1. I took any assignment that came my way, whether I enjoyed the topic or now.
★Now, I ask myself, 'Am I interested in that topic at ALL?'
2. I did low-paying work for longer than I should have.
★It's okay to take on some low-paying assignments to build up your portfolio and experience. Then, move on.
3. I didn't set goals.
★Now I have an annual salary I'm aiming for in addition to monthly, weekly, and hourly rate goals.
4. I didn't have systems in place.
★Now I track introductory emails, LinkedIn connections, pitches, and I have some processes in place.
5. I wasn't tracking my time.
★It wasn't until I did this about six years into FT freelancing that I really saw how I could earn six figures freelancing.
6. I wasn't outsourcing tasks.
★Using a VA wasn't that common in 2013 but I wish I looked for ways to off-load low-level tasks sooner in my career.
7. I wasn't thinking of ways to diversify my income.
★I was mainly doing freelance article writing. Now I offer editing, freelance coaching, content strategy, digital products, and other services.
8. I wasn't exploring new niches.
★I actually recommend new freelancers start establishing themselves in a niche or two so this wasn't a mistake exactly but I wish I knew how to find high-paying freelance niches then.
9. I didn't ask for a rate increase.
★I usually took what I was offered and stayed in that range for a few years if I was still working with the same client. Now I practice raising freelance rates and asking for more upfront.
10. I wasn't as efficient as I could have been.
★Now I start work on an article right away so I have the research done and more time to say yes if other work comes my way.
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