Embracing the client market

Hello there,

Happy Tuesday everybody, in the words of Garfield who hated Mondays and said that his week officially begins on Tuesdays.?

So last week I was faced with excruciating pains. It is not my fault that I am a fragile being. I am not a sickle cell but I get asked this question every time I go to the hospital and get genotype tests, and blood group tests done every time. Anyways I hope this newsletter finds you well and your week is going well so far.?

So this newsletter is more of me arranging my thoughts concerning the current clients’ market as a worker or business person offering services. It is evolving with the emergence of many people flowing into the freelance industry. Now, more than ever we have coaches, we have resources, we have people frustrated by the government and want to turn their earning potential into their hands. I want to talk about the importance of embracing this change as it comes.

Point 1: The clients' market

Times have changed. The market has shifted, and your client is somewhat in control now because there’s a surplus of job seekers and the scarcity of jobs has tipped the scales in their favor. This has resulted in fixed rates and somehow less room for negotiations because a work you reject, someone is willing to do it well for even a lesser price. Yet, the cost of living is not reducing. It is tiring because in my emails now everybody is selling something, one course or the other and it just shows that mehn, this is their daily bread hustle.?

To adapt to this changing landscape, some people have chosen to accept lower wages, while others have explored alternative avenues to sustain their income. I even saw one woman who said she sacked many VAs because now most of the roles they used to have, she can do them easily by using automation and technology.

So now, I think is the era for multis—people who are a bit of everything and do well at it. Companies are looking for writers who can ghostwrite, copywriting, blog write, strategize, and write social media posts, like diversify. Spending time and money to hire various individuals for those roles is time-consuming for most.

Now, a team of three people can run a business effectively, a team of 5, a team of four, small teams you know. Which is great, saving cost, and being effective.?

Point 2: Being Everything for Everyone - multi

We have to embrace versatility and become an autonomous unit for clients. This is a blessing and a curse I think. On one hand, it allows you to explore different areas of work, bring value to clients, and learn about content operations and strategy. On the other side, it would lead you off your focus, you feel lost and question yourself if you are not far from your original focus.

Sometimes there’s joy in being everything, sometimes there’s confusion for me who handles various roles for various people I work with. I switch from the ghostwriter weaving tales of great 80,000-word stories for some good authors in 4 weeks. And dive into Seo blog writing and interviews, and email communication for another, then move into social media content and post making, etc. So being a bit of everything in one to a single group might be fun or confusing or even both.?

A New Approach to Thriving in the Clients' Market

What do we do when the clients’ market presents these challenges, well, you grow and learn, unlearn and relearn. You embrace the change and expand your sights because growth is the only key to success in a constantly evolving industry.?

Here’s what I think we can do.?

1. Diversify our services: We have to consider offering a range of services that complement our core expertise. If writing is your main core, add other things, creating guides, learning how to make templates and presentations using canva. If you know social media, expand, add Pinterest, know ads, and know a little about copywriting. If you design carousels, learn how to creatively summarise things. Don’t be fixated, explore. It is hard but being an effective well-rounded solution for clients can be a good thing. When I ghostwrite, I edit, I rewrite, and I make corrections as needed. So you get an edited perfect manuscript at the end of the day. This makes you a more attractive option for clients looking for a wholesome solution in one.?
2. Create autonomy: Being able to show your ability you can work independently and be trusted is a valued asset. Become an autonomous unit that can deliver quality without anyone breathing over your shoulders.?
3. Embrace challenges: To maintain a positive mindset, we can welcome new challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. By taking on diverse projects, we'll gain valuable experience and skills that can open doors to new ventures.?
4. Explore collaboration: If working alone becomes overwhelming, consider partnering with like-minded people to form your own collaborative team. Combining these talents can lead to increased efficiency and a broader client base.
5. Stay learning: Stay learning, stay updated on industry trends, and learn new skills related to your field. This will not only make us more adaptable but also enhance our value to clients.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach in this world, what works for some may not work for you. The trick is trying to see which fits. Each of us must navigate this client's market in a way that aligns with our strengths, passions, and goals. Whether you choose to specialize or diversify, one thing is sure embracing change and remaining open to new possibilities will undoubtedly lead to a more fulfilling work and life journey.

Best,

Winifred Liam.