First of all a celebratory Woop! Because I have just passed my first year earning a living as a freelancer. I started out in September 2021 as a VA, helping stressed out and overwhelmed small business owners to feel more in control. I was still working part time in my office job, where I was feeling more and more miserable as the year went on. I was desperately trying to move up the ladder but as a working mum, not wanting to commit to full time hours, I wasn’t getting anywhere.
So in January 2022 I handed in my notice and after working my one month notice period I was flying solo! A very, very scary thing. But I can only say one thing; it was the best decision I’ve ever made!
Now that we’re one year further I thought it is a great time to reflect and share with you the four things I’ve learned during that period (to be honest I’ve learned a lot more, but these do stand out).
1. You don't need to have it all figured out
When I started out my business all I could see in front of me was a big, black, gaping hole of the unknown. What are the processes? Which forms do I need? How do I get clients? What do I tell them my prices are? And many, many more questions that I never knew the answer to. I decided to invest in a business coach, with the thought that they could just tell me what I had to do to quit my job and be a freelancer. Obviously that's not how it works.. But what she did make me figure is that I DON'T need to know it all. It make me realise that if I know the basics, I have enough to go by and make it all work. Will it all be perfect and hunky-dory? No, but that's life right? We make mistakes, learn from it and keep going.
So yes, my biggest lesson is that it's ok not have it all figured out into the littlest details.
2. You don't need a website...
....to start with. A bit controversial maybe, but I do believe that when you are starting out you don't need a website to get clients.
I didn't have a website until 14 months after landing my first client.
Building a half decent website takes time (or money if you outsource) plus you'll be paying for hosting fees, domain names, maybe a professional email address. Most small businesses don't have that money to spend when they are just starting out.
On top of that you will still have to drive traffic to your website, for people to find you.
So instead of spending my, already limited, time on building my own website I decided to put my efforts into Instagram and being seen there. Showing up, sharing my thoughts and knowledge and letting people know how they could work with me.
After about 9 months I decided to change my offerings to include more graphic design and branding. As I now had more packages and was offering a much more visual service I decided it was time to finally build a website.
There will be some exceptions to this, as I probably wouldn't work with a website designer who doesn't have a website. And a website it definitely an additional marketing and sales tool but I don't believe it is a necessity when you are starting out.
3. Having freedom and flexibility can be a curse
But isn't this why most of us started out own business?? Yes, of course! It is an absolute blessing to be able to fill in my working day to my own satisfaction. Not having to report about progress to my boss. Want a day off? Go for a long lunch? Or take the dog for a walk? Not a problem, you can just do that.
Where it gets hard for me is juggling childcare and my working hours. And now being the one solely responsible for that. Being in a corporate job, I had some flexibility but for school holidays or child sickness I would use a paid holiday but so would my husband. We shared this responsibility.
Now, seeing as I don't have to ask permission anymore, it comes down to me to shuffle hours around, work weekends or late nights when the children are on holiday, off sick or there is yet another strike. Yes, I wanted to have a more flexible job so I could be there for the kids, but that doesn't make the juggle less stressful.
4. Success doesn't mean six-figures
You don't have to have a six-figure business and you definitely don't have to have a 6-figure business overnight.
When you run a small business you will get bombarded with advise and people selling you THE solution to have a "successful" business, to have five-figure months and the best marketing strategy you've ever seen.
Everyone seems to have the solution to your problems. And although I think it is amazing to invest in your business and yourself, I also believe that there is not one method to reach your success. Mainly because I think that success is different for everyone AND is changing when you grow your business.
When I started out all I wanted was to make the same amount of money each month as I was in my corporate job AND to be able to go to the Netherlands during the school summer holidays. Guess what, I succeeded! So it's fair to say that I have a successful business in my eyes, even though I'm making nowhere near six-figures.
This year my money goal has increased and I'm working on bringing in more brand and graphic design work. I'm still not working towards a six-figure business but maybe in the next couple of years that will be a goal and that's ok, as long as it aligns with how YOU see your business being a success. Go at your own pace, whether that's being an overnight success or a slow burner, do YOU!
There you go, my four things I’ve learned in my first year of freelancing. I would love to hear what you learned or what is holding you back from becoming a freelancer, feel free to send me a message on Instagram for a wee chat!
Follow me on @emmeliecoulson.va
Kommentare