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Freelance Foundations: How Top Freelancers Started and Got Their First Client.
The freelancing journey of Chryz Thinks.
Starting a freelance career is often filled with challenges and uncertainties. Chryz’s journey was no different, filled with struggles and wins that shaped her path to becoming a successful freelancer.

Chryz Thinks
Here’s a detailed account of the most significant challenge she faced and the process that helped land her first premium client, which she hopes will inspire and guide freelancers like you.
The Biggest Challenge: Trading Time for Money
When Chryz started her freelance journey, she was utterly clueless about how to get started. The world of freelancing seemed vast and uncharted, and she had no idea where to begin. Her initial breakthrough came through a VA (Virtual Assistant) training program.
This program taught Chryz the basics of securing clients, primarily through online job applications, which are similar to traditional employment searches.
She landed her first client a month after the basic VA training and job applications. The sense of accomplishment was immense, marking the beginning of her freelancing career. Shortly afterward, she secured an agency client who provided her with three additional clients. However, this success came with its own set of challenges.
Those three additional clients required time-tracked work as a VA. She was bound to her desk and computer for over eight hours daily, trading her time directly for money.
As a mother, she found this setup particularly challenging. She started losing precious time with her child, and the daily mom guilt became an overwhelming presence in her life. The flexibility she had hoped for in freelancing seemed like a distant dream as she found herself tied to a rigid schedule, unable to balance professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
Landing Her First Freelance Client: The Initial Steps
The process of landing Chryz’s first freelance client was relatively straightforward. She searched for opportunities on onlinejobs.ph, a popular platform for finding freelance work.
The method involved applying for jobs and hoping for a positive response. While effective for getting started, this approach was not sustainable in the long run, primarily as she aimed to advance her freelance career and secure higher-paying, more fulfilling projects.
Transitioning to Premium Clients: Building Confidence and Visibility
Securing her first premium client required a shift in strategy. It wasn’t just about finding clients anymore; it was about building a brand and demonstrating her value as an email copywriter.
Here’s the process that helped her achieve this objective:
• Optimizing Social Media Profile: She revamped her online profiles to reflect her skills, experience, and unique selling points. This step was crucial in making a solid first impression on potential clients.
• Consistent Social Media Presence: She made a conscious effort to show up on social media platforms consistently. By sharing valuable content, engaging with her audience, and showcasing expertise, Chryz started to build a reputation in her chosen niche.
• Writing Copy for Free: She initially wrote copy for free to build confidence and portfolio. This allowed her to gather testimonials and create a body of work that demonstrated her capabilities to potential clients.
• Cold Email Prospecting: One of her most effective strategies was sending cold emails. Chryz meticulously crafted personalized emails to prospective clients, highlighting how her skills could solve their problems. This time-consuming approach often led to numerous rejections, but persistence was the key.
Overcoming Rejection: The Path to Success
The journey to landing her first premium client was not without its hurdles. Before she received her first “yes,” she faced around 200 rejections. Each rejection was a learning opportunity, helping refine her approach and improve her sales pitch.
The key was staying resilient and not letting setbacks deter her progress.
When Chryz finally secured her first premium client, it was a game-changer. The client was impressed with her work and offered another paid project. This success opened the door to further opportunities, and she soon found herself working on multiple projects and finding the one client that helped her transition from freelancing to coaching on Hormone-Based Personality.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
One of the biggest lessons Chryz learned was the importance of balancing professional and personal life. The initial phase of trading time for money taught her the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks.
As she moved towards premium clients, she gained more control over her schedule, allowing her to spend quality time with her child while continuing to grow her freelance career.
Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Tips for Aspiring Freelancers
Reflecting on Chry’s freelancing journey, here are some key takeaways and tips for aspiring freelancers:
‣ Embrace Learning: Starting with a training program can provide essential skills and confidence.
‣ Build a Strong Online Presence: Optimize your profiles and be active on social media to attract clients.
‣ Be Resilient: Rejections are part of the process. Learn from them and keep pushing forward.
‣ Offer Value First: Don’t hesitate to do some initial free work to showcase your skills.
‣ Prioritize Balance: Establish boundaries to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Starting a freelance career can be daunting, but with persistence, continuous learning, and strategic efforts, it’s possible to overcome the initial challenges and build a successful and fulfilling freelance career.
Her journey is a testament to this, and Chryz hope it inspires you to venture on your own freelancing path with confidence and determination.
To learn more about Chryz’s Hormone-Based Personality coaching program, connect with her on Facebook and LinkedIn or subscribe to her newsletter.
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