How to make money as a freelance copywriter without Upwork

Years ago, I had a coworker who loved chatting with people in the office. They’d have no problem popping into my office or anyone else’s for a (lengthy) chat. And it didn’t matter how well they knew the person either. Everyone was a potential new best friend.

That was the year I learned about introverts vs. extroverts. Compared to my coworker, I thought I must be an introvert because the thought of walking around and popping into peoples’ workspaces for unsolicited “get-to-know-you” conversations filled me with dread. 

I wasn’t necessarily shy, I opened up around people I grew close with, but I didn’t feel recharged talking just to talk. I’m not the type to strike up a conversation with someone every time I’m in line at the grocery store like my dad. I prefer one-on-one or small-group settings as opposed to a large gathering. So that makes me an introvert, right? 

That’s what I thought. Until I started my own business. I browsed Upwork but having to put in a bid felt too intimidating (hello, imposter syndrome), and the thought of cold calling was enough to make me want to throw up, so I felt a bit lost. 

Then my cousin introduced me to BNI, a professional networking group. And before you roll your eyes and think skeezy sales bros, hear me out. I get rattled by change, I don’t love putting myself in uncomfortable situations and being new to a group, but dang if that one BNI meeting in Scottsdale, AZ, didn’t spark something in me.

I started networking like crazy. I joined my local chamber of commerce, two local women’s entrepreneurial groups, and my local BNI chapter, and I made myself go to the meetings/events. Y’all. That is not like me. I went on my own, no safety person along with me. 

I just showed up. And kept showing up. I was the one initiating conversations and making small talk with people I didn’t know, which, in the before-times sounded like a true nightmare. 

But I did it. I had my pitch down (sidebar: despite what all other bloggers say, your pitch doesn’t have to be any more complicated than the basic gist of what you do as a writer and who you help).  I was friendly and exchanged business cards with everyone. I didn’t have to give anyone the hard sell; I just explained what I did, and you know what happened? I started getting work.

And more work. And then repeat work. I’m not going to be one of those people who sits here and hollers “I MADE $20,000 A WEEK AT HOME WORKING 3 HOURS AND YOU CAN, TOO!” because that’s a lie. I’ve worked hard to earn these clients. I’ve forced myself to attend networking events when I’d rather stay home. I’ve worked on making myself feel more comfortable being uncomfortable.

This work has paid off because I don’t have to troll Upwork and come in at a lowball rate just to be chosen. I don’t have to compete with writers willing to take half of what I charge. The connections I’ve made and continue to make often lead to other connections, and when people vouch for you and your work, you can charge a much better rate that accurately reflects the quality of your work.

So maybe that makes me an ambivert, the middle child between extrovert and introvert, but for as introverted as I feel, when I network and meet people face-to-face, I usually set up at least one meeting at the end. And for being a one-person show (for now), I’ll take it. 

My Upwork account told me the other day that it was going inactive because I hadn’t logged in for so many days. I think I’m OK with that.

-t