24th Jul 2024
Meet The Member – Lucie Cunningham, Tell Them Well Communications
Name – Lucie Cunningham
Business name – Tell Them Well Communications
Tell us about your businesses, the inspiration behind it and when you launched it?
I launched Tell Them Well Communications in 2020 after moving to Glasgow. I already had 10 years of experience as a sole trader before then. I chose to focus on web copywriting, editing strategic documents like annual reports or e-books and job application support services as I reflected that my communication skills had been the key to my success. I feel fulfilled when I help others be successful as entrepreneurs or professionals.
Best piece of advice you were given at the start of your business journey?
Finding a good accountant as taxes are organised so differently in the UK. I started TTW a few months before the pandemic so finding a supportive online community of business owners became essential.
What has been your biggest lesson/ challenge faced so far and how did you overcome it?
Many potential clients now turn to AI tools to write their content. Easy and cheap, right? AI tools are far from perfect yet, they can be used as a starting point for sure but you really need a professional to refine your website content. CVs written by AIs can be easily spotted by recruiters and are not taken as seriously. I think people are gradually realising that it is not in their best interest. I provide so much more than text editing when I work on someone’s job application. This is why I always have in-depth Zoom calls with my clients. I really make them reflect deeply about their fit for the job and true goals. My questions and guidance help them pull out the most relevant content for busy recruiters and hiring managers as well identifying the most convincing examples for cover letters and interviews. It is about genuinely understanding your professional identity, your career priorities and what makes you stand out from other applicants. Tailoring your CV for a job application is very powerful. I deliver that and teach you the recipe for future applications. AIs give you empty, cliché’ sentences that read well but mean little. I have quite a few strategic tips about how to enrich your job application.
What is your number 1 business tip for success?
Find professionals you respect and refer one another. A lot of my clients end up recommending me to their friends or hiring me for other services as they know I I go the extra mile for them to be successful.
What are the big business goals for the next year?
I started developing career webinars for groups of young people and expats new to the UK. I feel school teaches you abstract skills and finding your first real job after graduation or moving to a new country is very challenging.
How can the GGC Business membership help?
I love how interactive and supportive the GGC community is. GGC’s Facebook group gave me some exposure. I have helped some members or their partners with their job applications already and I hope to do so even more.
What’s the dream?
I deliver a lot of value long term by helping people get better jobs, especially when they are feeling stuck in their search process, dissatisfied with their current employment situation and start to doubt their self-worth when they are so competent. My dream is to find more clients who understand that and pay me accordingly. I love to see how energised and focused my clients are after my sessions. Their new found clarity and much better CV all lead to very positive outcomes that have a domino effect on their families too.
Fave mantra to get you buzzed up for business?
Make a difference through your skills and wisdom gained by life experience!
Shout out to another local business you admire?
Very hard to narrow it down to just one as I admire several GGC members but I would like to mention Mary McLung Coaching. Mary is an amazing therapist and coach. When losing clients to AIs started affecting me, she helped me with my mental health. I have regained my drive, reaffirmed my knowledge that I am really good at my trade and even helped me put an end to my stress eating.
Three fun facts about you!
- I can speak 4 languages fluently but English is my favourite.
- I am absolutely crazy about animals, especially cats and corvids.
- While waiting for my work permit in the United States, I ended up volunteering as the assistant to the Honorary Consul of Guatemala in Atlanta, GA. This led to co-planning the Latin American Association of Atlanta’s diversity job fair and sparked my interest in writing CVs for others.
