Opportunity knocks: Tweetsport
Freelancing Matters editor Tim Oldham looks at how ideas for a business can come out of everyday life. Embracing them could lead to further opportunity.
Sometimes, an idea can be staring at you straight in the face. The trick is to spot it – then act. That’s how it worked out for Eilidh Donaldson, sports fanatic and founder of Tweetsport.
“The lightbulb moment for me came earlier this year as a result of a persistent online questionnaire for a celeb gossip website,” says Donaldson.
“I started filling it in to stop it coming back, when one of the last questions asked what else would I like to see on their website. I started typing ‘sport’, then stopped. I thought ‘I could do that’.”
That was back in February, and despite limited experience with any social media, Donaldson set about creating a website (www.tweetsport.co.uk) and App that would allow sports fans to get dynamic updates of their chosen sports.
“Tweetsport channels the viewpoints of managers, players, press, winners and losers, before, after and even during a match across a wide range of sports,” says Donaldson.
“We use verified Twitter accounts to offer access to the instant reactions of top sportspeople and leading pundits. This way, you hear what stars such as Cesc Fabregas, Usain Bolt and Jenson Button are experiencing as well as getting analysis and commentary from expert sports commentators.”
The Tweetsport website launched in late August, but Donaldson already feels at home with her new venture. “I trained as an architect, worked in event management, publishing and customer services, but this is the first time I’ve started out on my own and it feels absolutely right to have started something different. I’ve already had a few offers to do some consultancy work and even been asked to speak at a conference in Amsterdam.
“I’m working with other freelancers on various aspects of my business. The woman who helps with marketing has just started out with her business so we’re helping each other. I think that’s how most freelancers operate – try to reciprocate by promoting other people’s work and paying it forward.”
