3 Tips for Navigating the "Hustle" of Freelancing

I define freelancing as a "hustle". It’s a process of pushing yourself to keep going in order to survive. It’s a circle of helping others build their brands and business while others help me do the same.?

For me specifically, freelancing has been a resource of supplemental income that allows me to provide the best self-care for myself and a lifestyle for my children. My full-time work affords me the security of healthcare, benefits, and set pay. While my freelancing affords me different types of securities including control of my schedule, bulk payments, remote work, and a diversity of projects.

There are two freelancing projects that were pivotal to my career. The first was with actress Sheryl Lee Ralph from 2012 to 2013. I coordinated a 10-city media tour for the AIDS Memorial Quilt initiative. She is a huge HIV/AIDS advocate because when she was on Broadway with “Dreamgirls,” she lost a lot of her friends when the virus was just starting to be understood. I note this project because it showed the impact of my work and taught me the power of these freelance relationships in my personal and professional lives. Seeing Sheryl receiving her flowers for “Abbott Elementary” is heartwarming because I was fortunate to be a part of her journey to this point. And I have kept in touch with her, cheerleading along the way.?

Another major freelance project for me was working with Chef Jamika Pessoa , who is a classically-trained, celebrity chef. I met her fresh out of college around 2011 and was tasked with getting her placed on a major, daytime T.V. show. Not only did I not have any of those relationships, neither of us were living a VIP lifestyle to navigate this space with the resources and funding that many people have. I remember calling around until finally somebody at the “Today Show'' listened to me. We made it to New York but then breaking news happened and our segment got pushed back by two days. So, there I was sharing a hotel room with my client because we both were low on money and trying to get our hustles off the ground. And now, she’s been on every network from The Cooking Channel to Dr. Oz. She showed me that freelancing is a risk for everyone involved. She took a chance on me, and I took a chance on her. And, it worked out.

Those two stories bring me to the three tips I want to share with you if you are starting out as a freelancer.

1. Try new services and/or markets where you don’t have experience. ?Take the leap of faith. I never thought I would have clients in the theater and film industries. As a matter of fact, I have gained an appreciation for the arts that I did not have until freelancing. I was invited to do PR for the “Black Nativity” performances in Atlanta and a few other plays with Dominion Entertainment. There I was able to interact with celebrities Q Parker from the music group “112” and Elizabeth Omilami, the daughter of activist Hosea Williams.? And, I realized I really enjoyed those experiences. And that’s why you have to try everything, at least once. If you don’t like it, at least you know based on experience and not an assumption.
2. Help out nonprofits. There are organizations, churches, and philanthropists who need as much help as these big businesses and corporations. And they have budgets and funding! Many assume, incorrectly, that because they are not-for-profit so they don’t have money. But, I have helped plenty of organizations tell their story. There are plenty of opportunities to help them think strategically and elevate their message. It is rewarding work to know you took someone or something to the next level, especially when they’re doing impactful work that benefits our communities.
3. Get everything in writing. As a freelancer, you and your work will get minimized. Everyone will ask you to “just help them out.” Stay away from people who approach you to “just” do anything or “volunteer” in any capacity. Exposure, pro bono, and bartering don’t pay bills. It’s important to get contracts signed. Not just to get money ironed out but to also get on the same page about expectations and establish game plans for if something does not go as planned. Don’t let the “side hustle” structure of your work minimize the fact that it is still business.?

Thank you all for continuing to read my blogs. The support is much appreciated! In my next blog, I will tackle the topic of entrepreneurship as a parent.?

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