A few years ago I got into writing stories about Whidbey businesses. My professional background was as a marketing research and public involvement consultant. Then I moved to Whidbey and was asked to write a couple of stories about marketing research for a local business magazine (Northwest Business Monthly, which no longer exists). I don’t even remember now what first created my connection with the magazine. Then, I was asked to write stories about local businesses for that publication.
Somehow, the publisher of Whidbey Local, JoAnna Weeks, learned about my writing, and she asked me to do business stories for her on-line publication. She encouraged me to write what I wanted, in my own style. She has now branded me as the “Business Spotlight.” Each week, she trusts me to choose a business, tell their story, and it is published without any editing (my husband is my “official” editor).
I feel very privileged because I am having the delight of making my own choices and telling stories in my own way.
I believe that what makes a business story appealing is knowing about the person or people who started the business. I ask three basic questions: Why did they come to live on Whidbey? Why did they decide to create their business? What is special or unique about the product and/or services they provide?
For me, a business story is really about the people behind the business. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact me: carolyntamler@whidbey.net.
And, I invite you to check out a new story each week on The Business Spotlight on Whidbey Local: