Two Clients in Negotiation... But Also, I Might Be Homeless?

Hello friends, freelancers in the making, and new subscribers.

This week, I have an exciting update: I’m in negotiations with not one, but TWO potential clients.

Yes, I know, it’s happening. After weeks of throwing myself into networking, refining my website, tweaking my social strategy, and generally manifesting my little heart out, things are starting to move.

But before we pop the champagne (which, let’s be real, I can’t afford right now. More on that later), let’s break down what’s working, what’s been absolutely doing my fucking head in (hint: it’s the admin), and where I’m at financially because, as always, I’m telling you everything. 

Getting clients to find me: word of mouth & social media

The common thread between both potential clients is that they found me because I made sure they could.

🔹 Client One: Found me through word of mouth. Someone in my network mentioned my name in passing, and that simple, casual conversation turned into an intro call. A reminder that people want to help, so make sure they know what you’re doing.

🔹 Client Two: This one has blown my mind. They:

• Found me on LinkedIn through the services portal.

• Then searched my name on Google and found my website.

• THEN saw my Instagram reels about losing my job and going freelance.

• And somewhere along the way, they felt connected enough to my story to reach out.

This just proves that putting myself out there (literally, everywhere) works. Not only that, but my personal story has resonated with someone in the exact way I hoped it would. It’s almost unbelievable to see all the effort pay off.

Client negotiations and onboarding: the stuff I’ve never done before

With exciting progress comes the terrifying process of figuring out how to keep this whole thing legit (and to make sure it’s a good experience for the potential client). 

So, after a week of learning as I go and feeling a bit like a headless chook, here’s a list of the things I’ve realised new freelancers may not know they need but should get prepared to do:

• Client proposals: Never written one before in my life. I asked ChatGPT to help pull together a draft format for me to use, and god it saved me. Yet another reminder that AI can help you do the admin so you have time to do what you love. 

• Client agreements/contracts: Again, first time. Suddenly, I’m a lawyer? (I’m not, and most likely neither are you, so make sure you get advice or find a trustworthy template online). 

• Project management software: Downloaded Notion and some of their templates (client trackers, etc). Immediately overwhelmed. Closed Notion. Opened it back up the next day and am now somewhat set up. I’ll be using this not only to store all my info but also for approval workflows with my clients.

• Client onboarding process: Had to make one. Up until now, I’ve only ever been onboarded, not the other way around.

I know this is all part of building a freelance business, but holy cow, there’s a lot no one warns you about. Every day is a mix of wow, I’m really doing this and oh no, I’m really doing this.

Money Talk: It’s Getting Tight

Financial transparency time.

While things are looking up on the client front, my bank account is... not.

I’m still doing freelance payroll and have applied for some bartending jobs, but I’m watching my savings shrink, and it’s stressful. The reality is, going full-time freelance means embracing instability, and I knew that. But knowing something and living it are two very different things.

To add a layer of chaos, I might be getting kicked out of my apartment. Fun! 

Last Tuesday afternoon, my real estate agent called me to say the landlord is selling my apartment, meaning I may have to hunt for a new place (in this market!!). All this with no stable income behind me. Talk about timing.

If you told me I’d lose my job, start a freelance business, then find out I’m potentially losing my home all in one month, I would have LAUGHED in your face. Alas, here we are.

Make it easy for people to find you. 

My website, LinkedIn, and Instagram all worked together to bring in a potential client. This is proof that you need to make sure you exist online in more places than one!

Converting people to clients is a process that never ends.

Two client negotiations are amazing, but I don’t have anything signed yet. The work isn’t done. 

Building a client base and making a name for yourself takes time – and, as I’ve just shown you, so does learning how to run your own business. 

Just like social media, consistency and patience are our two best friends, so we gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other and continue fumbling our way through.

As always, thank you for being here. The rollercoaster continues, and I’ll keep sharing the ride, so make sure you’ve subscribed.

See you next Tuesday. 

Laura