It’s been about three months since I first began working to create Copy Fox Pro. In that time, the progress has been very slow. The reason being that I’m not doing anything different now than when I didn’t have a business of my own. But businesses demand upkeep. I’ve realised that I put a lot more focus on my clients than I do my own business. And I really believe that there should be a far better balance there. So I decided to try to figure out how to do that.
Create More Schedules
I have some seriously organised clients. They keep me updated regularly with schedules. Whether I’m their virtual assistant, content creator, or social media manager, they keep me in the know with schedules showing their expectations. I’m sure that if I were to create a schedule of my own, of the expectations I put on myself, perhaps it would be easier to execute things consistently.
Be Less Available
It seems rather counter-productive to actually be less available to clients and potential clients, but stick with me here. After the holidays, I sent out emails to current and past clients wishing them well. Some of them responded with project offers to complete. It’s nothing against them, but I felt like I needed to take a step back. So I politely declined and went on my merry way. Yes, it’s less money. But somehow, it was also more stability. I don’t need to be up to my neck with work in order to be successful.
Don’t Try To Do It All Alone
With some things, I was able to do it all by myself. I was able to put up a website alone. I was able to outfit that website and rope in more clients alone. But there are some things that it helps to have a second opinion, or even an extra hand. When writing out an article, I’ve found that it’s extremely helpful to read it aloud to my significant other. I help him out when he needs my writing skills, and he willingly lends an ear when necessary. It’s small, but it makes a big impact. I’ve noticed things in my writing that ought to have been changed that I would not have noticed otherwise. Writing remotely can be such a solitary thing, no reason to make it even lonelier. And with other things, I am simply unable to do them at all. And that’s fine! There are plenty of people out there, just like me, who have different skills than I. Graphic design, accounting, and resume rework are all things I am quite clueless about. It’s important to know your limits and invite others to assist you.
Recognise Your Growth, And Continue To Grow
I’m no longer relying on my portfolio alone to get me gigs. It’s a mix of client reviews, my awesome website, and my portfolio which is getting me gigs. And also referrals, those blessed things. And so it’s crucial to continue growing. I don’t consider myself a freelancer anymore (although technically, I probably am). I’m a self-employed small business owner. I have goals for Copy Fox Pro in 2018 that will surely surprise a lot of my friends and colleagues. I aim to be a total boss babe this year, like nothing I’ve been before. Business cards, a stable location, and an even better website are just a few small things I can see in my future. It’s all coming together. And a year ago, I never even imagined any of this.