I don't need another girlfriend!

Luckily for me, unfortunately for others, I have a lot of time to think at work.

Usually my thoughts are scattered, and rarely make much sense, but today I thought of an amazing metaphor that describes my current situation! Anyone who has read my blog posts from the beginning knows that I speak very metaphorically, so this should be no surprise.

I realized today that freelancing is a lot like dating.

I spend a lot of time getting my stuff together: my strengths and abilities, what I can offer someone and what it will cost to make me happy. Then after I find someone that I would like to pursue, I look at their current situation and see how I can make a difference for them.

It is pretty easy to point out if they have had rough relationships in the past, including abusive boyfriends that didn't have their priorities straight or didn't treat them with the respect they deserve.

Then, when the time is right, and I have all my research complete... *dun dudda dun* here comes Neely with all the answers!

With all the time I have spent establishing relationships with people across the country, selling myself and my abilities to a potential client comes way too easy for me. I barely have to rehearse, or come up with a script, I am very open and natural, and it is easy for someone to see that.

Just like girlfriends, no one wants someone that is fake; someone that talks a good game but can't follow through in the end. And just like dating, every girl is going to think that you have a trick up your sleeve: you are just going to take what you want and then leave them for the next victim.

Perhaps by thinking of your freelancing as dating will make it easier to gain perspective on where your potential client is coming from. There is no reason for them to trust you, because they have been hurt before.

Do something that will separate yourself from their past, and you will see yourself in my position... sitting next to the phone, expecting their call back!

n/a