Deciding to pursue my own income instead of working in-house was terrifying. Working with business owners to help them pursue their dream only reminded me I’d been letting my own dreams slide. I wanted to be the BOSS. I wanted to be accountable only to myself. To set my own hours and find some missing balance in my life. I wanted to choose who I worked with and how much time I gave them. Initially, income was non existent as I strove to prove why working with me was beneficial while doling out free tips.
Its taken a while to reach a stage where I could set up a blog and share my experiences in digital marketing to help those who may considering a career switch. I’ve always believed in elevating people to help them achieve their goals. When we believe in our skills and ourselves, we unlock our potential. Remove barriers to your success even if you yourself are the barrier. I hid in in-house work where there was economic safety. If someone wanted me on payroll this must mean I was valued. It also meant an employer could pay me minimum wage.
The more I invested in myself outside of my employment, the more I realised how much knowledge I had acquired during tenure and that the CPD I was doing for myself had elevated where I had joined the company from. This wasn’t reflected in my monthly pay so I needed to source extra work if I needed a bigger income. Freelancing on the side, I soon realised I was able to raise my rates above what my employer was paying but still charge under average to gain new clients. The increase in income wasn’t the only benefit I discovered. Instead of justifying what I was doing in my job, my clients were asking for my advice and listening to the answers!
One client has repeatedly told me that without my help, COVID-19 would have claimed his business. Instead, the business is still there and reviews are growing as we reach more people. Another client admitted he was lost in all things digital. It wasn’t his area of expertise and it was frustrating not being able to grow online more. He has now launched another successful aspect of his business and we meet regularly so he can show me what he wants from a digital marketing consultant to elevate his profits. If he earns, WE earn!
Investing in yourself may be the scariest thing you will ever do. Take that belief you have in yourself. Multiply it by everyone’s endorsements and remember your only limits are the ones you place on yourself.
Defiant Media & Marketing 