Yesterday, I met my first (potential) client. He had scooped me out of the LinkedIn pool, and then gave me a phone call. I must admit I was surprised. After a stalled attempt at freelance writing in late 2015, I was expecting at least a few months of grind, floundering, and awkward promotional calls before people started calling me.
But he seemed genuine, and yesterday we had a chat in a Gloria Jean’s cafe. Not my favourite cafe, so I had an orange juice, and listened. I reckon listening is one of my strengths, and people love to talk about their projects. As the afternoon crowd bustled around us, he outlined his dreams, and I tried to give a clear sense of what I could do for him. It’s a strange waltz: we don’t know each other, and neither of us knows whether to trust the other to deliver.
We both left the meeting positive, and my future-orientated mind started churning with dates, time frames, costs, and all the unknown questions that will assail me many times in the freelance world. Most of all, I feel a sense of lack. Am I really a good writer? Is it all bluster? Can I write 6000 (quality) words in 6 weeks on topics I have not chosen.
Right now, I am sitting down to get some advice from the mob at Write Big, the freelance course I’m chugging through. Then, I’ll nut out a quote for a 6000 word informative manual for young adults, agonise over how much to charge, hit send, and wait.
One Response to Is this my first client?
Hi Dave,
Just thought I’d point out some grammatical errors in your first couple of sentences. Might be worth correcting them considering the context of pursuing work as a writer.
‘given me call’.
‘After a stalled attempted at freelance writing’
Should these read ‘given me a call’ and ‘After a stalled attempt at freelance writing’.
Good luck with the venture. Sounds awesome!!
Andrew.
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