Charity | She Owns It

Freelancing: How To Find Your First Clients by @theblogloft

January 19, 2015 by Margo Snyder 1 Comment

by Margo Snyder | Featured Contributor

Okay, so you’ve got your website up. You’ve put together a portfolio of work that you’ve done, and you’re open for business! Oh yeah, you forgot one thing! Where are the clients? No matter what field of freelance you’re in, whether it be design, copywriting, photography, or marketing, you’re going to find yourself in a quiet room, twiddling your thumbs for a while before you realize that in order to get your first client, you’re going to have to actually go out and get your first client.

Once you have an established freelance business, it gets easier. Clients start coming to you through referrals, and other channels. You hit a tipping point where work finally starts to flow in. But until that day comes, you’re going to have to pay your dues. Here are some tips about how I went out and got my first clients.

Do work for a friend: Even if you don’t have a friend who is starting a business, I bet you have one that wants to someday. Ask them to be your client, and work with them to create the ideal logo or photography for that business (real or imaginary!). The purpose of this is to get a feel for the process of working with clients. There’s more to doing client work than just doing the work. Find out how smooth your workflow is, and adjust accordingly before you get your first “real” client.

Donate your time for a good cause: Charitable organizations might not have a huge budget (or any budget) to hire you (remember- you’ve got to pay your dues for a while) But they are professional organizations that you can treat as you would any other client. Not only will you get good karma for volunteering your time, you will make important connections that might turn into something more profitable in the future. A lot of blogs say to never-ever give away your time or work for free- but I disagree. If you’re giving away your time to a good cause, you’re helping the world become a better place. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that’s a bad thing to do, or a bad business strategy!

Create fictional work: Sometimes when we work with clients, we don’t always get to create exactly what we want. When you create fictional work, you get to really let loose and express your point of view- which is what people will hire you for when they see it! You can work with your “ideal client” (who let’s face it, really only exists in our minds anyways right?) Creating fictional logo designs is something I still do when I’m in between clients. Not only did it help me bring in my first clients, but it continues to help me by bringing traffic to my website through people who see my designs on social media! I always make sure to label my fictional work as “fictional” so that people know that the business does not exist.

How did you find your first clients? Any tips for fellow freelancers?

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Margo is a graphic & web designer who spends her time dreaming up ways to help women achieve their goals in business. She’s been working from home for three years, and loves every moment of it! She knows from experience that it is possible to create a career and life you love!

Margo runs an online community for bloggers and small business owners, as well as her graphic & web design business. Her goal is to help like minded women battle the convention that we need to spend eight hours a day (1/3 of our lifetimes) stuck behind a desk, making someone else a lot of money.

When she’s not working with design clients creating beautiful websites or branding materials, she’s writing to those women who aren’t sure they have what it takes- because we all need a little (ok a lot) of encouragement when we’re going it alone, venturing into the unknown, and running our own empires!

You can also find Margo here: Design Website / Blogging Community / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Margo Snyder

Spark Emotion with an AbunDANCE of Movement by @dancinmoma

November 13, 2014 by Pamela McCormick 1 Comment

by Pamela McCormick | Featured Contributor

The movement of your body as it rhythmically moves to the sound of the music creates an image that can be visually pleasing to others. This same concept of moving with rhythm is applied in graphic design, in editing a video piece or editing a novel so that the reader or viewer is compelled to visualize the story in their minds. The end result of this “masterpiece of movement” can be amazing when you observe people reacting positively to your efforts. However, it can also touch your heart in a way you never expected. You feel inspired. Your heart overflows with abundance.

My term for this is ….Abundant Inspiration.

Inspired is what I feel…Right now.

I am halfway through a local charity dance competition. I was initially unsure about participating. Basically I carried an internal fear of the unknown when it came to my own abilities to take on the challenge. However, as I wrote recently, all it took was a SHIFT of MIND to face my own fears and JUST DANCE IT OUT. And now I’m overflowing with gratitude and abundant inspiration.
I have learned about myself in so many ways. I realize that many of the things I teach my students, I actually need to do myself. (As in, listen to my own advice!)
Three things I often say, but now believe EVEN more, as they apply not only to DANCE but to family, business and LIFE as well.

• “Don’t overthink the steps, sometimes you need to just let it go and MOVE.”

• “Tap into your own emotions and dance from your heart. Use that passion to express the character of movement you are conveying. It will show on your face and your body if you do that.”

• “Trust in yourself, trust in your dance partner. Believe that you can do it and you will shine. Win or lose, you can leave knowing you did your very best.”
Technique and experience certainly has their place, but unless true emotion is involved, the pieces may fall flat. When trying to touch a chord with your audience, you need to move them, make them FEEL something (good or bad) … and you need emotion. That emotion can drive them to action.

For the charity dance off in which I’m involved, our team’s enthusiasm has driven people to action, to donate and vote. We are representing a somewhat unknown charity in our own community — Leelanau Christian Neighbors (LCN) — but an important one, nevertheless. By shedding light on this amazing organization we can begin changing the world, one person at a time. We can feed the hungry, help those in need, and offer emergency assistance when times get tough. So far, with the help of the underwriter (Team Elmers) and the hard work, sweat and dancing from my partner and me, along with many friends/supporters, we have raised an incredible amount of money for LCN , over $80,000 so far. And there are still two events left!

AbunDANCE.

That is what my heart feels. That is what will help the charity. That is what will inspire us to keep working hard toward our goals. That is what this event is all about.

I am overflowing with heart, with passion, with blessings and gratitude for all of the support from the community. I thankful for new friendships found, for the other amazing charities, dancers, teachers and band. I am thankful for this opportunity to DANCE for charity. And DANCE we will…

What will your DANCE be today?

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Pamela McCormick, Creativity Promoter/Inspiration Generator

Pam is a creative consultant, writer, editor and dance teacher/choreographer. In addition to the joys of being a Mom of three, ages 14, 10, and 3, she has first-hand experience in the business of family and the opportunities of working women, as well as more than 10 years as a business executive in product development/creative coordination.

Pam, a Communications/Journalism graduate of Michigan State University, is also Managing Member and Creative Director of Creative Digital Ink, LLC, a Traverse City, Michigan-based consultancy. Creative development, copywriting, editing, marketing, photo shoot/project management and sales presentation speaking skills are all in her “dance bag” of tricks. With her varied background of business, leadership, motherhood and teaching, she has learned to “leap” through it all.

Pam is dedicated to social media and still encourages her inner child to jump for joy in the many “shoes” she wears. Working with adults and students of all ages, she understands well the transformative power of relationships, the impressive value of networking and how a simple hello can change your world. Pam is an eternal optimist determined to help you transform the chaos of your daily life into an enthusiastic “DANCE.” Pam’s inspirational blog can be viewed at www.dancinmoma.com.

Or connect with Pam via: Email:

creativedigital@outlook.com

Twitter – Facebook

Pamela McCormick

http://www.dancinmoma.wordpress.com

How To Use Your Entrepreneurial Superpowers For Good by @adamsconsulting

October 13, 2014 by Diana Adams Leave a Comment

by Diana Adams | Featured Contributor

My goal as an entrepreneur is not to make a lot of money. Sure, money is nice, but my goal is to add value to the world. When I leave this earth, I want to know that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives. You probably feel the same way. As an entrepreneur, you have more superpowers than you realize. I’d like to explain how and why to use those powers for good.

I’m extremely blessed to have been able to make a very nice full time income as an entrepreneur for many years. I strongly believe that part of my success comes from giving back. I’ve heard many entrepreneurs say they can’t afford to give back. My question is, can you really afford not to?

We expect our favorite brands to have a sense of social responsibility. This is important to almost everyone I know (especially moms and millennials). If we expect other brands and companies to care about making the world a better place, we should do our part also.

Your clients, customers, prospects, colleagues, vendors, friends and family will all take notice. Using your entrepreneurial superpowers for good is an excellent way to build new relationships, strengthen existing relationships and create goodwill. If you do it consistently and with a pure heart, you’ll also increase your bottom line in the process, which is always nice. Helping people is the key to success.

How can you use your entrepreneurial superpowers for good?

I recommend finding a way to give back that is related to your business. Find an organization that shares your same values. That way, it will be more than just a one-time thing. It will be ongoing, and it will be easier to get your employees and clients excited about joining you.

For example, I’m an IT consultant. My way of giving back is collecting the old computers, printers, etc. that my clients no longer want or need. I wipe the data off, fix them up so they work, and donate them to the computer lab in a homeless shelter in Atlanta.

Everyone in the process from my clients who donate the equipment to the people who benefit from it are affected in a positive way. It’s a win-win all the way around.

Don’t get trapped into thinking the only way to give back is with your money. As an entrepreneur, time and knowledge are our most valuable assets. If you can’t give money, give your time or knowledge. Choose to do something that makes your happy, and something you’re interested in.

For example, you can give your time to mentor a new entrepreneur. I can tell you from experience that there are few things in life more rewarding than helping and inspiring another person to reach for their dreams and then watching them make it happen. It will remind you of why you started your own business. It will keep you ‘hungry and foolish’ as Steve Jobs says. It’s also a great way to sharpen your leadership skills.

Entrepreneurs are always networking and meeting new people. No matter how you choose to give back, do it in a way that allows you to be around other people. ‘Widen your net’ so to speak. You never know whom you will meet, and what that meeting will lead to. Invite your clients to join you. It’s such a powerful way to strengthen the relationships with people you work with every day.

The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. ~ Deepak Chopra

There are countless ways you can use your entrepreneurial superpowers for good. Whether you choose to promote a non-profit on your website, you take donations to start a college fund, or you plant a tree – they will all add value to the world around you.

The magical part of giving back as an entrepreneur is that it’s a selfless act that will swell your heart with gratitude, but at the same time, it is one of the most powerful ways to increase the influence, respect and sales of your business.

If you’re still not convinced that using your entrepreneurial superpowers for good is important, maybe this article by Richard Branson will help. Just read Richard Branson on Why Volunteer Work Is Important for Business Leaders. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck in your entrepreneurial endeavors. Live long and prosper!

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Diana Adams is the founder and CEO of Adams Consulting Group, Inc. in Atlanta. Established in 2001, her company is now an esteemed member of the Apple Consultants Network and is rated one of the top independent Apple consulting firms in the southeast.

She’s written 4,000+ blog posts about technology, social media and geeky innovations. She loves new technology, Java Chips with extra drizzle, and any form of creativity. She’s also one of the biggest Star Wars fans in the world and is a frequent user of the force.

Diana graduated from USC, and she spends most of her time on the east coast. She is a social media addict, and you can find her on Twitter (@adamsconsulting), Instagram, G+ or Facebook almost anytime of the day or night. Send her a tweet and say hello!

Diana Adams

SHIFT of MIND… by @dancinmoma

September 16, 2014 by Pamela McCormick Leave a Comment

by Pamela McCormick | Featured Contributor

You know that moment when someone asks you a simple question and your first reaction is, “No Way!” with a wave off of your hands protecting your face in defense?

Well that’s what happened to me recently when asked to be a part of a local charity dance-off event in our area. I’m ALL about helping charity, but the media exposure, my lack of skills in the ballroom dance area and the fear that I might “suck at it” were all weighing heavily with my internal response. Basically the first answer in my head was based out of downright FEAR! Not a good way to start, but it’s the truth and I own it.

I play many parts (hashtag mom, wife, teacher, writer, and dancer) in my book of life, but simply put….I was scared. Wobbly knees, shaky hands scared. I talked this through with my husband, in prayers and conversations in my head (as I weighed the pros and cons). Then I realized that I was OVERTHINKING…like most of us do in our adult lives.

Then the all-encompassing SHIFT of MIND.

It was my 4 year old daughter that reminded me to play, to have fun and make people smile. Her “let’s do this” attitude (that I’m used to having) brought me back to the place when I could actually answer from my HEART not my head.

YES!!! I can DO this!! It’ll be an ADVENTURE. I’ll learn NEW things. I’ll help others. I’ll open new doors. And I’ll DANCE. Yes. I’ll DANCE!!!!!!!! Do you see that girl in the photo? That’s me! Upside down me!

So I did, I said yes! And so far it has been one of the greatest experiences so far in my adult life (next to my wedding, births of children, meeting Donny Osmond and 2^nd row at the Justin Timberlake concert) 😉 Okay you can stop laughing. I’m a self-proclaimed geek…but that’s my happy place where I can like what I like, and do what I do, no matter how opposite they may be.

So this big charity event is coming up very soon and will continue until December. I met my dance partner, the president of a local company , a local “star” in our area and we’ve been working hard on his “Foxtrot” steps. We are finding our dance partner connection and have been rehearsing for 5 weeks (about 5-6 hrs. a week – 1 hr. with a ballroom professional). Lots of work and sweat but we are READY to get on the DANCE FLOOR!! We are anxious to entertain, to have fun and raise money for our local charity. We will have a small part in changing the lives of hungry people in our area, babies in our area, school children with smiles when they receive their “Blessings in a Backpack” and local families that are hit with hard times financially.

THIS melts my heart to the core. It makes me realize that I should not live a life out of FEAR. I shouldn’t answer a question out of fear. I need to tap into my passions, my heart, and my strengths to know that with FAITH and support, I CAN do ANYTHING I put my mind to. I can make a difference. So can you!

All you need is that SHIFT of MIND to put you in the place you were meant to be…

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