Continue to network, set goals, and target those goals through actions. This is a consistent process which requires focus and personal discipline.
Phil Entzminger is an artist and creator that has developed skills for today’s economic environment. As a freelance creator he has been able to pursue his passions, set his own schedule, and carve his own path. Born and raised in Salzburg, Germany, in the European Union, Phil was able to develop a love for nature, traveling, and sports. To encourage their children to continue to broaden their experiences, his parents moved to the United States when they were approaching college age.
While Phil Entzminger attended college in New York City he thrived in the fast pace environment, and enjoyed encountering cultures from all over the world. This fast pace and introduction to the world beyond what he encountered growing up only fueled his continued love of traveling. Once college was complete, he moved with his family and currently resides in Davenport, Florida where he cultivates content for his many satisfied clients.
Some of his hobbies include Baseball, where he has been a loyal and enthusiastic support of the New York Mets. He has said that the mascot, ‘Mr. Met’ is one of the most interesting mascots of all time. Additionally, he is also a big Mike Piazza fan and followed the catcher’s career until his retirement. Phil also enjoys caring for himself through exercise and eating a vegan diet. He made the switch in 2017 only to find himself thriving and feeling more energized, which has led him to many impressive and enjoyable times since. He continues to travel, play sports, and listen to Jazz. His personal goal is to one day be able to say he has traveled the world. He’s worked toward that end which is only enabled by pursuing his passion as a freelance writer and artist.
Where did the idea for [Insert Company Name] come from?
I stumbled into writing for a company one day and within a few months I had found my calling. I was creating website content for various clients. This included blogs, photography, website development and more. At that time, I didn’t realize it was my calling, but everything about it was incredible. I was able to be creative, task oriented, and got paid to have fun researching. It was a win, win, and win. So I decided to do this for the rest of my life and after 3 years with this company, I created my freelance company. I haven’t turned back since.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Every morning I wake up and make sure to get a good breakfast, clear my thoughts and over coffee I evaluate the schedule for the day. Once I’ve discussed plans with my family, I sit down in the chair and get to work. While I do take frequent breaks throughout a day, my day doesn’t end until the jobs for that day are completed. My client’s happiness is crucial to me.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I research everything before putting it into creation. If someone suggests a new product, article, or book they need written, I take the time to work with them to find the best and most accurate information. Once I have that, I’m able to produce a high quality piece of content, with original images, as needed.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Remote working from all over the world is on the rise. It is exciting and enjoyable to be able to create an effective and impressive career while lying on a beach or enjoying a new country. It’s not just me either. There really are people from all over the world being able to set their own hours, develop their own business plans, and support themselves and their families doing what they love from wherever they want.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I get the work done. By setting aside time for each project based on the deadlines the client needs I am able to accomplish everything effectively and efficiently.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Start writing sooner and start taking pictures sooner. I really could have begun this career in high school, doing odd jobs for local businesses, or just honing my skills. Instead I waited until college. While college was an invaluable asset and experience to me, it is possible I could have been in far less debt for the experience if I was working and already disciplined to do this job.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
That remote work is the way of the future. There was an opening for telecommuters for a long time that is closing up. Many companies are limiting what they allow a telecommuter to do, or where they live. I realize they think it’s a positive for their company, but with the ability to teach, train, and develop skills without ever sitting next to a person opening the paths to additional telecommute work again is just going to happen.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I make it a point to spend time with my family. This keeps me recharged, relaxed, and able to think clearly. The work will always be there, but my family is what my world is built around. By making the time for them I am able to accomplish this with ease.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I continue to network, set goals, and target those goals through the actions I take. This is a consistent process which requires focus and personal discipline.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
No freelancer has the self discipline they need to do the job when they first start. Most of us are raised that a ‘real job’ is trading hours for money. As such, when you first begin your career you have to develop a plan for yourself and find the time and focus each day until it’s a habit. It took me a while, but now I thrive even when things change around me.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Ghost-creation is a great source of income. This is where you identify something you enjoy doing, such as photography or animation, and you create the best you can create, then sell that to someone else. While it’s always a good place to start with your joys and passions, you can also create content that your client desires. This leads to happier clients, happy results, and more work.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I’ve spent some money on advertising my services. It’s something I’m really happy I have. It wasn’t a lot of money, but it led to some solid business and meeting new clients.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
My word processing software has been my greatest asset. My calendar is also good for creating a schedule and developing my action plan.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Can it be a fun book? If so, I would strongly suggest reading the Xarrok series of books by author Catrina Taylor. They are science fiction but really emotionally invested. You can tell the author poured her heart out in them.
What is your favorite quote?
You are never working if you are doing what you love.
I live by this and look forward to getting up every day.
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Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.