Early Experiences

For a decade, I thrived in sales, honing my interpersonal skills. However, a turning point arrived when customer satisfaction vanished — and I realized it was my own disillusionment that led to this change. After three years managing a corporate cell phone store, I decided to leave and ventured into selling manufactured homes. I quickly found that this new role was akin to being a used car salesman, and I faced grueling 10-hour days in a highly competitive environment. The routine became exhausting, and I recognized that a salary merely suffices to keep you working without providing real change. It was time to move away from sales entirely.

Venturing into Freelancing

The emergence of ChatGPT captured my interest, igniting my passion for freelancing, beginning with website development. Embracing AI technology transformed my learning process; whenever I encountered a challenge, I sought solutions through it. Although there were frustrating moments, I rapidly advanced by confronting obstacles head-on.

The Hard Truth

One of my initial projects was a coffee drop-shipping website. It turned out to be an arduous endeavor, plagued by intense competition and steep learning curves. My advice? Stay away from the coffee niche. Despite its lack of success, this project became a vital source of insights. Ultimately, I decided to seek professional assistance to enhance its performance, preparing it for sale on Flippa.com — an excellent avenue for generating income through starter sites.

Expanding My Expertise

Despite the challenges faced in the coffee niche, this experience ignited a passion for website development and digital marketing. I began offering SEO and PPC services to local businesses, many of whom I connected with during casual gatherings at my neighborhood bar. A crucial lesson for agency owners and marketing freelancers is this: there are always individuals nearby who require your services; you just need to engage with them personally. Building relationships is essential, as people prefer to work with those they know and trust. Networking, whether online or in-person, can lead to endless opportunities.

The Strength of Collaboration

Collaboration has been instrumental in my success. In the digital marketing realm, partnering with a PPC advertising expert, whom I met on an online forum, significantly accelerated my growth. With his decade of experience managing multi-million dollar campaigns, I could focus entirely on sales and scaling operations — a tremendous relief. The lesson here is clear: you don’t need to navigate this journey alone. Forge connections, and you’ll discover that you don’t have to shoulder every responsibility; find those who complement your skills and team up with them.

The Importance of Positivity and Flexibility

A positive attitude and the ability to adapt are crucial for overcoming obstacles. If you encounter a challenge and give up, entrepreneurship may not be for you. While statistics suggest that 90% of small businesses fail, what often goes unsaid is that many quit within the first two months. The silver lining? Success hinges on your mindset. A problem-solver with a strong work ethic can thrive.

Celebrating Minor Triumphs

After publishing a few articles on Medium, I earned my first $3 — a small but meaningful victory! This moment reminded me of the importance of acknowledging even modest achievements, using them as motivation for future endeavors. As I transition from a retail manager to a freelancer, and now towards establishing an agency, these lessons have become guiding principles in my career. They not only chart my path but serve as a compass for anyone contemplating a freelance career. These insights highlight the significance of adaptability, collaboration, and persistence in the ever-changing online landscape.

If you're contemplating your first steps into freelancing and feel uncertain, don’t hesitate to seek guidance!

In this video, I discuss the essential lessons learned while growing from earning $1,000 to $5,000 monthly as a freelancer. Tune in for valuable insights!

This video outlines the experiences I gained after quitting my job to launch a six-figure business, sharing ten crucial lessons learned along the way.