I received an email Friday evening from a new freelancer who said he was becoming discouraged and asked for advice to keep going. He took the first step himself by joining our newsletter list and reaching out to get help. I love helping freelancers who take initiative. This guy implemented TIP #1 on his own: 
- Join a community that is specifically geared toward what you want to do – whether you’re freelancing or have some other goal, joining a newsletter list that will keep you focused, is always a good idea. Our Newsletter list is free and will parlay you into our free “Starting Out” membership. This membership is specifically designed to help freelancers with limited funds. You can register here to be notified when our group is up and running at months end.
TIP #2:
- Count your blessings and look to help others – when things aren’t going your way, it’s easy to wallow in self-pity. While that may sooth you for a bit, consider this: do you have the basics: food, clothing, shelter? If so, you’re ahead of many; never forget that. And always remember to count your blessings. Next look for opportunities to help others in the area in which you want to freelance. So let’s say you want to design websites. Why not offer a free site to a non-profit organization that is doing good. You never know when helping others will net a recommendation to a paying gig.
TIP #3:
- Do something you love that is also creative in between honing your freelance skills. For instance, are you an artist at heart? Do you love to dance, sing, paint or play an instrument? If so, search online for free groups to join that can foster your creative energy. Can’t get out or trying to save on gas, don’t have a computer? Walk to your local library or borrow a book from a friend to open your mind to new horizons. If you have a computer, post pics of things you love on Pinterest. Need an invite to join, request an invite from us here. Doing things that foster your creative energy will give your mind a break from feeling down; it will boost your spirits and help spur you to continue. So double back to TIP #1 and join groups that can help you find new jobs and places to find clients and be persistent. Most successful entrepreneurs will tell you that above all else you need endurance to persevere when times are tough. Got additional tips you’d like to share with fellow freelancers? Leave them in the comments below.
This is Shilonda Downing, signing off for Virtual Work Team LLC!
Thank you for sharing this Shilonda! I know it can be hard for everyone at one point or another when trying to get clients, and always being picked over for someone cheaper. I have experienced this a lot lately, but I won’t give up! After speaking to you and reading this, I am determined that the “Right” client just hasn’t come along yet, these others would have just been fillers, and you know what…I am ok with that.
Thank you for taking the time to share these tips! I plan to use them all!
Teri you have a special place in my heart and it’s my pleasure to help you with encouraging words that will help give you the endurance you need to stay in the game! You’re right, view the others as fillers until the “Right” or “Ideal” client comes along. Polish up on your skills as mentioned in the article and then find a creative outlet that brings you joy and has nothing to do with freelancing. I’m so glad you’re going to apply the tips, I want you to keep me posted.
Shilonda Downing
Virtual Work Team LLC