Ryan just discovered your blog and this is good stuff man! I love your writing style and appreciate the honest yet informative take here.
Also, I briefly worked as a fractional consultant and managed a community of consultants. From talking to 10s of members, I've discovered that the easiest way to find your first couple of clients is by posting on linkedin that you're open to that kind of work. And then, tapping into your network. Have you tried that?
I just had an idea - since i told you about this tactic in your newsletter, you can give yourself the permission to post it because it can become a part of the same content strategy. So something like - "I got an idea in the comments section of my newsletter to get the first couple clients with ease. So, hold up guys, i have an announcement to make. <and then go on to announce your consulting practice>".
I tried Upwork and only ever managed to get one client, badly paid. Got a good review from him. The rest either never replied or were scams. I honestly think it is not worth the time. I did it only to try it and because I had a lot of free time. The moment you're busy with proper clients, these sites make no sense to me.
I much prefer to find specialized freelance sites for your niche or industry, or even look up on LinkedIn for freelance positions, than using Upwork and similar pages.
Good luck with the Upwork hustle Ryan. It does sound awful.
Just out of curiosity, have you read any of MJ Demarco book? His books changed my view of life in general and also about Entrepreneurship. If you haven't read them, I encourage you to.
Yep, based on your recommendation a couple weeks ago I started reading his stuff, and he's definitely a tantalizing writer, so I appreciated your tip!
Ultimately I ended up bailing when he said a couple things that feel like deal breakers for me personally.
I don't remember the wording, but I got the impression that he thinks it's impossible to be "successful" while seeking balance and calm and that you'd be crazy not to admit that you need to be obsessive and imbalanced.
I also got the impression that his relationships with his family are different from what I want.
But he has unique and memorable perspectives, which I appreciated.
I see. I understand. Yes there is an emphasis on purpose bordering on obsession to pursue successful business. And yes, Relationship would take a back seat for a while. I have a family and they are priority for me, so I'm trying to balance that obsession with spending enough time with my kids, and my day job too 🤣
Try it and share your insights. We'll soon meet Maya who earns six figures on Fiverr. Another platform you could try
Ahh, cool, I'll be interested to hear from Maya.
Ryan just discovered your blog and this is good stuff man! I love your writing style and appreciate the honest yet informative take here.
Also, I briefly worked as a fractional consultant and managed a community of consultants. From talking to 10s of members, I've discovered that the easiest way to find your first couple of clients is by posting on linkedin that you're open to that kind of work. And then, tapping into your network. Have you tried that?
Also, Fractionals United is a great community for this, you should join - https://www.fractionalsunited.com/
Thanks, Nityesh. 😁 I haven't tried posting on LinkedIn about it... mainly because I'm wary of "split energy" / "split focus".
E.g. If I'm trying to attract followers for a certain type of content, then if I start posting about web software engineering, it's muddied.
But I should probably do it anyway. I appreciate your suggestion.
No, I hadn't heard of that site and will check it out. Thanks!
I just had an idea - since i told you about this tactic in your newsletter, you can give yourself the permission to post it because it can become a part of the same content strategy. So something like - "I got an idea in the comments section of my newsletter to get the first couple clients with ease. So, hold up guys, i have an announcement to make. <and then go on to announce your consulting practice>".
Creative! Thanks for this twist!
I tried Upwork and only ever managed to get one client, badly paid. Got a good review from him. The rest either never replied or were scams. I honestly think it is not worth the time. I did it only to try it and because I had a lot of free time. The moment you're busy with proper clients, these sites make no sense to me.
I much prefer to find specialized freelance sites for your niche or industry, or even look up on LinkedIn for freelance positions, than using Upwork and similar pages.
Interesting; thanks!
Good luck with the Upwork hustle Ryan. It does sound awful.
Just out of curiosity, have you read any of MJ Demarco book? His books changed my view of life in general and also about Entrepreneurship. If you haven't read them, I encourage you to.
Yep, based on your recommendation a couple weeks ago I started reading his stuff, and he's definitely a tantalizing writer, so I appreciated your tip!
Ultimately I ended up bailing when he said a couple things that feel like deal breakers for me personally.
I don't remember the wording, but I got the impression that he thinks it's impossible to be "successful" while seeking balance and calm and that you'd be crazy not to admit that you need to be obsessive and imbalanced.
I also got the impression that his relationships with his family are different from what I want.
But he has unique and memorable perspectives, which I appreciated.
I see. I understand. Yes there is an emphasis on purpose bordering on obsession to pursue successful business. And yes, Relationship would take a back seat for a while. I have a family and they are priority for me, so I'm trying to balance that obsession with spending enough time with my kids, and my day job too 🤣
It's crazy but I am doing it.
Nice 👏