Margaret Etudo
Margaret Etudo is a respected medical writer and writing coach, specializing in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and other medical content. She has written for several leading publications and makes it her mission to break down technical information for the everyday reader.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Growing up I was always an ambitious child. I remember people always telling me “you act bigger than your age”. So I think that alone influenced me to always live to that expectation. To always be “big”.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
Well I wouldn’t say it changed my journey rather it gave me direction and that is freelance writing. I remember sitting down on a sunny day telling my mum I was tired of “being broke”. And so that was what ignited my search for something to do online.
I knew I could write so if you add 1 + 1 together, you get me as a freelance medical writer. Medical because I was and always have loved the health niche.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”
My broke-ness. 😅.
Like I said earlier, I remember sitting down on a sunny day telling my mum I was tired of “being broke”. And so that was what ignited my search for something to do online.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
The biggest challenge in freelance writing is getting that first client. And here’s a pro underrated tip: NETWORK.
If you don’t connect with people and put yourself out there, your clients won’t see you.
That’s the simple truth. Finding clients will always be tough. Even if you join job boards where you’re literally surrounded with client requests, the chances they’ll always pick you is slim.
Especially if you’re just a newbie
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
My business started during the pandemic so I’ll say it kinda helped me to be more focused.
I mean since everyone was home, you knew that the people who will hire you are no other place than online.
Hence, you needed to get your head down, do what was necessary to ensure that you got their attention.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Asides being a Forbes, FitBit, and WebMD writer? I mean I don’t say it often but yeah those are key achievements I won’t overlook.
Also, I have been able to build an academy for Nigerians to teach strictly freelance content writing and other things that can help a writer in the digital marketing industry.
Plus I have a free community for writers on Telegram to help them connect with experts that they won’t ordinarily have access to.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
If you don’t try, you’ll never know. So quit the “what ifs” and just do it.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
To every woman reading this, I am Margaret Etudo, a Nigerian from a third world country (which has the stereotype that we can’t make it).
But here I am making killer moves and building an army of doozy writers while I’m at it.
If I can do it, so can you.
So get up queen and get to work.