Tips for Becoming a Better Entrepreneur

To be an entrepreneur is to wear many hats. There are many skills, traits, and lifestyle decisions that we all make universally. I've been running businesses for 6+ years, and have learned a lot along the way. And I don't mean just about marketing -- I mean myself included. These are what I believe to be some of the best tips to maximize your productivity, results, and happiness as an entrepreneur.

Get swole

Okay, maybe not literally. You don't have to be a world class bodybuilder, but you should exercise on a regular basis. It helps to improve your confidence, focus, and overall mood on a daily basis. This will allow you to get more work done, get distracted less, and even achieve higher quality sleep. I recommend beginning with cardio, like running or swimming, and bodyweight exercises. These don't require any equipment, besides a pool for swimming, of course.

Keep up your diet

When people hear "eat healthy" they think that they have to spend hundreds per week on organic food and the highest quality products. You don't. Eating clean is a lot simpler and cheaper than you think. For example, my diet consists of lean protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, supplements like a multivitamin and fishoil, and I snack on things like peanuts and fruit. It's not rocket science. I buy what's on sale at the grocery store, and I'm able to be in awesome shape while being healthy, too. Seriously, don't overthink it. Just eat better, remove what you know is bad(candy, pop, etc) and you'll see/feel the results. 

Hang around good people

This is a huge prerequisite for success. Hanging around negative and toxic people does absolutely no good for your life, business, and happiness. I don't know a single person that spends time with negative people and can say something good about it. You need to spend time with people that uplift you, relate to your hustle, and make you feel inspired to work harder. It takes time, but it's so worth it. Nowadays, my network consists of pure entrepreneurs, winners, and really hard working people. Yeah, not all of them are in the same space as me. Not all of them make 6 figures. Not all of them are grinding 24/7. But they are good people that encourage those around them. That's what matters.

My Opinion on Upwork and Similar Sites

Upwork and similar gig sites are the go-to for many freelancers and entrepreneurs. It makes sense. These platforms congregate clients and workers together to make finding clients/employees very easy. While it used to be better than it is today, I'm not a huge fan of them. Today, I'd like to talk a bit about why you shouldn't be using websites like Upwork to find freelance work, and what you can do instead.

It's a race to the bottom

The main issue with websites like Upwork is that it's a race to the bottom. What does that mean? Well, it means that a lot of freelancers are racing to the bottom in terms of rates and payment. They are charging less and less to increase their chances of landing projects. Undervalued work becomes the result. People expect you to do cheap projects, or for free, because it's a part of the culture on these websites. Don't get me wrong, there are people that make 6 figures and develop great relationships with clients, but it's exceedingly rare.

Time spent elsewhere is better

The time you spend perfecting your profile, completing tests, and pitching projects could be better spent elsewhere. For example, you could be collecting lists of leads through tools like LeadFerret, then pitching them your services. This would help you find higher paying and higher quality clients. You could also be creating your own website, building content, and have leads organically coming to you. The same goes with social media. The time you put into gig sites could be put into growing a following.

It doesn't develop relationships

Building relationships with your clients is a huge part of becoming successful as an entrepreneur. You don't just do the work and say goodbye. You find other ways to help each other, be yourself, and be a fun person to work with. I've had so many other opportunities flood my inbox because I went out of my way to help clients and did an excellent job. The problem with Upwork is you are expendable to most clients. You're just another drone. Yes, you can build long term relationships and move off of Upwork, but it doesn't happen often. People are looking for workers on Upwork and gig sites for a reason -- they're trying to keep it on the platform, not off.

So, what you should focus on?

Here's what you need to do instead. 

One. Focus on pitching leads outside of Upwork. You can use gig sites as a supplementary way to get work, but it shouldn't be the main strategy. LeadFerret, Zoominfo, and similar services will supply you with contact information to decision makers of any company. Find the VP of marketing, CMO, or other positions related to what you offer. Give them a genuine pitch about what you can do for them and you'll be surprised where it can go.

Two. Check out job board websites like ProBlogger. These have high quality listings posted on a daily basis. Apply to them as often as possible, and I'm certain that you will find consistent work from them.

Three. You need, need, need a website! Your own professional website helps your image, attracts clients naturally, and lets you grow a real brand. Don't work from a Google Drive portfolio(it's okay in the beginning). Write blog posts to show off your skills if you're a writer, create a portfolio page, and be proud of having a real business asset.

How to Make Money Freelance Blogging

Freelance blogging can make you tons of money. It's great for people that have a full time job and want to start a side hustle. Think about it. There's literally nothing you need besides some free time on your hands.

I've been freelance writing for several years now. I've had the pleasure to write for major brands and rake in plenty of cash. Along the way, I've messed up and made mistakes, though. It happens. It's business. But, that's why today I'm going to teach you how to make money writing online, and what to avoid so you can jump straight to the results. Let's get into it!

#1 - Define your niche

There's no such thing as being a freelance writer. You might be a freelance B2B writer, freelance copywriter, or freelance author, though. That's the first step. Define your niche and who you want to target. This both sets what you write about and the types of clients you pitch.

#2 - Stay active on job boards

In my experience, Indeed and those standard job boards aren't very good for landing freelance writing clients. There are some remote and contract jobs, but they are a needle in a haystack. Instead, you should focus on other job boards made for writers, like:

• Problogger.com
• Bloggingpro.com
• Angel.co
• Freelancewriting.com
• Freelancewritinggigs.com

There's dozens of these gig sites around. I recommend writing down a bunch of them and making it a habit to visit them a certain amount per week. Apply to the latest listings and you're sure to get some high paying clients this way.

#3 - Avoid Upwork and similar sites

Freelance platforms like Upwork are very popular, but they are a race to the bottom. What this means is that everyone is trying to lower their rates and do work for cheaper to appease clients. The result? Clients expect you to break your back for slave labor rates. There are very few people that make a reasonable living or 6 figures on sites like these. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

#4 - Stay organize and consistent

You're doing this for the long haul, right? That means you need to stay disciplined, focused, and organized. Like I mentioned with the job boards, you need to keep lists and documents for reference. It's a good idea to create a content process/template that you can use every time you write, and you can share it with clients to get an idea of your work process.

It's also effective to keep a tab or folder of your ongoing projects, due dates, and similar information. Client calls and meetings also need a place to be noted. 

Make sure to develop a good routine and schedule. Wake up, get your coffee, and start writing immediately if you want. Or, hit the gym and relax a bit before you dive into work.