If you feel like things are a little unsettled in the economy and world right now, you’re not alone.
Layoffs… recession-talk… AI takeovers…
It seems like everywhere you turn, it’s doom and gloom.
… And, if you’re not careful, you can let it get into your head… which then has a way of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
This is not helpful.
The solution?
Look for positive things, and you’ll find those.
Focus on the things you can control… upskilling… taking consistent action… and you’ll find your next “win.”
There are plenty of success stories in this industry. I know multiple successful freelance writers and marketers making $12,000, $15,000, and more monthly.
Are they experienced writers and business owners? Yes.
Did they work their way up to these lucrative months? Also, yes.
Do they keep a positive mindset and have proven ways of finding clients? Yes, and yes. And you can do the same, because…
There’s science behind it.
The Science of Confirmation Bias
From Brittanica, confirmation bias is “people’s tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with their existing beliefs.”
It’s why people who ardently believe in proven falsehoods can cling to those lies as truth.
Fortunately, confirmation bias also works in a positive way. And it can work in your business positively.
There’s a famous marketing legend about a “dead broke” carpet cleaner. Unhappy and feeling dejected about the lack of business, he asked a real estate mogul if he should switch to real estate.
The real estate magnate asked if there were other successful carpet-cleaning businesses. When the broke carpet cleaner responded, “Yes,” he realized he needed to shift his thinking.
He began reading personal development books and studying marketing and business fundamentals. Not only did he grow a successful carpet cleaning business, he became a legendary marketer and now collects testimonials from billionaires.
It all started because he began cultivating a positive mindset.
First, Watch Your Mindset
When you focus on the positives, you find more positives. It’s the confirmation bias at work.
In my decade-plus running a freelance writing business, I’ve learned the more I maintain a positive mindset and market my business, the more money I make.
If things are slow and I’m moping around wondering if I’m washed up, I know I need to get out of my head. I should go for a walk, take a nap, hang out with friends, and reconnect with upbeat freelance colleagues.
When I do these things, inevitably, new work comes my way.
It’ll work for you, too.
One technique I’ve learned over the years is to think the closest positive thought. It might feel silly at first, but it works if you let it.
Here’s how it goes…
If you feel doubt or concern creeping in, look for the nearest positive thought. One I’ve always liked is, “Other people are doing this, so can I.” Truly, that one phrase always boosts my spirits. If that doesn’t resonate with you, you can try something else. For example, “I’m healthy enough to take a walk.” Or, “I have a loving family.”
Look for a thought that feels satisfying to you.
If you do this enough, you’ll find these thoughts coming to you easier and easier. Your goal is to get in the habit of looking for the next positive thought.
Once you switch your brain to “can do” mode, it’s time to act.
Then, Take Action
Besides positivity, the other thing most successful freelancers have in common is their commitment to marketing their business.
They know how to:
- Assess their experience
- Find clients in line with their experience
- Let those potential clients know they’re available
You can do this too.
Even if you’ve never had a client before, you can:
- Create a writing sample or two
- Reach out to the types of clients who use that sort of writing
- Ask if they use freelancers
- Repeat
For example, if you’ve written newsletter articles and blog posts for your day job, then use those samples to show similar companies. Ask them if they work with freelancers.
There are clients for everyone at any stage.
Just starting out? Build a list of 500 potential companies that match your current level of experience. For example, if you work in Human Resources, you can focus on Human Resources Technology.
A quick LinkedIn search says there are about 18,000 companies that fit the criteria of “Human Resources Technology.” That’s plenty of opportunity!
Your goal is to land one client. Then another one.
Focus on what’s in your control.
- Create a list of potential clients — LinkedIn is a great resource. You can also google “Top Human Resources Technology companies” or other industry.
- Create or gather one or two writing samples.
- Review the websites of your potential companies and choose the ones that use the type of writing you do. For example, if you have blog samples, reach out to the ones with active blogs.
- LinkedIn can help you find the right person. Try titles like “Content Marketing Manager.”
- Ask them if they work with freelancers.
Cold outreach can be tedious, but it works. It’s how I rebuilt my business after moving to Mexico when my income nearly dried up for a few months.
It can help to find online groups of positive and successful freelancers. Look for proof that others are doing it, and let the confirmation bias propel you forward.
Then, take consistent action.
If you do this, you’ll be surprised by how often that right client shows up!
