschofield/