Self Employed in 7 Month – My Journey
Finally I can announce to the world that I have reached my target of earning a full time monthly income as a freelance writer and pro-blogger. This journey has taken me all but 7 month, from the first month of working for a paying client back in June 2007 to the end of January 2008.
The journey has been exciting and rather fun. My initial target for this was actually July 2008, so I can safely say I’m way ahead of target.
As some of you probably know, my online journey has been marked by many events that have shaped the way I think and act these days.
I don’t regret one single thing that has brought me to were I am today and I also know that this is only the beginning in terms of financial potential.
The investment
I knew early on in my business (back when I was still in network marketing) that I had to invest to see results. Which I did!
… only to loose thousands of dollars in the process.
After the frustration of failing miserably as a network marketer I finally understood that we often need many failures in order to become successful. I truly believe that mind power plays a huge part in this. Unfortunately I lacked the long term passion to become successful with network marketing.
So when it came to give my new business a real go, it was easy, since I already had the most important ingredient for success in my eyes:
Real and raw Passion!
Time investment
Getting to this stage in my life didn’t happen by accident. I put in a lot of time, effort and some money to get to where I’m at. Here is what I did:
- I went self hosted in order to have a better chance to be noticed (mind you, free blogger blogs canbe a great tool for niche marketers, but this blog isn’t a niche blog, so I had to do it differently)
- I spent many hours making connections with other bloggers via commenting, social networking and email contacts
- I also spent a lot of time getting my blog to a stage where it is unique and recognizable in the blogosphere
- I spent time branding my name as an entity and now as a direct result, many well known bloggers know me personally and not just as a name. This could be interesting for future projects and should never be under estimated.
The baby steps
My first baby steps as a freelance writer were taken as a writer for MPAM, where I got paid $5 per article. Then I heard about Scriptlance and figured it couldn’t hurt to bid for some freelance writing jobs. I got work instantly and all though they were only paying $5 an article, I knew that I had to start small in order to get big.
My big break actually came when I visited Gobala Krishnana’s blog and saw that he had advertised for a blogger to write for his MLM related blog. The ad was 1.5 month old when I came across it and despite this I felt it was worth an application.
Guess what…. I got the gig and haven’t looked back since. That was in July 2007 and in October Gobala offered me additional work as an editor/pro-blogger for his PR4 blog Easy WordPress. Since then I have been the editor and part of his staff on both blogs.
Thanks to Gobala I got a unique chance to prove myself to the blogging world and spread my name even further. As a bonus I have managed to pick up several new clients that saw me writing on his blogs.
As you can see, opportunities arise when we least expect them!
The teenage month
After the initial baby steps I felt comfortable enough to raise my prices step by step. At some stage I even worked for $5/hour for a niche marketer doing market research and designing web pages. Despite the ridiculous low amount (Mind you, in Australia an hours wage is worth around $15-20+) I persisted with this for some 2 month until I got enough other work to quit.
From there it was growth bit by bit. Every time I got a new client I was able to subtly raise my wages until they were suitable enough for my country and the amount of work I put into writing. In the last 3 month I can happily say that I earned a minimum of $20/hour for every client work I did. This was my initial target and considering it took me 18 years as a chef to earn this figure, earning it as a freelance writer in 4 month is fantastic.
The future
I’m excited about my future because I know that my potential as a freelance writer and pro-blogger can earn me a lot more money for even less effort. Currently I’m doing a course with a well known Internet marketer to learn the absolute basics of niche marketing. My target is to earn $30-50/day with a niche site in 3 month time and I’m confident that I can achieve this with the help of my able teacher.
My passion for writing has in no way diminished, even though I’ve been posting less here in the last couple of month. This was barely a necessity because of time constraints and I also figured that I rather write less, but keep the overall value high.
Success tools
The tools that helped me to get to where I’m at right now are:
- designing a blog on my self branded domain with customer feedback
- creating a hire me page on this blog (this page has brought me many jobs already)
- my passion: having the right frame of mind understanding that it takes time
- networking with other bloggers
- taking a drop in pay only to get ahead further in the future
- investment of a lot of time to build my brand
- writing every day to become better at my craft
In conclusion
In the end I can proudly say that I got where I’m at because of my very own effort. I didn’t receive a helping hand from anybody, especially not big A-list bloggers and all that I am now is purely because of my hard work, my belief into myself and my ability as a writer.
If I can do this, then so can you – if you only want to
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Grizzly | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
I’m really glad to hear things are all coming together for you Monika – couldn’t happen to a better person. Congrats!
Monika | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
Hey Griz: maybe I should become evil since I’m being seen as the sweetheart of the blogging world. Not exactly true though, even I can be nasty, you just haven’t found out. LOL Thanks for your nice comment, it is very much appreciated since you are one of the bloggers who has always managed to motivate me with your online presence.
Tay - Super Blogging | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
Congratulations on all of your successes, Monika, that’s really amazing! You’re definitely an inspiration.
Costa | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
I seldom comment here cos’ i read your blog via my feeds, but today, I have to come and say,
“CONGRATULATIONS!”
You are an inspiration to all bloggers.
Jylan Wynne | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
Wow, congratulations Monika, you must be feeling really good at the moment
Monika | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
Tay, Costa & Jylan: thank you all for your heartfelt words. Like I said before and always will, it is bloggers like you guys and ladies that make my blogging all worth wile.
Even though time doesn’t permit me to visit your blogs as often as I want to, I’m subscribed to all of you and keep updated on your views of the world.
Keep up all your own great work and before you know it (if not already) you will be self employed with a full time income.
Rohit | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika
Congratulations!
Nice to read your inspirational story. Me and my friend Abhishek are also on the lines of making a good blog. Your story is a motivation!
Thanks
Rohit
Jasa | Feb 11, 2008 | Reply
Hey congrats! Must be feeling great ey?
Anyway, keep up the good work! With your attitude, I’m sure you’re gonna surpass your expectations in this coming july 
Jasa
Mark | Feb 12, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
CONGRATULATIONS! What a tremendously inspirational story
Mohsin | Feb 12, 2008 | Reply
Congrats Monika! You really deserved it.
Maki | Feb 12, 2008 | Reply
Congrats Monika! It must be satisfying to see your hard work paid off.
Thom | Feb 12, 2008 | Reply
Hey Monika,
Congrats on making your goals ahead of schedule!! Its also great to hear of other subscribers to a positive mental attitude. Keep up the great work!
-Thom
Simonne | Feb 12, 2008 | Reply
Congratulations, Monika, I’m so happy for you. I’m a subscriber with Gobala’s Easy WordPress, and I can say that you are doing a great work there. Your articles helped me many times.
Living Off Dividends | Feb 12, 2008 | Reply
congratulations!
Monika | Feb 12, 2008 | Reply
Thank you all so very much for your support.;-) I feel humbled by all the great wishes I have received via this comment section and through email since I posted this.
Seeing that I can help to motivate some of you makes me very happy indeed. I appreciate everyone of your comments but have to say that right now I’m a little overwhelmed to reply to each of you single handed.
Please don’t take it against me, you are all in my heart and appreciated very much.
Jonathan Fields | Feb 13, 2008 | Reply
Hey M, Congrats! Great work!
George | Feb 13, 2008 | Reply
Congrats that is great news!
Steven Snell | Feb 13, 2008 | Reply
Congrats Monika!
Luke | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
It’s always so exciting to hear of people following their dreams and passions. Congrats! I’ve passionate about entrepreneurship also and have been on my own now for 4 years in several ventures however I’m very new to the blogging world so it’s neat to hear you achieved such ‘quick’ success. Again, congrats on your accomplishments. I’ll be sure to follow your blog for more updates.
Monika | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
@ Jonathan: thank you for your support
@ George: hey,thanks, I’ll have to hop over and write another post soon.
@ Steven: cheers for that, I appreciate your support and hopefully one day I can be as successful as all of you blog stars.
@ Luke: sounds like you are a true winner yourself and I look forward to getting to know you better. Once I rake in the big fat checks I might need your accounting services.
RT Cunningham | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
Congratulations on a job well done, Monika.
AbleReach | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Congratulations on the results you are getting from hard work, focus and following your dream.
Hock | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Congratulations! And thanks for sharing your journey with us. Would you like to be interviewed on Money Making Blogs?
Todd Morris | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
Congratulations on your success. I’ve been to a couple of your blogs … and I’ve enjoyed/learned things from all of them.
Thanks,
Todd
Monika | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
@ RT: hey, thanks for that. When are you off to the States. Hope all goes well for Josie.
Monika | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
@ Able: thank you, it was and is all worth it and I think working really hard makes it all the more enjoyable.
Monika | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
Hey Hock,
Me interviewed, wow, I feel like somebody now.
Yes, I would be honored to be interviewed by you, give me a bell please on info [at] thewritersmanifesto.com
Monika | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Todd,
Likewise I have to say
Mike Smith | Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Just wanted to stop by and say CONGRATS!
Monika | Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Mike: hey, nice to see you stop by. How is it all going for you over at the “machine”? Hope you are making lots of money.
It’s really nice for you to stop by and say congrats, I appreciate this very much.
George | Feb 21, 2008 | Reply
You are welcome, look forward to it. I have been under the weather this week, but I plan on emailing you soon about a few things once I am feeling better.
Monika | Feb 21, 2008 | Reply
@ George: hope you feel better soon. It sucks being ill, just look after yourself and I’ll keepo an eye out for your email.
Val | Feb 23, 2008 | Reply
Hi Moni ! WOW I am SO happy for you – I can see you are absolutely living your passions and have found your mark. Congratulations & well done
Monika | Feb 23, 2008 | Reply
@ Val: Wohooo…look who’s here.
Great to see you visiting my blog and I’m so enjoying your well wishes. I’ve heard you are onto exciting new things and am excited with you. Nice to hear from you and I hope you didn’t get too much rain up there.
Terry Didcott | Feb 24, 2008 | Reply
Hey Monika, I’m a bit late but congratulations on your success – gud on ya! Now I know what it’s like to be mega busy I appreciate what you’ve achieved in this fairly short time.
Now you’re on the right track to start getting some niche sites onto autopilot so you can have an income stream coming to you in the background, which is where all marketers aspire to be, I’m sure.
Take care,
Terry
Denise | Feb 25, 2008 | Reply
Monika, Congrats on your success (better late than never I guess!)
You are doing a GREAT JOB! I must admit that I am a little green with envy for I have been at this for almost 3 years and have made way to many mistakes. I am still struggling a lot but now some light bulbs are finally going off thanks to some really great people I have met in the past couple of months. You included I hope!
Your success gives me hope. Thanks for keeping that hope alive!
Monika | Feb 25, 2008 | Reply
@ Terry: thanks buddy. I’m really happy for you too and those niches are coming along just fine which will only add to my growing income streams.
@ Denise: Thanks Denise. I’m honored to be counted as an inspiration for you and am happy to help you out whenever you need me (I know that damn skype is never connecting us at the right time, but it’s ought to happen sometime).
Just keep at it and follow the lead of those great people you’ve met and it will come together for you.
Goal Setting College | Feb 25, 2008 | Reply
Hey Monika, I hope I’m not too late to congratulate you on this amazing feat! Well done…
Cheers,
Ellesse
Monika | Feb 26, 2008 | Reply
@ Ellesse: hey, it’s never too late to congratulate others and I’m happy for your nice words. Hope life is treating you well too. Been a while since I’ve seen you.
Denise | Feb 26, 2008 | Reply
Hey Monika, thanks for the response. I may not post often here, but I am reading your posts. We’ll connect someday
Eric P. Martin | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
Congradulations!!! You are truly an inspiration. The minute I came across your blog, I knew I had to subscribe.
I’m on the same trek as you. I agree with you that time investment is essential. This is what I’m struggling with now. Time.
I wish you continued success.
Eric
Monika | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
@ Eric: thank you very much. I hope all is going well with you. If you are ever stuck don’t be afraid to ask for help.
ebele | Mar 2, 2008 | Reply
…and what a journey you’ve made, dear.
Here’s to your continued success.
take care…
Monika | Mar 3, 2008 | Reply
@ ebele: thanks very mucho to you. I’ve had a browse through your website and was very impressed! Love the way you show your creativity.
Awesome!
ebele | Mar 5, 2008 | Reply
Ya welcome!
And thanks for passing thru my site.
all the best…