Freelance Foundations: How Top Freelancers Started and Got Their First Client.

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“Sayang naman.”

These words, echoing the doubts of those closest to him, could have easily derailed Ryan Christian Laurete’s journey to becoming a successful email marketer. But he chose a different path marked by resilience, sincerity, and a willingness to learn.

It’s incredible how much Ryan has grown in just three years. From navigating the vast ocean as a seaman to mastering email marketing. He started with zero knowledge, but his desire to spend more time with his family propelled him to success.

This is his story.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to end up in freelancing.

I was completely lost at the start. Imagine shifting from working on ships to online—big jump, right?

The transition was overwhelming, but the hardest part?

Yung mga doubts and discouragement from people I thought would support me.

Biggest Challenge: Doubts from Loved Ones

The biggest challenge? The constant questioning.

“Bakit mo iniwan ang pagiging seaman? Sayang naman!”

And honestly, ang hirap nun. Hindi ko lang pinapansin minsan, pero deep inside, I felt the pressure.

May times na nagdududa rin ako sa sarili ko—“Tama ba ‘tong pinasok ko?”

How I Got My First Client:

Getting my first client wasn’t some magic formula.

I had to unlearn a lot of things from my past work and really dive into learning freelancing. Sobrang dami kong kinailangan matutunan.

Hindi puwedeng ‘bahala na,’ I had to be intentional about it.

One big thing that helped me was surrounding myself with the right people.

Sumali ako sa The Freelance Movement Tribe, and grabe, ibang level yung support.

But the most important influence?

Tatay Fred Mosquida.

That guy believed in me even when I was on the verge of giving up.

Ang totoo niyan, balat sibuyas ako dati—konting rejection lang, suko agad.

Pero dahil nasa tamang circle ako, sila yung nagsasabi na “tuloy lang”.

And true enough, it’s the right mindset.

You push through rejection, and that’s how you get better.

Lesson I Learned

When I finally landed my first client, here’s the big secret: It’s not about being perfect or to be an expert.

Ang pinaka-importante? Sincerity.

My approach was simple. I asked, “How can I help them?”

Hindi kailangan puro transactional, hindi rin kailangan magkunwaring alam mo lahat.

I didn’t have much experience but had the will to help genuinely.

My client felt that sincerity and that’s what made the difference.

People respond to honesty and care.

That’s what got me my first gig.

You Don’t Need to Know Everything

One of the biggest myths about freelancing is that you need to be an expert before you can get a client.

That’s not true.

You must show up, be honest, and be willing to learn.

Clients appreciate sincerity and effort more than you think.

Extra Lessons from My Journey

• Community Matters:

You need to find people who push you to keep going. Yung hindi ka hahayaang mag-quit sa first sign of failure. Having that kind of support is priceless.

• Failures Are Lessons:

Don’t be afraid to fail. Rejections? They’re just redirections. It’s all part of the process.

• Keep Learning:

Never stop improving yourself. Hindi pwedeng tumigil sa learning. Always stay curious and willing to grow.

• Resilience is Key:

Freelancing has its ups and downs. The key is not to give up. Tuloy lang, kahit mahirap.

• Stay Humble and Grateful:

Every experience, whether good or bad, has something to teach. Be grateful for the journey.

Final Thoughts

Freelancing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

The doubts, rejections, and struggles are all part of the growth process.

The key is to stay sincere, focus on how to help and show up even when it’s hard.

You don’t have to be perfect—you need to be present.

For aspiring freelancers out there: You got this. Just take it one step at a time.

You can connect with Ryan Christian Laurete on Facebook or LinkedIn if you need help with your e-commerce business or email marketing needs.

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