I’ve been freelancing off and on for over 20 years as a writer, user experience (UX) designer, and project manager, dipping in and out of the full-time workforce as my family requires. When I found Sophie’s blog on becoming a freelance blogger, it totally inspired me to go for it.
Here’s how I got my freelance blogging business off the ground despite some pretty big personal challenges, and how things changed from my original plan.
The Countdown Begins
On March 1, 2013, I had exactly 90 days before a long-term consulting contract ended, or so I thought.
At the end of 2012 I had quit my full-time job at an ad agency so I could spend more time with my 9-year-old daughter. I figured the consulting assignment would be a great opportunity to learn some new skills, make a steady income, and eventually make the transition to part-time freelancing.
While my contract required me to work on site at the company’s offices 30 hours a week, I was free to pick up my daughter from school and finish the workday from home three days a week. Since my income was steady for several months, it would give me plenty of time to build a freelance blogging business during evenings and weekends.
March: Freelance Blogging Ramp-Up
March 1 was also the day I won an assignment to write six blog posts for a past client. I was totally stoked and determined to deliver the finished work by the end of the week. I wrote after hours and on the weekend so my side hustle wouldn’t negatively impact my consulting client.
My first week as a freelance blogger was pure magic.
My consulting work was great during the day, school pickups went as planned, and my new blog posts were delivered on time. I was also paid by my blogging client within 48 hours of submitting my invoice via Paypal. Things were looking good in freelance blogging land!
This positive start inspired me to send out lots of pitches. I subscribed to the RSS feed on the Freelance Switch job board and started responding to opportunities as soon as they came in. I also checked the ProBlogger job board on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, due to rushing, a few times I got sloppy and submitted some pitches with typos — not cool, and obviously I didn’t get those jobs. I vowed to be extra careful the next time and my diligence paid off. Before I knew it I had a brand new client who bought 5 articles from me for $50 each.
Then Sophie gave me the green light to write this guest post. She asked me to keep a diary through my 90 days of “ramp-up” time and then send her a post about how it went. But neither of us anticipated what happened next.
Everything was going according to plan — until my daughter got very, very sick. In mid-March, what we thought was a simple sinus infection became an ongoing battle with asthma and allergies that would linger for several more weeks.
As a result I had to work from home more than expected and take my daughter to lots of medical appointments. Then at the end of March my consulting assignment was cut short by a month. Ouch. Now I had until the end of April —only 30 days— to get my freelance business going.
Lesson learned: Pitch while business is good, since that’s when your confidence is highest, but don’t get sloppy from over-confidence.
April: Working Through The Challenges
April was cruel. My consulting job got busier and my daughter got sicker.
She couldn’t go to school so I had to hire extra childcare to keep things going at the office. The company was on an aggressive deadline that required me to stay into the evenings. As you can imagine, this created all sorts of havoc at home.
My husband was truly amazing throughout this ordeal. Luckily he had some flexibility at his job and was able to help me juggle everything. By the middle of the month my daughter was doing better and we were actually happy my full-time commitment would be over soon.
The stress was intense and I was exhausted. I continued to write my blog posts and pitch more opportunities on weekends. I also started reaching out to my wider network to let them know I would be available in May, but everything came to a head when I got terribly sick.
I was entertaining clients at an evening event when my back started aching. I figured a glass of wine would do the trick. It did for a while, but the pain in my back just got worse and I wound up in the emergency room shortly after midnight.
I was scheduled for emergency surgery the next day. So much for my consulting and blogging activities. It was as if God said “Stop. Now.”
Looking back, I’m actually grateful I was literally forced off the roller coaster I had created for myself.
Lesson learned: Your health is everything. Don’t let work or other responsibilities get in the way of proper self-care.
May: Moving On
My consulting client was incredibly understanding about my health emergency. We agreed that I would take a week off to fully recover and then wrap everything up by the first week of May.
I was so relieved that everything was done, but then I panicked. I didn’t have any work lined up! What would I do? How would I make money? I had a few blogging jobs, but not nearly enough to replace my consulting income.
Luckily I had enough savings that it didn’t matter. My husband and I had a long chat and decided it would be best for me to take some time off and be a full-time mom for a while. So that’s what I did.
Lesson Learned: Have an alternative source of financial support, whether it’s a working spouse, a part-time job or emergency savings, to get you through thin times.
August: Freelancing Again
Fast forward to August. After an amazing summer with my daughter, I’m happy to report she’s doing better than ever. I’ve also resumed freelancing on a part-time basis, with some blogging, but mostly user experience consulting clients right now. My goal is to tip the scales in favor of blogging clients by the end of the year.
Lesson learned: Schedule flexibility is the best part of freelancing for me. I love owning my schedule again and will never take that for granted.
And Now…
John Lennon said it best: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
This is so true for me and I’m sure for many other working parents. This year I’ve learned that I need to be flexible with my goals and not be so hard on myself when things change.
I’m happy I kickstarted my freelance business again and I know it wouldn’t have happened without setting a firm goal on March 1.
While I’d love to say I have a full docket of fabulous blogging clients who give me wonderful assignments and pay me on time, the truth is I have a long way to go. But after a one-to-one mentoring session with Sophie, I have an action plan to market my blogging and consulting work in parallel by emphasizing my specialist knowledge.
I do have enough part-time income from my professional network at the moment, for which I’m incredibly grateful. It’s mostly UX consulting work with a little bit of blogging.
My daughter is thrilled to have me back home, and we’re looking forward to an exciting school year. I will keep working to get more paid blogging clients, but my top priority right now is staying healthy and strong for my family.
Life will continue to throw you and me occasional curveballs — that’s just how life is. But I am absolutely convinced that having a clear, passionate vision of what you want, taking timely action to support it, and adjusting as you go along is the key to building a successful career no matter what happens down the road.
Win Your Own Kickstart!
Today’s prize is a place on the self-guided Freelance Blogger’s Client Hunting Masterclass, an online training course that shows you how to find and win higher-paying gigs. We’ll choose the winner at midnight (Pacific time) on December 23rd, 2013.
For your chance to win, leave a comment and tell us: how will this prize help you to kickstart your freelance blogging career? Bonus points for using details from the course information page in your answer!
Carol Z says
This would be great. I have some freelance work and this would help me take my writing and blogging to another level. Enjoyed the post!
Bethanny Parker says
I think the client-hunting master class is just what I need. That and a kick in the butt. I’ve had to accept some lower-paying assignments lately due to not doing enough marketing when things were going well. I could sure use another client or two right now.
Nicky LaMarco says
Hi Mary! Thanks fore sharing your freelancing experience with us. It’s not always easy, but, for me, it’s worth it. Blogging for clients is one of my favorite freelancing jobs. I’ve been doing this for a long time, but I need something to help me gain more high-paying clients. Here’s to a successful 2014!
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Nicky! All the best to you in 2014 and beyond 🙂
Bree says
Mary, this post resonated with me because I had planned to jump-start my freelance blogging career around April this year, too, and instead started planning for a house sale and helping my husband apply for jobs outside of the Midwest.
The house sold in August, we moved in with friends for 3 months, then found out my hubby had a job in AZ. We moved again, across country, over Thanksgiving, in with a friend… again. After only a week, we were blessed to find an apartment we loved and could afford.
While all this happened, of course, I couldn’t do any marketing. My current clients were understanding and I was able to do proper, consistent work for them around packing, organizing, and cleaning, but it still sucks. I don’t think you understand the pain a curveball can be in your plans until you’ve had it happen!
I’m hoping I can get back on track and kickstart my freelance blogging once more in 2014 (maybe with the Masterclass… speaking of, Sophie, want to tell me WTF I can do to get more high-paying clients this year?). 🙂
Mary Shaw says
Hi Bree,
Thanks for your comments, and glad to hear you’re settled again. I think navigating through curveballs like the one you just described gives us more resolve to push through, so I’m sure you’ll get back on track in 2014. And good for you for keeping your existing clients happy amid the chaos!
Sophie Lizard says
I think you’re at a stage where the higher-paying clients will be happy to hear from you, Bree – all you need to do is find them and be confident in negotiations.
The finding is just a matter of laser-focused research. You might want to revisit your mentoring notes about your ideal blog reader and ideal client – are they still the same now that your life has changed? How do they relate to one another?
Craig Martin says
To quote a line I heard, “your health is your wealth”.
Excellent points about dealing with life’s curveballs – been spending a lot of energy to revamp my own freelance business, but I caught a nasty illness and need to rest a few more weeks.
But, hey.. just gotta stay positive and remember it’s just a temporary bug – then back to the grind!
Mary Shaw says
That’s right Martin – keep your eye on the prize 🙂
Carolyn McKenzie says
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Mary, and for highlighting the lessons learned. It’s great that you’ve survived such a crazy year and you’re still on the crest of the wave that will take you into 2014. I feel really inspired by your story and will certainly remember your hints as I move forward with blogging. All the best for 2014!
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Carolyn! All the best to you too for a great 2014!
MJ says
My heart goes out to you Mary. It seems that just when things start going really well, the bottom has a way of falling out. I suffered my own terrible setback after a natural disaster in 2010 that put me out of work almost completely for six months. Good for you for picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and plowing ahead, whether it was taking care of your daughter or getting back to work down the road.
Mary Shaw says
Thanks for the kind words, MJ, and hope things picked back up for you after 2010.
Carolyn McKenzie says
The Client Hunting Master Class has to be the perfect gift all of us low-medium range bloggers can give ourselves this festive season – Blogging and loving it isn’t enough to land those well paying gigs that we’re all after. My feeling is that a self-managed course would suit me better than one where I have to watch videos at a specific time: being able to follow the course at my own pace is a real bonus.
Earnestine says
This was a great article. I just recent had a similar experience that made me realize I need to start my own freelance business as well. I am now the caregiver for my father. We are 1000 miles away so I can still work & maintain an income, but having my own freelance business would certainly make it a lot easier for me to be there for him & maintain an income.
Thank you for sharing your story & your tips. I know that it is possible, I just need patience & a little bit of help.
I hope all continues to go well for you & your family in 2014.
Happy Holidays!
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Earnestine. I’m glad it was helpful. As you know, being a caregiver takes a tremendous amount of energy and makes it virtually impossible to hold down a full-time job. My daughter has had ongoing health issues since she was born, which is very strong motivation for me to keep my freelance work going. Stay true to your priorities and you will be able to build a successful business around them.
Rebecka Reddick says
I’m temporarily homeless.
Ok, not exactly. My parents moved out of country and couldn’t get me in because I am already 21 ( no longer a dependent, therefore not eligible for a work visa). As you can imagine, this has been highly motivational for me to figure out how to make enough to live on, fast.
I’ve always wanted to make a living writing, and writing serialized fiction for Kindle is not quite the route toward financial security. Nothing on the internet is, some may argue, but I don’t have a permanent address so my online presence is all I have right now.
I just don’t know how to get organized and create a game plan. I want to query everyone, but I haven’t been consistent on my own blog. This is my dilemma: so many strategies, so little time before I need to move to the next hostel.
I think it would take a load of my mind to know that I’m getting the training I need.
Cheers,
Rebecka.
Mary Shaw says
Hi Rebecka, I think Sophie’s course or one-on-one coaching could definitely help you start moving in the right direction. I also think that setting achievable, measurable goals asap is super-important to get and stay focused.
Rather than having a bunch of strategies, try honing in on just one. For example, determine the income you need per week right now, then divide by 5 so you’ll know how much you need per workday. To quote Tim Ferriss, that’s your target daily income.
Now, how many blog posts will it take to get that day’s wage? Let that be your first achievable goal, to earn a single day’s wage blogging by a certain date. You don’t necessarily need your own blog updated to do this – just a few writing samples and the persistence to keep sending well-written pitches to the right prospects can make it happen. Hope that helps!
Jennifer Alston says
Hi Rebecca,
Your story is truly touching. I am so sorry that happened to you. Things will get better, I promise. My kids and I were homeless when we got here to Atlanta, but we are doing a lot better now and I work online, from home or where ever I can be.
If you are a great writer and have some samples, I could help you bring in an income, hopefully to get you into your own place.
Shoot me an email: Jalston07@gmail.com
Kecia says
Mary, your story is very inspiring, thank you so much for sharing it! It’s amazing how we can get on a path and then be forced off of it for the better.
I have been out of the freelancing game since 2011, but would like to get back in for a little more stable online income. Having the masterclass would allow me to jumpstart back into the field!
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Kecia and good luck to you!
Teresa Kuhl says
I would love a self managed course! I spent a few years writing articles for marketing, but would love to learn how to blog and land well-paying gigs. I am more than excited to learn via video tutorials and a handbook! This would be an AWESOME Christmas gift to myself and my husband. I have had to cut back my hours working outside of the home and I would really really love to get a blogging career going again. I kind of torpedoed my business the first time around and would love a second change! This could be the beginning! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
C. Imani Williams says
I am determined to make it as a freelance writer. The Freelance Blogger’s Client Hunting Master Class, will assist in my efforts to reach clients where my writing style is a good fit. I have been burned a lot by taking jobs where there is little financial accountability to freelancers. This sucks, and has kept me in the negative financially far too often, in 2fo13. Going into the new year, I plan to work solid steps for obtaining clients that respect my work, by paying on time. If they have financial issues, they will at least communicate this information in enough time for me to pull a rabbit out of my hat, and pay my bills on time. I’m packing my get-it-done box with tools for success. Thank you.
Jean Maurie says
I’m not looking for a blogging course per se but I do blog. I enjoyed the article a lot. I do readings for people and have my own radio show called Personal Empowerment for Your Soul. Blogging is part of the business but I also like to blog for fun. I’ve started a blog about my 50 years of journaling starting when JFK was shot. I’m thinking of blogging my memoirs. At 77 I’d better get busy. Wish I could just read into a microphone and have it type for me.
Happy Winter Solstice all and happy holidays
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Jean and Happy Holidays to you!
Daryl says
Hey Jean,
Just to let you know, you *can* talk into a microphone and have it type for you. It’s called dictation software, and it comes in a wide range of packages. I’m sure that a decent version comes bundled with your computer, but there are also better paid versions such as Dragon Dictation. I’ve never really used them to any serious extent, but you could always run a quick Google search to find out how well it works for you!
Sophie Lizard says
Thanks, Daryl, you read my mind! I use Dragon occasionally –I have a blood circulation problem that sometimes makes my knuckles swell so that I can’t type properly. There are some pretty good free voice-to-text apps available, too.
Judy Haughton-James says
This post certainly gives serious food for thought. I am glad that you and your family have overcome the challenges you faced Mary. I have had health challenges this year and would force myself to go on at times and even delay going to the doctor. It reached the stage where I just had to go to the doctor and get various tests and treatment. I had to take it easy and realize that if you ignore health problems it will hamper your career so take a break when it is needed and deal with it. I hope 2014 will be a better year for me where my health and career are concerned. I also would like to learn a lot more about improving my career as a blogger and freelance writer. I think this course would help me immensely. If you don’t know certain important things you waste a lot of time. It is like searching for a needle in a haystack!
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Judy. It’s tough to learn the hard way that health MUST come first so that everything else can be taken care of. That little pre-flight safety speech they give us on the airlines about putting our mask on first before helping others is spot on. I wish you a very healthy and prosperous 2014.
Charles Ray says
I retired from fulltime government service just over a year ago, deciding to devote full time to writing and blogging. While my novel writing has picked up, I’m still struggling with making money blogging. I do some small stuff from time to time for content mills, but feel that my blogging is not yet as focused as it should be. I’ve also discovered that forcing yourself to work when you don’t have mandatory work hours is harder than I thought it would be. Your story, though is so inspiring, it has motivated me to take another run at building my blogging business. Having just finished four months recuperation from a hip operation, I can especially identify with your health issues. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Charles, and good luck to you with your blogging business. Even though most of us freelancers don’t have mandatory work hours, tell yourself that you DO and block out that time on your calendar. If I don’t do that I find it’s really easy to get distracted. My calendar beeps at me all day long telling me what’s next!
Kali @ CommonSenseMillennial says
Thanks for sharing your story, Mary. Life never seems to go 100% according to plan, and we have to be flexible enough to roll with it and make the best of every situation. One of my favorite mantras is “adapt or die” – it’s a good reminder that things change and to succeed you must change too.
A Client Hunting Masterclass would be enormously helpful for me right now. I feel like I’m on the verge of breaking into a fully-fledged freelance career, and the missing key for me right now is not having the knowledge on how to find and pick up well-paying clients. I’m definitely making it small to medium right now, but I believe I have the drive, passion, and talent to make it big!
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Kali!
Geri J. says
Great post. Much more realistic than the celebratory “I’m making six figures blogging” type of thing. And because of this, more inspirational. As for me, I have two blogs, plus I have been a freelance writer and editor for over ten years. What “Hunting Masterclass” will do for me is help me avoid wasting time looking in all the wrong places for new gigs.
Hazel says
Well, I do find myself wondering ‘WTF [I] have to do’ to get good blogging gigs, since that’s one area of my work that hasn’t really paid yet – so I definitely think learning about who to target and how to couch my pitch would help!
Matthew Setter says
I really appreciate this post. As I’m in the middle of establishing myself as a freelance technical writer and software developer, this really resonates with me. Especially as my wife and I have our first child, who’s only just turned 3 months old. Great work. Thanks for the honesty.
Patrick says
That’s an inspiring story, Mary! Thank you for sharing, and I’m glad to see things are looking up! While I haven’t encountered difficulties as challenging as yours yet, I also sometimes feel nearly overwhelmed by it all. Thank you for telling your story!
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Patrick!
Cinthia says
I LOVE this post, Mary!
I worked as a journalist while raising my son and I was a single mother, also, and I too well remember days when he was sick and I had to shuffle work around his schedule. Once I interviewed a senator from a bathroom at the doctor’s office; I still wonder if he heard the toilets flushing in the background, hee, hee.
While I’m trained as a journalist and have been blogging for a few years, I need help in learning how to write winning pitches and how to write strong queries. Both have proved much, much more difficult than I ever anticipated.
I’m ready to learn more.
P.S. I’m putting freelance blogging “tent” up. Hope it doesn’t blow down in the wind.
Sarah Li Cain says
You’re right Mary, life does throw you curveballs. I got super burnt out a month ago and neglected my spouse and friends. I realized it was somebody’s way of telling me that I need to stop doing everything myself. I started outsourcing tasks and it actually frees up my time to build my freelance career too.
Mary Shaw says
Great tip, Sarah, thanks! Yes, I also use outsourcing for non-client admin tasks. It really does help.
Tom Owens says
Hurray for Mary! This is a great winning combination (better gigs + more time with your family). I admire your detailing that the success wasn’t a straight line, but a constant climb. It’s nice to know what a major role Sophie played in your transition, too. I’d love to win a spot in the Client-Seeking Master Class. So far, I’ve had the client hunting skills of Elmer Fudd. It would be great to have a new game plan detailing the “where” and “how” of landing better gigs. I’m ready!
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Tom. It’s never been a straight line. Always a zig-zag but always worth it so I can be with my family. The work is out there. Go find it!
Alexandra says
great to see someone overcome such adversity! freelancing is about making a living, but you’ve got to have a life with living. great story!
Chris says
Mary,
This really hit home for me, since I have two boys with Autism, and finding the time and energy to work on my freelancing business has been a challenge. The unpredictability of what may happen from one day to the next has been a challenge.
I started my freelance business so that eventually, I could work on my own time, and not have to work according to someone else’s schedule. I’d love to win a spot in the Client-Seeking Master Class, as it would bring me closer to being able to be at home and help my boys with their condition without sacrificing financially.
Mary Shaw says
Hi Chris, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad the article was helpful. My heart goes out to you with the challenges you must be facing. If you haven’t already and have a full-time job, perhaps you can arrange a full or part-time remote working agreement with your employer? It doesn’t give you the same amount of freedom that freelancing does, but it definitely helps.
Mel Wicks says
You have no idea how timely this article and the prize is. I have just launched myself as a freelance business writer, starting – 1.1.14 – into a relatively small (geographically-speaking) market that is ripe for the blogging picking. I am so ready to learn more about becoming a freelance blogger, I not only devour every ‘how to’ blog I can for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I snack on them mid morning, pig out on them for tea, and even find myself sneaking a morsel in the middle of the night when no-one is watching. I could think of nothing more valuable than doing the masterclass so I can hit the ground running in January and hunt those client critters down. PS, in case I didn’t say it, I also enjoyed the article and think the lessons learned are often overlooked, but worth noting.
Lynn Jarrett says
Of course I will make more money if I have more high-paying clients — just train me to find those clients!! I am ready, I am confident, and I can commit 20 hours a week to the online class — bring it on!! I look forward to winning the opportunity. Thank you.
Halona Black says
What a great story! It is important for people to see that your plans sometimes get diverted, but it’s not impossible to get back on course.
One of the great problems I have with pitching assignments is that I get people who believe that writing a blog post is quick and simple. They don’t seem to understand the amount of time that goes into it — or if they do, they try to belittle the amount of work I am bringing to the table in an effort to make me feel small. They don’t understand the value my work as a writer can bring to their company once the post is published. A well written blog post should continue to bring in customers, or at the very least build a community of people who love their business — some of whom will make purchases later. This means that my blog post has the potential to bring them customers 2+ years after it was published. And that’s why $25 for a 500-word post doesn’t cut it.
Taking the course will help me to get better at picking potential clients who have the budget to pay what I am worth, as well as help me to translate the amount of value my work brings to the table. I am not a simple robot who writes all day on command. I am a salesperson who happens to use the written word to help businesses reach their goals.
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Halona. And you’re right. It all starts with picking the right potential clients so your value proposition is known to them before you even say hello.
Jodie says
Since this prize would enable me to learn how to get better clients and more money, it sounds perfect for me and anyone else who wants to be serious about their freelance careers.
Nicolia Whyte says
This article really resonated with me because I’ve experienced that ‘under the gun’ feeling and I had a health scare recently as a result. Pacing myself is definitely something I’ve learned over the past few weeks.
The Client Hunting Masterclass would be the perfect fit for me because I’ve I know I have the skills needed, but I have no idea where to find the clients I need to have a lucrative freelance blogging career. I’ve collected a few clips, and I’ll have a pretty decent collection over the next few weeks, but I need to know how to take things to the next level.
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Nicolia!
Sylvia says
Great post Mary!
Sophie, thank you for the opportunity to win your Self Guided Client Hunting Masterclass. It sounds exactly like the additional training I need to learn how to snag the better paying blogging gigs.
I tried the “ask for more money” strategy and I got shot down. I took a blog post writing job at $20 per post thinking the client would love my writing so much that when I was ready to ask for a higher rate she would gladly agree. After only four posts (which she raved about) I went for the kill. I doubled my rate. And lost the client. Doh!
After that I lost my confidence and stopped pitching. That was a year ago! During that time I created my own blog where I teach entrepreneurs how to write their own business plans and start their own businesses: BusinessPlanMentor.com. (Yes, I have loads of experience.) The blog is filled with epic content that I write myself (of course). I LOVE it but earn barely a pittance from it.
I have begun to pitch for blogging opportunities again but really need to land better paying jobs.
Your self guided training would be tremendously helpful. I do devour “how to blog better” tips for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can commit 20 hours or more to the course. I am afraid I’ve been wasting time looking for high paying clients in all the wrong places.
I would be forever grateful to be given the opportunity to win your training course. And if I don’t win, I am grateful for all of the guidance and wisdom you dispense here on your blog.
Cassandra says
Great article, Mary! I’ve been freelance writing (mostly wedding blogging) for a little over a year now, and while I’ve found some great long-term clients, I want to expand and take on some more work. The Client Hunter’s Masterclass is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I have my go-to sites, but it seems like I’ve picked up nothing but shady characters from them as of late, so this is perfect to help me hunt down those reliable businesses that will pay me what I’m worth.
Does it make anyone else mad that people want to pay peanuts for good, quality work? As if great writers are a dime a dozen. Grr.
Stefanie Ward says
For someone who is paralyzed by self-doubt, I’m pretty sure this master class would be a giant leap forward in actually feeling like I can really do what I love and not just earn a paycheck.
Dan says
I already have some experience doing paid blogging work that I’ve managed to pick up through content mills and an agency.
I think the Client Hunting Masterclass would be perfect for me because I’d really like to learn how to find higher paying gigs. I noticed that the course has some training on how to identify good clients and avoid low paying jobs, so that would be extremely helpful.
Additionally, I saw that the course offers guidance when it comes to knowing what to charge. This would be really useful for negotiating with clients who don’t state state a fixed rate of pay per post upfront.
Dan
Katie Lund says
This course looks great. I’m ready to try some new ideas and I could use some advice on where to set my rates.
Louis says
This class would help me in two critical ways. The first is by doing what the title states, helping me find ways to get clients; at present I have little idea how to do this. The second is by giving me insights into what prospective clients are looking for, how to pitch them in ways that convince them you can solve problems for them with your work.
Aisha Shehu says
I feel you Mary!. It is really not easy to raise a family. I am a mother of three and a Medical Professional, I have been struggling to launch a steady freelance career amidst the family chaos. I want to learn how to create a portfolio that will attract potential clients and also what to charge for particular cases. There are so many job boards out there and all the information can be overwhelming and I tend to loose focus. I have churned out so many articles over the years but mostly as a ghost writer. I love reading blogs; I am ready and committed to make my freelance career work despite challenges I might be facing right now, so my advice is never give up, ”if you can dream it, you can achieve it”
Daniel Albright says
I’ve done a bit of freelance blogging here and there, and clients have been really happy with my work—I get a lot of compliments on the high quality of my writing, so I know that I’m cut out to be a successful blogger. I just have trouble finding clients—when I get the opportunity, everything seems to go pretty well, but getting my foot in the door (and actually finding the door in the first place) is the hard part. I feel like this course is exactly what I need to catapult me into blogging stardom!
Sofie says
Life does happen, but I firmly believe that you also make it happen.
I’ve always wanted to ‘do something with writing’. It took me a while to figure out that freelance blogging is it.
I’ve been working working over 20 hours per week on my blog for more than a year now, after coming home from my full time job and during the weekends.
And you know what? I don’t mind. I like it. It’s what I want to do.
That alone is enough proof for me that this is the direction I should be heading in.
In Dutch we have a proverb that says “Well started is halfway there”, so I’d love to get well started:)
I’ve seen the job offers on Elance, oDesk and the like. I know I don’t want to make just $10 per hour and I know that’s not what successful freelance bloggers are making.
If I do it, I want to do it properly.
I want to look for clients in the right places.
I want to know that my pitches will interest them so that they’ll write back.
And once they do, I want to remember what I’m worth and not give in to accepting rates that don’t justify the time I would be spending on the project, but I also want to convince my future clients of what I’m worth, so that they’ll understand.
Starting practically from scratch I don’t have client base to grow; I have one to build. That’s why I would love to win this Self-Guided Client Hunting Masterclass.
Diana Busby says
I had a goal of quitting my full-time teachimg job to become a freelance writer and photographer by 12-20-13; however, there have been snags along the way. This article has renewed my confidence that I can roll with the punches and keep plugging away. I’ve launched my part-time freelance business and will make it full-time by May, especially if I win a spot in the Client Building Master Class. PLEASE PICK ME!
Francesca says
Mary congratulations for having juggled through challenges by winning! To a glorious new year for you, may this post bring you more prosperity and clients.
As for me and wining the client hunting masterclass, I can foresee various reasons. While I am building the new website ( finally I have found the right person and kick in the butt to do it), creating a reputable portfolio and landing quality gigs is my goal for the next year. 2013 was the year to produce quality content for my blog and build a newsletter readership, 2014 will be to use my 30 hours after my full time job to bloom with clients.
As your story shows, let’s set the new year resolutions when everyone’s mood is cheerful and positive for the holidays and remember to stick to them when curveballs fly from the sky.
Mary Shaw says
Thanks for the positive energy, Francesca! And all the best to you for a healthy and prosperous 2014 🙂
Mary Lynne says
I have not started freelance writing yet. I am still considering my employment options and trying to decide in what direction I would like to march. Taking this course would allow me to see more clearly what my freelance options might be. The templates and real-life examples would be especially helpful.
Jordan Clary says
Nice article! I feel like I’m always setting goals, then not meeting them. Then beating myself up for it. I believe you’re right that the important thing is to just keep moving forward.
Mary Shaw says
Thanks Jordan. Keep setting those goals, and remember that they are there to guide you, not enslave you. Life got a lot better when I stopped beating myself up when things didn’t go exactly as planned. The trick is to know what you want, know why you’re doing it, and then map out how you’ll get there. Measure your progress as you go along, see what’s working and what’s not and then make adjustments until you land where you need to be. But most importantly enjoy the journey!
Anthony Dezenzio says
The client-hunting master class would definitely help me in obtaining
the right clients. It’s frustrating having to take on work that does not pay.
Ruth says
First of all, great post. I’ve been freelancing for three years and have had quite a few ups and downs, from health issues while living in Africa to the financial realities of living in first-world Costa Rica. This is why I want to win the prize: to smooth out the highs and lows and get into a financially viable freelance writing career. It’s time to get off the roller coaster!
I started freelancing because I wanted to share under-reported stories with the world, help (established) nonprofits reach their goals, and do some travel writing. I’ve done all three: for 10 cents (or less) a word, for flakey nonprofits, and for top magazines… that don’t provide consistent work.
I love blogging and creating web content… and I know I’m decent at it. I’ve gotten great “opportunity” gigs, but can’t seem to parlay that experience into real paying clients (most of my paid work has been articles, marketing and internal projects, not blogging).
So I need your help! How do I kick start a career writing blog posts for brands and causes I actually care about — and who pay well and offer consistent work? Is this something you can help with, or am I just asking too much from freelance life?
Shauna L Bowling says
Excellent post, Mary. First and foremost, I’m glad you and your daughter are feeling better.
My freelance business was very slow this year. My intent was to transition out of the mills and gain my own clients. In order to do so, I spent the better part of the year building a website and learning everything I could about freelancing for real money, marketing, etc. Needless to say, although the learning process was necessary, my income level was minimal at best. Dropping the mills cold turkey didn’t help, but I got to the point that I realized my time and talent was worth more than the mills are willing to pay.
I plan to start 2014 out with a bang by being more aggressive in seeking clients. Your advice will help me do just that.
Larry says
Mary – your reminder about being flexible and remembering that real life interrupts are plans is very helpful. It’s not always about simply working harder. Life happens and we have to deal with it. I like your positive spin on the challenges you faced and how you see the steps you have indeed taken. Good luck as you move forward in the new year.
A kickstart is just what I need! I have been in neutral for too long – jerking forward but ultimately making progress. I hope this prize will help me zoom forward.
Heiddi says
Hiya Mary,
Great post! I can definitely relate to this because I’m a single, working mom. I’m a full-time child and family therapist. My blogging has taken a dive in the last six months due to health issues. I have maintained one regular client, but my goal in 2014 is to get one or two more clients so I can supplement my income. Kiddo’s in private school and I’m doing this financially on my own. The client hunting class will be a great way for me to hit my goal and have a great year. Ps – Sophie is awesomesauce isn’t she? I had a mentoring session with her that I loved so much I’d like to do it again. 🙂 Thanks for a great post!
Margaret McGriff says
This was an awesome post and reminded me of how my business went when I launched it this time last year. Business went great in the beginning but I stopped actively looking for new clients when it was good and when that business dried up I was left scrambling. To kick off my career I will stop looking in the wrong places (aka lowing paying gigs) and go after bigger fish – bigger companies and work my connections. I’ve freelanced on the side for four years so I need to stop being scared and get this money! 🙂
Amber Canaan says
The first paragraph of that page says:
“You’ve got a laptop, a way with words and a drive to succeed. But that doesn’t seem to be enough. Instead of making it big in the freelance blogging world you’re making it, um, small-to-medium.”
That’s the EXACT situation I find myself in. I am spinning my wheels trying to make this work and at times I am very much ready to quit.
The thing that keeps me at it though is because I know if I could just break through, this would be a tremendous blessing to my family and take some of the burden off of my husband to provide for our growing family. This class seems like the very thing that would help me break through these barriers and finally see some results!
Libby Walkup says
Hello! Am I in time to register? It looks like my chances are pretty slim anyway, but I hope to have the chance. I’m new to this business, though I’m a well-trained writer. Hell, I’m new to all the businesses. I’ve been in school for so long I don’t think any firm will hire me with my two master’s degrees in creative writing and my four years of coffee shop experience. I know, THAT’S a sob story, isn’t it? I’d roll my eyes now if I heard that story. I won’t blame you for the doing the same.
But that aside, I don’t think I’m cut out for the traditional work environment. I’ve never understood going to work at 8 just because that’s the time everyone expects you to. If there’s no work to do AT 8, why not do it at 9 or 10? Getting the work done is more important clocking hours, isn’t it? People confuse this with me not walking to work, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth, I work hard and I like working hard, I just want to work hard in a way, at a time, and for pay that makes sense for me.
ANYWAY, I can learn the writing, but I need to learn the business, find the clients, and build the portfolio. I’m looking for as many opportunities to do that as possible. I’m new to Sophie Lizard, and I’m super excited by all the information and the support. You’ve built a great community here.
Also. Great guest post. I’m glad things are back on track for you Mary and I hope your health continues to improve!
Sophie Lizard says
So many fantastic comments! The winner is Rebecka Reddick –I’m emailing you about your prize now, Rebecka.
For everyone else who entered, I’m sending you a personal email that gives you a second chance to join the Client Hunting Masterclass. 🙂 And there’ll be a new prize contest tomorrow, so keep checking in for more chances to win.
Diana Busby says
Congratulations Rebecca! Hey Sophie, would you email her commenton so we can see what made the difference in winning the grand prize and taking home a consolation prize? I learn a lot by reading about other’s success. Thanks for running these contests.
Rohi Shetty says
Hi Diana,
Good strategy.
Here’s the winning comment:
(Rebecka Reddick says:
December 21, 2013 at 10:01 pm
I’m temporarily homeless.
Ok, not exactly. My parents moved out of country and couldn’t get me in because I am already 21 ( no longer a dependent, therefore not eligible for a work visa). As you can imagine, this has been highly motivational for me to figure out how to make enough to live on, fast.
I’ve always wanted to make a living writing, and writing serialized fiction for Kindle is not quite the route toward financial security. Nothing on the internet is, some may argue, but I don’t have a permanent address so my online presence is all I have right now.
I just don’t know how to get organized and create a game plan. I want to query everyone, but I haven’t been consistent on my own blog. This is my dilemma: so many strategies, so little time before I need to move to the next hostel.
I think it would take a load of my mind to know that I’m getting the training I need.
Cheers,
Rebecka.)
Congrats, Rebecka and all the best.