Where to Find the the Most Enthusiastic Client You’ll Ever Have

As the holiday seasons merge and the end of the year approaches, we are often left wondering about what we accomplished throughout the year, and what changes we want to make for the new one. I knew that to reach my full potential in 2022, I had to have specific goals in mind. I found that the best way to do that was to prioritize time with one of my most important clients… myself! It turns out that becoming your own client is the hidden secret to productivity and motivation.

What does it mean to be your own client?

When I first decided to become a copywriter, I absorbed everything I could find about copywriting. I enrolled in the programs… read the books… and watched the videos… All until I arrived at the conclusion that this was the right path for me. But now what? Without a portfolio or client, I felt lost and unsure of where to start.

That was when I slapped on my thinking cap on and decided that in the absence of a real one, I had to become my own client and create the work that I wanted.

This helped me in several ways:

a) I was able to start writing right away and exercising my skills.

b) It helped me to build my portfolio.

c) When a real client came along, I had the confidence I needed to tackle the job!

Here are some ways you can become your own client and help ensure your own success:

1. Make (and Meet) Your Own Deadlines

When you work for yourself, it can be easy to get lax and distracted (trust me, I can relate). But just as clients rely on you to get your work done by a deadline, you need to be able to rely on yourself (you big boss, you). So be sure to set a strict target date and stick to it! Not only will this create good habits, but it will also prevent you from getting stuck on one project so you can move onto the next big thing.

2. Start Inside the Box, and Work Your Way Out

It can be easy to get stuck, especially as a new writer (and seasoned writers as well… I’m looking at you, with the writer’s block). Trying to start with a completely blank slate can have your mind feeling… well, blank.

Remember that as your own client, you have some leeway, so instead try working with your existing skillset and passions. Are you a novice baker with a dream of running your own blog? Write a blog post for your new theoretical blog without worrying about any of the hang-ups. If you’re an avid social media user, promote your new writing services in a post befitting the best new copywriter to grace their feed. Using your existing resources to write can help build your confidence.

Another option would be to take an ideal product from your preferred niche and write copy about it as if you were writing for the company. Really love a product or service you’ve been using? Write a detailed review for it that would convince even your stubborn MIL to give it a try.

Finally, you can even make up a product or service and produce captivating copy for it. These options will give you great pieces to add to your now growing portfolio.

3. Make Your Specs Work for You

My first introduction to spec (short for “speculative”) writing was when writing for potential employers at AWAI’s annual bootcamp. These are essentially samples of writing you send to potential employers so they can see your work (and possibly hire you). Specs helped propelled me out of my comfort zone and helped me to get started. You can do the same by looking at potential and local employers and their products and writing sample spec pieces for them. Send them the sample of your work – it may just lead to a new client! At the very least, you’ve got a brand-new portfolio piece.

4. Create A routine You Can Follow

One of the perks of being your own client is that you can essentially work from anywhere, at any time. But oftentimes all that freedom can lead down a dangerous path towards dormancy.

Instead, create a simple routine that works for you, and follow it. You can set your own hours… so write your schedule down and follow it daily. Have a list of what you wish to accomplish for the day during those hours, and another list of overall goals for the week. With your goals set in place and a plan to follow, you are more likely to follow through.

In case you had any doubts, remember that you have what it takes to succeed… just let your most trusted client help you get there!