Last Updated on: June 24th, 2021
I had no idea when I started freelance writing on the side almost two years ago where it would take both my business and personal life. It’s true, I was looking to it as a way out.
My Way Out
I didn’t have it bad per say at work, I just wasn’t really passionate about what I did all day/week/month/year long as a financial adviser and support person to a large financial planning practice in my area. In fact, I had it pretty good.
I had:
- A 10-minute drive to work
- A decent salary (that supported our family of four)
- Nice co-workers (that were family and treated me as the same)
- And a whole lotta potential to grow
But it wasn’t what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Even if there was a lot of opportunity for advancement and pay. I had already spent the previous decade figuring that out.
And since I had another 30 working years or so ahead of me, I didn’t want to succumb to something I wasn’t passionate about so early.
So after I became honest with myself, I decided to buck the trend of Corporate America by starting a freelance writing side hustle instead.
And then I added virtual assistant services. And it grew – so much so that I was grossing $4,000 per month WHILE working full-time and having two toddlers at home.
Less than six months after I looked into it in the first place. And I’ve since more than quadrupled that since going full-time. In fact, in November 2015 I grossed over $18,500 from my little freelance business.
How’d I Do It?
It’s simple.
- I got started. And I learned a heck of a lot on the fly.
- I put myself out there. A lot.
- I asked to be hired, rather than waiting for clients to find me. (Because trust me, they won’t!)
- Then I started teaching what I learned. (‘Cuz, that’s the best way to start building an audience.)
I launched 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success.
Then I continued to add to and improve the material and the value I was offering to those that took the course.
I launched a private Facebook group for writers to connect with each other, support each other and cheer each other on.
And then I did it all again.
After building a platform and an email list, I launched my second course, 30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success.
And it was a smashing success!
So I launched a matchmaking service to pair all of my entrepreneur friends with the fantastic VAs I was teaching.
And that’s about to be a smashing success.
So What Should You Do?
Figure out what you want to be when you grow up. (Just kidding!)
Start by figuring out something you want to pursue.
If you work full-time, start a freelancing side hustle.
Next, learn.
But learn by doing. Not by reading everything out there on the web. Sure you can take a course or two (especially if they’re mine ;-), but don’t let learning get in the way of doing… because you’ll actually learn a lot more by putting yourself out there, trying and making a few mistakes than you will trying to absorb everything you can about online business through osmosis.
It’s actually a really simple three-step process:
- Start
- Learn
- Do
Again, take the first step by starting. Pick something – anything and give it a try. Then if it seems like a viable option for you, learn more about it. But learn the most by doing – by actually trying it out.
Why Not Me, Why Not Now?
This was my mantra for 2015. (I’m keeping it for 2016 too.) And I’m throwing it your way: Why not you, why not now? Step out. Take a chance. Maybe it’ll change your life pretty drastically too!
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Gina Horkey is a married, millennial mama to two precocious toddlers. Additionally, she’s a professional writer and online business marketing consultant with a decade of experience in the financial services industry. Gina enjoys helping other freelancers gear up to quit their day jobs and take their side hustles full-time.
Did You Know You Could Become a Freelance Editor?
Being a freelance editor, in my opinion, is even better than being a freelance writer. First of all, it pays more. Secondly, it is the best job I could ever ask for. I love editing, I love words, and I love helping others. Finally, I love reaping the many rewards (check out the many benefits of being a freelance editor).
If you are not currently working at your dream job and want to be a freelance editor, then sign up to get on the “interest list” for my upcoming course!
I am in the process of designing a course that will teach you EVERYTHING about being a work-from-home editor and entrepreneur.
This includes:
– how to get paid up-front… ALWAYS! (before you do any work)
– how to get testimonials
– how to market yourself
– where to find work
– how to leverage social media for your business (because, YES, you will be actually running a business if you are successful!)
– how to keep accurate records
– how to easily calculate your costs
– how to communicate with potential clients so they turn into ACTUAL clients
– how to organize your time (so you can complete all of the tasks involved in running your biz)
– how to deal with difficult clients
– which projects to accept
– when to raise your rates
– AND MORE! (INCLUDING BONUSES!)
Plus, I want to get to know you so that I can give you EXACTLY what you need to succeed!
So, DO you want to know more about how to become a freelance editor?
If so, SIGN UP HERE.
