As a newbie on the freelance writing scene, I was a bit overwhelmed when trying to figure out what to write in my first blog. Unlike those who come before me, I have no words of wisdom to impart. I can’t offer ’10 best tips to make your content pop’ or ‘5 tried and true strategies to write killer prose’. Well, I probably could, but nowhere near as well as the myriad of professionals with years more experience already have.

So I thought I would write just a little about my journey to becoming my own boss and touch on some of the inspiration and support networks that help keep me sane.

First, the emotions. I don’t know if anyone agrees, but the manic fluctuations of feelings such a career change incites are like being stuck on a malfunctioning sideshow ride! Has anyone else experienced the merry-go-round of elation and terror?

Elation as I feel like a boss because I finally took the leap to do something I love, even when it meant leaving a steady, secure income to go out on a limb–well before I was ready (yep, you read that right…crazy, huh?).

Then terror as reality hits.

I’m doing what?!

What if I’m no good?

What if I fail?

What if people see me for what I am…a fraud? (of course, the sane me knows that’s not true but try explaining that to the curled in a foetal position, questioning my sanity, me. There’s no getting through to that maniac).

Then as the calm returns, I look to the sources I drew inspiration from to give me a gentle reminder of why I am doing this.

I did my research. My Business Plan was feasible. It’s time to Just.Do.It.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

This saying is commonly misattributed to Mark Twain. However, it’s believed writer H. Jackson Brown Jr is the correct author (ref: Quoteinvestigator)

I’ve always loved this quote. I used to have it stuck on my wardrobe to remind me every morning not to be afraid to take chances.

Inspiration that helped me start my freelance journey

Aside from having a trusty inspirational quote to motivate me, I also drew immense inspiration from two champions for female entrepreneurs whose books changed the direction of my life. 

Freelance support networks I can’t live without

I also subscribe to professional networks to bounce ideas off and keep myself accountable. 

I laugh when I look back to when I started on my own and what I thought I knew about running a business. Especially a copywriting business. Thankfully I stumbled across the brilliant Clever Copywriting School early in my market research. Headed by one of the most generous, supportive and kind (not to mention funny) people, Kate Toon, this community of like-minded copy beasts is an endless source of support, inspiration and it’s a safe place to laugh, cry or scream about the joys and despair of being your own boss. Besides this wonderful community, Kate also heads up The Digital Masterchefs and The Recipe for SEO Success. In her own words, Kate is: “…an award-winning misfit entrepreneur who works with small businesses and big brands to transform their online presence: through powerful SEO, captivating content and all the right digital marketing moves.”

Another inspirational powerhouse is Karley Beadman. Founder of the Findher online business directory, Karley is a Certified Practising Marketer with a Master of Marketing. Karley established FindHer Online Business as an online networking community for women-led businesses in Australia and the FindHer online business directory to drive website traffic. She is selfless with her time and constantly provides tips and tricks while encouraging women to support each other in business. She is a true gem.

I’m a member of the fabulous networking group, Business Chicks #businesschicks. The support from this bunch of talented, caring, generous women is great. And the access to online masterclasses, professional resources, and events is well worth the small annual investment to become a premium member.

I can’t recommend accessing a support network strongly enough. Make sure you have a strong network you can call on for support. Whatever form that takes. One of the best remedies to those inevitable bouts of self-doubt is to connect with people in similar positions. Knowing you’re not alone makes all the difference in the world.

Oh, and my fantastic network of personal supporters – my family and friends who provide an abundance of support, encouragement and love. I honestly would not be here without them. I’m eternally grateful for their love and support.

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How about you? What was your journey to self-employment like? Are you still heading toward that path? Where did you draw your inspiration from? 

Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear about your experience.  

Disclaimer: I have not received payment from any of the above sources. These are purely my saviours on my freelance journey!