joeys last blog post..Unjob Tech: ididwork.com

And I used to think making a heap of cash meant you were successful – but as you mentioned, you’ve got to be happy doing what you do and you’ve got to feel as though you’re providing a great service and making other people happy too.

Cath Lawsons last blog post..Make Money Online & Screw The Middleman

I shall follow your blog with interest, as I am at just the point you describe, casting around aimlessly for a writing gig when I shoiuld be focusing on something and getting it done.

Eve

Eves last blog post..Smiley Saturday

@ Jesse – You’re welcome. Wish I could take full credit for it, though. That goes to my client.

And I think there’s another aspect to this. There are some folks with great talent who talk as if their writing is crap. Heck, I’ve only recently stopped talking about my writing as “at the high end of average.” My Midwestern self-deprecating manner, while it plays well in real life, doesn’t get me clients.

Thanks for sharing that statement:

“Get out of that little freelancer mindset and start rocking things. You’re better than this.”

For all of the people who have overinflated views of their abilities, there are probably just as many who go in the opposite direction, possessing the talent but never really using it.

Good reminder.

Jesse Hiness last blog post..How to Become a More Clear and Concise Writer by Reading Road Signs

So, here I was a barely part-time freelance writer with a corporate job. What do I do? Am I even cut out for writing or a real writer? So I threw fear out with the wind and emailed a bunch of folks — some I knew well and others barely. From that email, I had two new clients.

The business grew. I still have one of those “new” clients today after 8 years. We met for the first time in 2007 at a family event. He’s in Minnesota and I am in Texas.

I’m lucky indeed.

@ Bamboo – Glad you liked it!

@ Melissa – It’s one of those things I’ve just put off until now. I’m polishing it up today, it should be live by tomorrow.

The thing is, this blog is not and never has been about selling my services. It’s about helping other writers. Now, if I can land some gigs along the way, all the better. But that’s why there hasn’t yet been a services page.

@ Joel – As long as you’ve got reliable folks and don’t outsource too much of your work, I think you’re fine. But you’re right; slow growth is more sustainable, I think. I’m looking forward to the day when I can source the crap gigs out to a hungry young upstart (who will be glad for the opportunity, like I was), pick and choose my own writing assignments, and spend the rest of the day on the mentoring site. Oh, and hanging out with my family.

Not to sound like a broken record, but that’s the dream, right? That’s where I am going. That’s where I’ll be soon, too.

@ James – Aw shucks, bro. Thank you. I’m flattered. Seriously, your words mean a lot to me. I’m trying not to waste it. More than that, I’m trying to use my ability to give back a bit; share it with other people like me, people who want to give this whole Internet writing thing a go. And you’ve shaken me up too, in your own way.

You have what it takes, my friend. It’s rare, it’s a gift. Don’t waste it.

And I’m glad to see that you’re not. Thank that person for shaking you up, because if she didn’t, I sure as hell would have.

James Chartrand – Men with Penss last blog post..Putting Twitter on Notice

Then I came back to earth, realized I had to let things mature a bit slower and rebounded into the same problem you describe here. Where’s the middle ground?

Joel Falconers last blog post..Marketing Lessons from Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy

Melissa Donovans last blog post..Link Love Mad Libs Writing Exercise for Bloggers

Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Requirements to be a Motivational Speaker

I really need to stop thinking of myself as just a writer-for-hire, and start thinking about myself as a company. Every day presents a new challenge, and if it doesn’t, I’ll move on and find one. That’s how I got here in the first place. I couldn’t “find” the job I truly wanted, so I created it.

Thanks Bob. I can’t wait until July.

Pamelas last blog post..Time to Reboot

@ Phil – Make no mistake, you’re a damn good writer. Not that you needed me to tell you that, but it’s true. And the best way to get into freelancing is, in my mind, the way you’re doing it. Don’t quit the day job, but explore what’s out there. And yes, we’ll definitely talk at Gen Con – maybe even a little about writing!

I have come to realize that I’m a good writer and I have been able to achieve success on the web.

I love writing, it gets me in The Flow almost instantly.

However, I’m currently also working at a day job that pays a lot more than what I need to give my family a comfortable life.

As much as I’d love to make a living writing freelance, I am not ready to trade my day job for this… even though I like writing a lot better than what I currently do.

I’m still pondering. Maybe we can talk at Gen Con and I can listen to your wisdom on this.

Phil Menards last blog post..Chatty’s Gen Con (and contest update)

Wishing you success with your newest venture!

DeafMoms last blog post..Are You Living Your Dream Life?

@ Peggie – I’m glad it hit home. Step it up. Do your thing. Chase the dream. I’m rooting for you.

Welcome to both of you, by the way. Glad you decided to join the conversation!