I’ll admit, this post may seem a little pretentious coming from a pair of writers who have officially been in business for four and a half months. We’re hardly in a position to discuss how our vast experience in the freelancing field has led to success and monster profits. In reality, we’re just starting to get a feel for how our business runs, marketing ourselves, and…gasp…tax season coming up.
At the same time, I’ve noticed that some of our hard work from four months ago is just now starting to make a difference. For example, I did relatively no work over the holidays. Lorna, I’ll admit, had a bit more on her plate, but I had a single project that I finished in one day, and that’s been the bulk of my working hours. Yet, when I check my email inbox, there are additional jobs, communications from acquaintances I considered long gone, and potential new revenue sources. Bids that I sent out several months ago are now coming back with offers.
It’s great.
Of course, there are additional benefits to longevity. Our portfolio and client list are growing, we’re developing a reputation for our hard work, we have numerous colleagues we respect and admire, we’re getting referrals, and we get to tell people we’re actually writers at cocktail parties. We’re also gaining valuable experience; the difference between what Lorna and I knew four months ago and what we know now is pretty substantial.
Again, four and a half months might not seem like a long time. In the grand scheme of things, it’s really not. However, we often cavil about people who take up freelance writing because it seems like a quick and easy way to work from home—I doubt those people find themselves with an equal amount of enthusiasm a third of a year later. Yet, here we are, more optimistic and excited as ever. Each day, our hard work becomes more and more evident.
I think this thought is a great one to end this year. Stick with it. You’d be surprised how the things you do today will benefit you even a few short months from now.
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Yes, this year was different for me too. I’ve taken a decent break and already have jobs booked in for next week and the weeks to come. Things can only get better
Quick and easy way to work from home. Ha! As I was putting together my calendar for January, I nearly fainted at everything I have to do.
I can’t wait to see how your site grows. Good luck in the new year!
You are so right, Tamara! So much can be learned in a short few months, if only we apply ourselves.
I’ve really enjoyed this blog and can’t wait to see how you and Lorna grow and share in 2008!
Happy New Year!
I’ve said this before— new writers should hang in there…SO VERY MANY clients come to you months later. Either they dropped the project, or the person they chose didn’t work out, or etc, but I’ve had it happen to me at least 10 times in the last year.