On Thursday, I celebrated three years of going public with my freelance media consulting business.
It hasn’t been an easy road to traverse, nor am I swimming in millions…yet. (That would be the American Dream fulfilled, ha!) Instead, seeing gradual growth in my business is more preferable and keeps me humble. I want to keep it that way.
Many of you have offered your hearty congratulations, and I sincerely appreciate the good tidings and well wishes.
I previously detailed how my business was going and have good news: this has been my best year YET for business.
First and foremost, I’ve been working with some AMAZING clients, longterm even, who share mutual interests and goals and give me free rein to improve strategy or tactics. It’s important to work with individuals, organizations, or businesses who are like-minded and boast shared goals. Seeing connections I’ve forged over the years materialize into clientele has been nothing short of amazing. Good opportunities take time to germinate and grow. Patience is a virtue, and in business this maxim is also true.
Second, I’m not dealing with roller coaster income as much, which is a huge blessing. I’ve made a profit, big or small, each month and recently shattered some monthly records. But money is not my primary driving force. It is important, however, to see your business growth and your income rise—or else one would have to reevaluate this line of work.
Third, I spent the last 12 months doing a lot of freelance outdoor writing and reporting that has paid huge dividends. A culmination of churning out articles, in fact, led to me becoming an award–winning outdoor writer in June, after the Professional Outdoor Media Association presented me an award for my original piece on the grizzly bear situation out West. While I must scale back on writing these next few months, except for occasional human and conservation interest pieces, I will continue to tell undervalued and untold stories at the Resurgent and some different outlets. Stay tuned!
Fourth, I also undertook my first media event with Headwaters on the Soque in northeast Georgia— the first partnership of this kind. I’ve always wanted to work with a business to help them get more media coverage and that’s what I’ve exactly done here. It’s been a blast working with the lodge owner. We will be hosting another media immersion event in the spring. Hooray!
Fifth, I also trained a major legislative chamber, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S., on digital best practices. Diagnosing problems and offering policy prescriptions is something I enjoy doing. I want to see more Republican lawmaking bodies across the country maintain their majorities. I will share more on this endeavor once it’s completed and/or I receive permission to elaborate on my findings more. Trainings are one of the many services I offer in my portfolio. I hope (and plan) to do more of these in the future.
Thank you for joining me along my business and young professional journey!
I must be candid with you: It hasn’t always been easy or glamorous.
I’ve been let down, had people reject my contracts, been led on, not paid, and have hit some roadblocks that tested me. If you don’t have any challenges in your business journey, is it really worth it? It’s only natural to experience these feelings and fears. Business owners are human, after all.
A new poll from last month found it takes three years for women business owners to see the fruits of their labor. That is true for me and mine.
Growing your business doesn’t come overnight nor will you get instantaneously rich. In fact, you’ll be tested greatly and realize you must grow your skill set. Managing a business should be challenging but not back-breaking. It’s what you make it to be.
If you’re thinking about going on your own, I want to re-emphasize this from last year:
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.
To everyone who’s taken a chance on me, sent leads my way, done a consultation, worked with me in some capacity, or has provided advice and mentored me along the way: THANK YOU! Your input and support has meant a lot to me. Forever grateful!
Year Four is going to be busy, fun, and productive! Appreciate you following along! 🥂 🎉
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