Steady Steps Freelancing

 Today didn’t just feel productive—it felt affirming. I finally took a big step forward and published my first Fiverr portfolio project: a mock campaign for Freshwater Tavern. What began as a personal creative challenge turned into a beautiful blend of strategy, storytelling, and design—all thanks to a local business that graciously gave me permission to practice with their brand. That permission? It meant more than just using photos. It meant trust . And that trust gave me the confidence to create something thoughtful, tone-matched, and truly aligned with their lakeside charm. I also realized something important: this so-called “practice” I’ve been doing? It’s real work. Real effort. Real skill development. And seeing that campaign live on my Fiverr profile—backed with intention, not perfection—makes me feel like I’ve finally crossed the line from “dreaming” into “doing.” I wrapped the day by brainstorming a new gig focused solely on social media marketing. Because this isn’t ...

The past couple of weeks didn’t come with big breakthroughs—but they delivered plenty in their own chaotic, charming way. Take Wilma, for example—one of our ducklings who had what I now call her “spa night fiasco.” After a muddy brawl (duck drama is real), Wilma ended up waddling through our house, freshly scrubbed and passionately quacking like she had something important to say. Maybe she did—maybe she was encouraging me to keep going. Because here’s the thing: progress doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it tiptoes in after midnight, muddy-footed and unexpected. During this quiet stretch, I didn’t land a new client or hit a big milestone. But I: Revised my resume for a marketing role I’m genuinely excited about Followed up proactively—even without hearing back yet Created mock projects that sharpened my skills and reminded me what I’m capable of Drafted content (like this post!) to stay connected with my voice And in between it all—driver’s ed drop-offs, insomnia nights, groce...

 Freelancing is often painted as the dream career—flexibility, independence, and the ability to work from anywhere. And while that’s true, finding balance is key. Right now, I’m camping with my family, enjoying the fresh air and quiet moments. But even in the middle of nature, I make time to check in—whether it’s a quick message to a client, reviewing LinkedIn analytics, or refining my blog strategy. Some campsites have no service, and that’s okay. It’s about prioritizing what needs attention while also knowing when to step back and be present. So, how do I manage all of it? ✅ Structured workflows —keeping my processes clean and efficient so I’m not scrambling. ✅ Client communication strategies —setting clear expectations so I don’t feel tied to my inbox 24/7. ✅ Smart task management —using spreadsheets, handwritten boards, and time-blocking to keep everything moving. ✅ Knowing when to pause —embracing personal time without guilt, because stepping away improves productivity....

Signing up for freelancing platforms, thinking they’re a free ticket to opportunity? They’re not. They’re businesses designed to make money off freelancers , often through subscription fees, premium features, and never-ending promotions like, “Only $900, and success is yours!” And while paying for tools isn't inherently bad, not everyone has the budget to throw money at a career they’re just starting. The constant pressure to invest in expensive memberships can make it seem like you need these platforms to succeed—but you don’t. What you do need is credibility , and you build that through real connections, proven skills, and consistency . Building Credibility Without Breaking the Bank Instead of feeling trapped by pricey subscriptions, focus on platforms that matter —the ones where businesses actually operate: ✅ LinkedIn —Share insights, showcase expertise, and connect authentically. ✅ Social media —Engage with professionals and put your work in front of people who care. ...

 Starting out as a freelance virtual assistant is exciting—new ideas flood in, the passion to build something great keeps you up at night, and suddenly, work becomes an all-consuming thought . You watch tutorials, draft strategies, refine workflows, and before you know it, sleep is no longer part of the routine. I’ve been there. This past week, insomnia took over , leaving me awake for four straight days . Not because of stress, but because of sheer excitement —ideas racing through my mind, new possibilities unfolding. But here’s the truth: you can’t build a successful business without investing in yourself first. Why Rest Is a Business Strategy Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it builds slowly, masked by passion and motivation. When you skip sleep to plan projects or obsess over perfecting details, you’re not gaining an edge—you’re losing clarity . The biggest lesson new VAs need to learn early on is how to shut it off. 🔹 Creativity thrives when the brain rests. New ideas ...

  Wins This Week 💡 Finalized my freelance contract to ensure clarity and protection. Built out a client management & onboarding system for a smooth workflow. Created a structured blog posting plan —5 posts a week for consistent engagement! Engaged with my audience, including 77 new blogger views and a LinkedIn comment recognizing my journey. Progress on Business Organization 🚀 This week wasn’t just about checking off tasks—it was about building a solid foundation for my freelance career. From setting up contracts to planning ahead for branding, everything is aligning for long-term success . The biggest shift? Understanding how processes create freedom —the more structured my workflow, the easier it is to focus on the actual work rather than scrambling for the next step. Growth Over the Last Two Weeks 🌱 Two weeks ago, I was still figuring things out, tackling problems as they came up. Now, I have clear systems, intentional planning, and a real sense of direc...