They say the age of two is terrible—especially if you’re raising children. In the case of being self-employed, it’s just as challenging but not as impactful as rearing children. I’ve yet to find that out, but I trust my friends and family members who’ve already gone through that.
When I set out to go on my own in 2016, I not only wanted to do it badly — I was forced into it. Despite the Washington, D.C., metro area have lots of opportunities—especially in politics—I couldn’t get to my next step in my professional career, despite having the clout, experience, and connections to do so. Frankly, 2016 burned me out and I needed to disappear from politics for a while (or go more behind the scenes.) Sadly, this town likes to generally reward those who “fail upward.” Oxymoronic, I know. It didn’t want to fail upward; that’s not how I roll.
My next step was clear to me. I would take the plunge and go solo. Crazy, right??
When I got my ‘a-ha’ moment
After getting a rude awakening in summer 2016, I knew it was time to chart my own course. My dad and my uncle had started their own respective businesses – why couldn’t I? I come from a family of entrepreneurs and I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit. I’m told I’m a people person and can make genuine contacts and business relations. I was told I was more innovative than other media people out there, so I knew I had to jump into the competition and show ’em what I’m made of.
I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
Reality sunk in: Success wouldn’t come to me overnight.
Despite what you may see on social media from me, I’m not famous or wealthy despite being on my own or some appearances I have. I don’t come from wealth—my parents were considered upper-middle income when we lived in California. They provided a very good life for me and my sister. I’ve had to save and work hard during these initial years of self-employment. I’m not yet where I need to be but I’m gradually getting there. Slowly but surely, I’m getting the work and opportunities I need.
First, I had to figure out how to leverage my connections and channel those into business leads. I couldn’t simple ask my friends and colleagues for jobs. I HATE asking people for things of that nature. I’m not one to beg for things, especially in a professional setting. But I grew more comfortable leaning on my contacts, mentors, past associates, and others to guide me and possibly send work my way. I’ve done a lot for people in the past and paid it forward. What harm would it be to ask for help? When you’re struggling in any arena in life, always lean on those who propped you up and have offered support — even in business.
Second, I had to establish some formal structure for business dealings. I had to reacquaint myself with contracts and draft them on terms that are amenable to me and to the client. I had to learn how to legally protect myself and be prepared for delinquent clients who wouldn’t pay on time or pay at all. I had to take meager short-term work or free work in the beginning prior to going public with my freelancing on November 14th, 2016.
Third, I had to polish existing skills and learn new ones. I couldn’t just rely on social media strategy, basic public relations, grassroots organizing, and writing. I had to become more versatile. I had to learn several programs on Adobe Premiere Pro (Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and a little bit of Photoshop). I invested in a DSLR camera to tap into a hidden photography talent I apparently boasted. I participated in webinars to learn tools that would be essential to learning and enhancing my knowledge. I’m still learning to this day. I’m a stronger young professional than I was two years ago.
Here are some key takeaways going into my third year of business:
1) Quality clients over quantity clients
In the 24-months I’ve been self-employed, I’ve learned it’s better to aspire for quality over quantity with respect to clients.
Whether it’s a short-term or long-term contract, I prefer having fewer and more higher paying and invested proactive clients, than settle for many who don’t pay or aren’t actively invested into their business.
I’ve had to reject prospective client requests because they weren’t willing to pay much or pay at all. I’ve also gotten my share of disappointments from prospective clients who seemed promising, than told me my price is too much or their company had to forgo the project. It was frustrating. Was I doing something wrong? Why were contracts getting rejected?
Rejection sucks. Upon getting bad news, you feel like all your hard work amounts to nothing. But then you press on and search for the next client. Disappointment is expected, more often than not, but when you land good and cooperative clients, the feeling is wonderful.
2) Always network, forge better connections, and join professional groups.
Though I find myself in a more comfortable position as a freelance media strategist and have more business than when I started, I still network to this day. I’m selective with who I meet with, especially if they are established and serious and can add to my professional journey. I don’t take the bait for those who are unserious or toying with media work anymore. (Fellas: please stop the Twitter inquiries for social media verification or free advice under the guise of dates. I see through it.) Ain’t nobody got time for that—especially this girl.
I’ve become more involved in sportsmen’s groups locally and even joined a couple outdoor writer associations. I’ve found kinship with my local chapters of Ducks Unlimited, Friends of the NRA, and should be getting involved in our local Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation soon. I belonged to Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) for a term but have found a better match in the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), which jives better with my aspirations and hopes.
I also attend still political conferences and events to re-connect with people and build upon my existing list. I still drop by CPAC in Maryland for a day to catch up with old political friends and those who may want my consulting services. Despite having my feet dipped in both politics and the outdoors, I incline myself to more outdoor trade shows locally and across the country. I’ve found SHOT Show, ICAST, the Great American Outdoor Show, and other consumer interest shows to be worthwhile for making connections and getting business leads.
I’ll cross-pollinate and maintain crossover because it doesn’t hurt to have your feet firmly planted across different industries.
3) Balance your work with hobbies and time limits
A 9-to-5 schedule keeps you organized. You can time your work load easier. I sometimes miss that with freelancing. I sometimes work longer than I should, though I work harder than I normally did. Striking that balance can be challenging.
Just like when I worked a 9-to-5 job, I balance work with fun activities. Obviously, I like to retreat to the Great Outdoors. Fishing is my favorites activity of choice, followed by shooting sports and now I’m finding an escape in hunting. But I also relax with day trips, DC-area sightseeing, visiting new restaurants, reading, hiking, and walking. I try to take walks several times a week, regardless of weather conditions.
Living in a metro area, I rely on a multitude of activities to stay afloat and be stress-free. Having a balance and a clear head goes a long to be a productive consultant.
If a good full-time job opportunity came my way, I may take it.
One of the downsides of freelancing is the perpetual roller coaster income. You may put out a great contract, but it gets flatly rejected. Or you get no response—which lingers on forever. Then not a peep.
Admittedly, it sometimes sucks to not have steady work. When I do, I’ve generally very busy. When I don’t, I try to fill up my time with activities that do in preparation for the next big client project.
Sometimes I dabble with whether or not to try my hand at full-time, steady work again. If a good, reliable, high-paying, enjoyable full-time job comes my way, I wouldn’t mind taking it—as long as I don’t lose my soul. I can willingly choose to sacrifice some side projects if I want to, not because I have to. I’d have to be convinced the opportunity is the right one, and not one that will set me backwards like the one stint I had that led me to go on my own.
Never say never, they say. But until that time, I’ll continue to grow and polish my skills. I know that not all companies admonish those who’ve done freelancing.
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As for this past year, I had some great client projects.
I worked for two political campaigns as a branding consultant and media relations representative. I served as a book publicist for the first time and helped my client, a first-time publisher, sell 1,300 electronic and physical copies of his book and helped him land on the Amazon Bestsellers List in his category. (His book even got Ben Shapiro’s seal of approval!) I worked with a cyber start-up and helped the founder, a past associate, successfully lobby (no exchange of money, just discussing cyber issues) and network with Members of Congress. And I did my very first independent campus lecture on why “Hunting is Conservation” with a prominent free market environment think tank. Year Two was good to me, despite some setbacks. I can imagine Year Three will treat me better!
If you’d like to hire me for the upcoming year, fill out my survey and I’ll arrange for a consultation with you shortly. If you’d like a one-on-one consultation or remote consultation, let’s get in touch.
If you have recommendations on best practices or things you’d like me to take on, please let me know!
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