Mama, we need to have a serious conversation.
Lately, I’ve noticed a trend in our Facebook group.
Posts that look like this:
I tried this one thing and I still don’t have a client.
I joined all the Facebook groups and I still don’t have a client.
I had a discovery call and I still don’t have a client.
I applied for 47 jobs and I still don’t have a client.
Often, a few amazing mamas will jump in with advice and suggestions:
Engage. Provide consistent value. Focus on connecting with people. Stop “applying” and start seeking out the people who truly need your help. Stop trying to figure out how to build your freelance career, and start creating meaningful connections.
Sometimes the original poster will hear this advice and apply it. And sometimes, I’m seeing replies that boil down to:
Well, I’m not going to do that.
Mama. No. Just no. That’s… not how we roll here.
If you want clients, if you want to know how to build your freelance career, you’re going to have to put in the work to get them. You CAN do this, but you have to show up.
If you missed the training I ran on YouTube a few weeks ago, it boils down to this:
Get ready, by optimizing your profiles on social media. The moment I click over to your Facebook page (or Instagram bio, or whatever), I should be able to understand what you do and how you can help me — so be super clear. If I can’t tell what you do immediately, I’m going to click away.
Do NOT use the phrase Jill of All Trades.
Mama, I’ve been there and made this exact mistake. You think, But I want to appeal to ALL the clients! But the reality is that you don’t appeal to anyone if you’re not specific.
Be specific somewhere — either in the service you offer (I help with Facebook and Instagram management, graphic design, email management, or something else) OR in the market you serve (I work with online course creators, private medical practices, tech start-ups, or something else).
Get set, and out yourself out there. Yes, you should engage in Facebook groups. NO, that doesn’t mean you should join 97 groups. You should pick, like, three, so that you can actually show up consistently and strategically.
And liking and commenting on posts isn’t engaging strategically — it’s playing online. Your goal is not just to post so you can say, “I posted.” You want to be creating real relationships and providing actual value.
Answer questions. Ask questions. Join in conversations in a meaningful way.
GO, and make the most of the connections you’ve formed with people. Someone replied to your post and asked for more information? Keep the conversation going.
If someone walked up to you in person and said, “I’d love to hear more about what you said,” would you just stand there silently? No, you’d find something to say. So find some way to engage and reply online.
Ask a question: What’s the thing you’re spending time on in your business that frustrates you and doesn’t pay off?
Invite them to a chat: Want to have a quick virtual coffee? Here’s my calendar link!
And when you don’t hear back right away, take a lesson from your toddlers: don’t give up.Persistence is key. Instead of making up stories about why a potential client hasn’t replied, or hasn’t hired you, or whatever, keep showing up.
Until the client flat-out says, “I’m not interested,” keep at it.
Mama, everything I say, I say with love. I want nothing more than to see you succeed. I’ve made it my mission to help you leave behind your 9-5 and never have to choose between family and finances.
I can tell you all day long how to build your freelance career, but I cannot do the work for you. That part is on you.
Are you ready to step up? Then jump into the Facebook group and tell us how you’re going to make it happen!
P.S. St. Louis Mamas! Are you coming to the FreeMama Meetup and Workshop on Friday, June 28? Click here to save your spot and get all the details.