It’s Monday - are you threading today?

I like to fancy myself as being “social media savvy.” (After all, I just got my “Hey! You’ve been on Twitter for 14 years!” email last month 😅)

As if we needed another social media panic-inducing distraction, Meta dropped Threads last week - their attempt to copy+past+destroy Twitter while Elon runs the ship into the ground.

So, of course, I had to download the app and give it a shot.

After all, what kind of freelance writer would I be if I didn’t at least check out a new word-based platform?

A few early observations

→ It’s clean. There’s something about a clean, white, simple interface that just feels… mmhmm.

→ It’s loud. While clean, there seems to be ZERO algorithm. You’re just dropped into the room with a million random conversations going on at once.

→ It’s…something. There are no ads - and still few, if any, “thread bois” dropping their useless “99% don’t know how to use ChatGPT” - so that’s… something?

But will it last? Who knows, but it’s been fun to explore - even if it’s become a bit like a party where you invite your work friends (Twitter) and church friends (Instagram) into the same room without a plan.

Are you on threads? Follow me here, and let’s see what happens! 🚀

In Today’s Edition

• Thoughts On Faking It: In the freelance game, we often have to “fake it ‘till we make it. But is it possible to fake ourselves into becoming an expert?

• Tweets (Threads?!) Of The Week: A few tweets (or threads?!) that caught my eye, made me laugh, or made me think!

• Reaching Back In Time: Did you know your old clients are a gold mine? Here’s a tip for how to connect with those past clients.

“Faking It” Until You Make It

I recently had a freelance coaching call with someone who was looking to make the jump from side hustle to full-time hustle, and he asked me a question that’s stuck with me:

“When did you know you had learned enough to start doing this?”

The question threw me back in time, placing me back in his shoes just a few short years ago. I remember looking at freelance writers who were (or so it seemed) leagues ahead of me in the game.

I wondered what it must be like to have the expertise, confidence, and skills they had, and how I could ever reach that level of success.

But now, years into my own freelance career, I’ve come to realize that you are never truly ready to start something.

Sure, there are courses to teach you how to offer a “sell-able” product or service.

There’s a learning curve you have to ride in order to master client relationships. You’ll need to learn how to sell, collect, get reviews - you name it.

But the funny thing is, I never learned those things before I started. I just started and then learned those lessons along the way.

It’s like a lot of things in life. We don’t really know what it’s like until we take a step out of the boat and have faith that we are at least heading in a right direction, even if not the right one.

You put yourself out there, pull a few knobs and push a few buttons, and figure out what works and what doesn’t - and adapt as you go.

The “being ready” sort of follows a few steps later, and then you’re ready to step into an even scarier unknown. Wash, rinse, repeat, (and hopefully make a living!)

If I could tell myself back then what I know now, I’d tell little side-hustle me the same thing I told this new friend in this coaching call:

You are ready. The fact that you have a passion and desire to do something means there’s no reason not to give it a shot!

Yes, yes, yes - take care of yourself and your family. Don’t blow up the baby with the bathwater. But if you are waiting for the "perfect resume” to hand to a potential client, you’ll never get there.

If you have an interest and a skill, start throwing your hat in the ring. Heck, throw all your hats in all the rings. Throw the proverbial spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks.

The worst thing you can do is not start at all.

Freelance Gems From The Bird App

A weekly roundup of my favorite tweets from friends (and maybe some foes.)

Manifesting a windfall of past-due payments for all of you this month. Bring that Christmas in July, babayyy. 💰

If you’re not on Contra yet, what are you waiting for? The. Best. Freelance. Platform. hand’s down. No commissions, a growing community, and stellar opportunities. Click here to learn more.

Want to find yourself indispensable? Learn what clients ACTUALLY desire in a partner - beyond the service you offer.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on life design lately - and this one from Ashley hit HARD. Your phone is a little second brain - so what’s been on your mind?

Tuesday’s Coming…

I hope your Monday is kicking off well! It’s been surprisingly productive on my end (probably because I was the only person in Kansas City not at the Taylor Swift concert) - so I’m ready for a successful week!

To end, I wanted to pass along a thought about following up with past clients.

If you are finding your pipeline a bit dry this summer, consider going back through your old clients and sending out a friendly update to let them know you are available.

It’s easy to think they have moved on from you to bigger and better things (thanks, Imposter Syndrome)

But usually, they’ve simply forgotten about you or are so caught up in their own lives they haven’t thought to reach out!

You’d be shocked at how effective reaching out to old clients can be for refilling your funnel. Just make sure to update them on your prices 😉

Until next Monday, may your coffee be strong - and your deadlines be few.