Website. Check.
First blog post. Check.
Now what?
I am finding myself becoming very overwhelmed. Not in a scary I want to quit way, but in a there is a lot of information out there telling me what to do and it is all different, kind of way.
What I Know
I know that I love writing. I always have. In fact, from the time I was a child with the ability to write coherent sentences I have been a “writer”. Maybe not a good one, but a writer nonetheless. All throughout school I loved researching a topic and getting my ideas onto paper for everyone to read. There were straight-forward no nonsense pieces, controversial pieces, and funny satirical pieces. All the way into college, where I earned my Bachelors of Art degree in United States History, I wrote, and wrote, and wrote. I loved it.
Yet now, as I find myself in a position to develop my writing career and take it from hobby to income, I am lost. I am questioning everything, as I had expected I would, but I am also struggling to take control of that doubt and do something productive with it. My mind is swirling with a million ideas of possible niches, possible pitches, guest posting, success stories, WordPress tutorials, and blog posts. I am scrolling the internet seeking answers from somebody, anybody, but it only adds to my confusion.
So, there is only one thing for me to do. Make a plan. Get organized. Take one thing at a time.
My Plan
1. Choose those I want to follow
I have a bad habit of getting sucked into the internet. One click here turns into a millions clicks there and before you know it, my time is gone and I am surrounded by ideas from everyone who thinks they know best. This gets me nowhere.
I have decided I will pick a select few people to follow. Even if I never speak directly to them (although I hope to soon!) I can use the knowledge they have provided people such as myself and apply it to my own freelancing journey.
Every day I will check their blogs (and only theirs). I will gather the information I deem relevant and move on so as not to waste more time.
2. Pitch, Pitch, Pitch
As of right now, I am not looking for paid clients. If something came my way and it was a paid gig then I would jump up and down and say hooray! But what I really need right now are guest posts to build my portfolio. I feel this is my weakest point because I am just not sure who or where or what.
I have started to hone in on my potential niches (which is definitely progress and so important) but I still feel lost. If I could just get that first one published I think I would gain a ton of confidence and have a better sense of direction. Until then I will continue checking blogs that I feel I could contribute to and see what I can do. Someone out there wants to me write for them I just know it!
3. Take a Breather
It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the success stories I read about people who, just a short time ago, were in the exact same spot as I am right now. There is something to remember though. They all had to go through a similar process and it takes time. Freelancing is a numbers game, I have heard it time and time again. If I keep putting myself out there, someone will bite eventually. I just have to calm down and know that what is meant to be will come my way, one way or another.
In the End
The truth is, I am not like many freelance writers out there that have had major success. I have never contributed to a blog before until now. I have never owned my own business, been self-employed,or prepared my own taxes as an individual contractor. I do not have the experience many of the successful entrepreneurs do when they first start out. Yet I will not let this bring me down.
I am not looking to be a millionaire. I am a normal person trying to make it in the freelance world so I can have a great life and a little more freedom. My ambition, confidence, and hard work will make up for my lack of experience. I can do anything I set my mind to, even if it takes me a little longer than I would like.
If I can do this, so can you. Join me on my journey, and let us help each other succeed!
