Next up in my inspiring business women series is an interview with Sarah Lynn. She’s the mastermind behind Simple Online Solutions and helps small business owners to get seen online.

What was your first job? Did you enjoy it?

My very first Saturday job was working in a local shoe shop and no I didn’t enjoy it very much!  My first proper job was working in a solicitor’s office.  I started off as an accounts clerk but they very quickly worked out I was much better with computers than I was with accounts and promoted me to computer network manager.  I loved this job and used to look after all the computers and networks over two offices as well as train the staff on the software used in-house.

What do you do now? Is this what you originally trained to do?

I’m a website designer and I offer done for you lead generation for local businesses.  My business is Simple Online Solutions and you can find out more about me and what I do on my website. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

I trained in Computer Studies in college many years ago and have always been a bit of a geek. I’ve worked in IT in many jobs. I’m also a qualified reflexologist, EFT practitioner, as well as being qualified in many other holistic therapies. During my time as a holistic therapist, I created my own websites and for my clients and friends before setting up Simple Online Solutions to offer my services to other small business owners.

How do your services help small business owners?

I help small business owners to get seen, heard and get sales online.  By creating a regular pipeline of new leads coming into your business, your business will thrive.

Many small businesses suffer from what I call Feast or Famine.  During the Feast stage you have lots and lots of customers and sales but not much time to do marketing.  You have funds coming into your business but not enough time to spend it.  During the Famine stage you have lots of time to do marketing but not many sales, so you have plenty of time on your hands but not enough funds to enjoy the time.  This can be very stressful.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve been given? How did it help you?

Nothing is written in stone. Try it for now and if you like it and it’s profitable, keep doing it.  If you don’t, then make changes.

If you could give your 20-year-old self, one piece of career advice, what would it be?

What others think of you doesn’t matter. What you think of you does

Which do you prefer, tea or coffee? Beach or pool? Seaside or countryside?

I’m a herbal tea drinker, so love a peppermint and liquorice tea but I also love a good coffee.  I love being by the beach, regardless of the season and am lucky enough where I live in Swansea to be just 10 mins away from two lovely beaches so I go there often with my dog.  The sea soothes my soul.  However there is nothing nicer than walking through the woods, listening to the birds above whilst seeing plants at your feet stretch towards the sunshine.

What’s your dream job or client?

I love what I currently do.  I love being able to help other small business owners get seen online so they can help their customers in whatever way they do that.  It’s the ripple effect. 

To read more inspiring interviews and get tips and ideas to help you create brilliant copy and content, have a look at the blog section.