I like to call The Zen Freelancer “a quiet space for busy minds”. In this blog, I share useful freelance tips and inspirational stories. Because I believe that everyone has dark days when they need a bit of extra motivation in order to move on.
When you think about it, what makes your freelance mind busy?
Probably not having enough time for all the things you have to do. Not having enough energy to cope with everything. Or struggling with finding clients who will allow you to keep a healthy work-life balance.
As an attempt to help you find zen in the chaos of everyday life, I started “Freelance Tips With…” – a series of interviews with freelancers who have somehow inspired me. They all share their story and give useful advice on various topics related to achieving success as a self-employed.
Check out all the interviews from the series “Freelance Tips With…”!
Today’s interview is with Taylor Marsden, a freelance copywriter and WordPress developer from Toronto, Canada. Besides working, she loves creating music, singing, playing electric guitar and writing screenplays.
Read her story now…
What’s your freelancing niche?
I’m a copywriter for small businesses with female audiences.
Why did you decide to become a freelancer?
I loved the idea of working for myself! Plus, as a writer on a marketing team, you’re always a little fearful of your job being outsourced. Better to be in control of my own destiny rather than let others have that power.
Related: Become a Successful Freelancer by Getting Into This Mindset
What was your job before that?
I worked as a full-time copywriter for a variety of companies including an e-commerce startup and a giant corporate retailer.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as a freelancer?
The biggest challenge is always financial stability and making sure that you’ve got enough income coming in every year to live comfortably.
What’s the best advice you can give to the people who’re making their first freelancing steps?
Don’t quit your day job until you’re absolutely certain that you can! This lifestyle isn’t for everyone – it’s a hustle (especially in the beginning) – so start freelancing as a side hustle first.
Related: What No One Tells You About Being a Freelancer
What would you say to the people who hate being trapped in their office from 9 to 5 but don’t see another option to make a living?
Almost every single job today is capable of going online. Work in retail? Use those sales skills and open your own online store. Accountant? Start offering your services as a freelancer on the side and work to build your own accounting biz. Whatever it is you do I bet it works in a freelance capacity.
What advice would you give to the freelancers who’re struggling to find clients? What’s your secret to finding clients?
Get clients to come to you! Figure out a marketing strategy and put it into practice asap. Optimize your website. Network with people in your industry and those related to it!
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made as a freelancer?
NOT CHARGING ENOUGH!
Related: The Biggest Mistakes You Can Make as a Freelancer
When are you the most productive: when working from home, from a coworking space or from a cafe? How do you stay focused?
I’m most productive mid-morning when I’m working out of a quiet cafe. I zone in and stay focused with a daily To Do list (I email myself every evening with what I need to do the next day), music or a podcast, and a good cup of coffee.
What are your best time management practices?
I schedule everything! I’m specific about how much time I’ll give to each of my tasks and I’ll set up reminders that notify me when it’s time to move on. It’s not perfect and I definitely have my struggles, but it’s a constant work in progress.
How do you boost your productivity? And creativity?
I go for walks. I get away from work when things aren’t coming to me immediately. I play the guitar. I talk to my network when I need a little support!
Related: How to Beat Procrastination Once and For All
How does one of your best days look like?
A great day is getting up early and starting with a quick yoga session. I’ll have a light breakfast, check emails for anything that might be urgent and then move on to writing.
After some solid writing work and lunch, I’ll move to a cafe for the rest of the workday. That walk to a cafe is a great way to break up the day and get outside!
Finish up the day with emails and other boring tasks that don’t take too much brain power and walk home to meet my boyfriend for a glass of wine and a great dinner!
How do you stay zen?
Yoga. I start the day with a small practice and it focuses me for my day ahead. It gets my body moving and feeling good, but it also allows me time to meditate and think about nothing biz related.
Music also really
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