Talking Business, Mindset, & Money For Ghostwriters In 2023

Between AI software, inflation, and social media changes, being a professional ghostwriter these days seems challenging and unappealing.

When I started my ghostwriting journey in 2018, I had a clear goal of making a living as a writer full-time. Over the last few years, I've consistently grown my business by helping solo entrepreneurs develop strategic communication formats to connect with their audience. Now, as the market begins to shift in a new direction. The market tends to not be as ghostwriter friendly. For many ghostwriters or freelance copywriters, technology could easily replace our business and income. Yikes!

Lately, I've been asking myself, what does the future hold for me?

In truth, everything begins with the mindset of any business professional. As ghostwriters, our biggest tool is in how our minds are capable of tackling complex problems or communicating effectively to different audiences. The writer's mind is a fertile playground for new ideas to sprout and blossom. Yet, it can be challenging to see possibilities around you when job security seems to be a reoccurring threat.

A golden rule, I like to live by as a ghostwriter is to always water my garden. In a nutshell, to always be in a position of understanding that seasons change and industries do too. Understanding the value of cultivating a positive mindset that will lead to a positive outcome. We all have the power to control our minds and perspective at all times.

Nurture your mind daily

Our mind's ability to prioritize positivity is critical to future success. When we condition our minds to see the hope and possibility of any situation, things begin to work out. We begin to feel good about ourselves and our place in the world.

It's important to always intentionally feed your mind with positive affirmations, try new hobbies, explore different industries, and learn something new. Your mindset must always be sharp and focused on achieving your goals. While thriving on good memories or opportunities. At all times, you have to limit distractions and negativity. Technology is here to stay and there's nothing we can do about it. Instead of harboring the good old days, embrace today with optimism.

Your business will grow at its own pace

There is this unspoken expectation that if your business is not garnering six figures annually, you're a failure. That's not true. I know you probably have followed the advice of your top fifty thought leadership experts. While the advice may vary. The truth is that building a business comes with peaks and valleys. Sometimes you'll be thriving at optimal performance with clients/customers galore. Other times, you'll probably wish you had your old remedial job working 9-5 each week.

Growing a business with no experience or some experience can challenge you. Yet, it's within the uncertain moments that you learn how to handle obstacles, defeat, setbacks, loss, and failures. No one else has the power to measure the success of your business besides you. Stop overconsuming content from the gurus. Stop buying online courses that don't work for your business. Stop following the next trend to gain more followers. Trust the plan you have implemented and make it work the best way possible. You only fail in business when you decide to give up.

Money is an infinite resource

I started my ghostwriting business to make money and lots of it. However, my relationship with money has led to poor spending habits, bad business decisions, and insecurities. Growing up I understood money to always be in a limited supply. There was never enough money to cover bills, expenses, or entertainment. Thus, every dollar I received caused me great anxiety to hold on to it for as long as possible. Or to only use it for its intended purpose. As a business professional, you have to proactively work against childhood trauma or negative connotations about money.

The truth is that money is an infinite resource. It will always come back to you. If you're struggling to generate a profit or secure a client in your business. Trust and believe that the money you desire will flow into your life. You don't have to struggle to find it or worry about giving it away. It will always come back to you. Don't focus on the bottom line or the client's budget. The money you need will always be provided to you at the right time.

Lastly, ghostwriting is a lucrative profession that offers great rewards. However, there will be moments when you may doubt your decision to be in this industry. Every successful person has dealt with their own share of frustration or lack of support about the changes around them. It's the natural order of pursuing a life of purpose and fulfilling your passion. Although there may be many storms ahead, don't take the detour to your destination. Trust your intuition. Reset and rest as much as needed and keep going. You're bound to connect with the right client at any moment in time.