I had the most incredible conversation with Girlie Verzosa, and honestly, her story is exactly what every aspiring freelancer needs to hear. Yeah, she’s this amazing social media manager and Canva expert from Cebu who completely transformed her life through freelancing. And uh, when I say transformed, I mean she went from working those exhausting night shifts to earning a six-figure income in just 1.5 years. Right, so let me share her freelancing success tips that really got me thinking about what it takes to make it in this industry.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
All right, so here’s the thing that really struck me about Girlie’s journey – and this is something I think every freelancer struggles with – the mindset shift. Yeah, she emphasized how crucial it is to stop thinking like an employee and start thinking like a business owner. I mean, this resonates with me so much because, as a freelancer myself, I’ve seen too many people get stuck in that hourly-paid mentality.
Girlie talked about recognizing the value of your work, and um, this is probably one of the most important freelancing success tips I’ve ever heard. She said you have to treat freelancing as a business, not just a job. Right, so instead of thinking “I’m just doing tasks,” you need to think “I’m providing valuable solutions to my clients.” This shift alone can completely change how you price your services and approach client relationships.
Small Wins: The Secret to Long-Term Motivation
Okay, so here’s something that really caught my attention – Girlie’s approach to celebrating small wins. Yeah, she makes it a point to celebrate even minor achievements daily. And uh, I have to say, this is such a game-changer for maintaining motivation in freelancing.
As a freelancer myself, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the big goals and forget to appreciate the progress you’re making. But Girlie’s right – those small celebrations create consistent positive reinforcement. So instead of waiting until you hit that major milestone, you’re actually enjoying the journey. This prevents burnout and keeps you motivated when things get tough.
The Power of Authentic Content Creation
All right, so let’s talk about something that really impressed me about Girlie’s approach – her content strategy. She’s completely shifted from polished, perfect content to raw, authentic videos, especially for Gen Z audiences. And yeah, this is one of those freelancing success tips that’s so relevant right now.
She explained how she uses TikTok and creates unfiltered content that shows her vulnerability. Right, so clients don’t just want to see your work – they want to see the human behind it. This builds trust and rapport, which are essential for long-term client relationships. For me, this insight about authenticity over perfection is something every freelancer should consider.
Strategic Tool Selection for Maximum Efficiency
So, um, here’s something practical that really resonated with me – Girlie’s choice to specialize in Canva over Photoshop. Yeah, she chose efficiency and speed over complexity. And uh, this is actually a brilliant example of niche specialization.
Instead of trying to master every tool out there, she focused on what maximizes her productivity and meets client demands. This approach allows her to deliver high-quality work faster, which means better turnaround times and happier clients. As someone who’s been in the freelancing space, I can say that choosing the right tools can significantly impact your stress levels and productivity.
Building Your Support Network
All right, so one of the most important freelancing success tips Girlie shared was about community. Yeah, she talked about joining freelancing groups and how crucial this is for combating loneliness and getting encouragement. And honestly, this is something I think many freelancers overlook.
Freelancing can be incredibly isolating, especially when you’re transitioning from a traditional office environment. But having a supportive community provides emotional support, knowledge exchange, and motivation. Right, so it’s not just about developing your skills – it’s about building networks that sustain you through the challenges.
The Importance of Purpose-Driven Work
So, um, what really inspired me about Girlie’s story is how she aligns her work with her values. She focuses on clients with eco-friendly products and social causes, which not only makes her work more meaningful but also differentiates her in the market. Yeah, this is one of those freelancing success tips that goes beyond just making money.
When your work aligns with your personal values, you’re more likely to stay motivated during tough times. And uh, consumers today are increasingly favoring ethical brands, so this alignment can actually attract better clients who share similar values.
Mental Health and Self-Care in Freelancing
All right, so let’s talk about something Girlie emphasized that I think is crucial – mental health management. She practices journaling, gratitude exercises, and works on reducing overthinking. Yeah, these practices are essential because in freelancing, the boundaries between work and personal life can easily blur.
As a freelancer myself, I’ve learned that taking care of your mental health isn’t just nice to have – it’s necessary for long-term success. Girlie’s approach to self-care helps prevent burnout and maintains focus, which are critical for sustaining a freelance career.
Embracing Rejection and Persistence
Okay, so here’s a reality check that every new freelancer needs to hear – Girlie emphasized the inevitability of rejections. Yeah, she talked about how you have to embrace the “no’s” as part of the journey. And uh, this is probably one of the most important freelancing success tips for beginners.
Rejection isn’t personal – it’s just part of the process. Right, so instead of getting discouraged by rejection, you need to see it as feedback and keep pushing forward. Persistence often matters more than immediate wins, and this mindset can make the difference between giving up and achieving success.
Starting with Your “Why”
So, um, I want to end with what I think is the most powerful advice Girlie shared – start with your “why.” Yeah, she talked about how having a clear purpose drives sustainable freelance careers. Whether it’s financial freedom, family support, or passion, your “why” becomes your anchor during challenging times.
All right, so if you’re considering freelancing or struggling in your current freelance journey, take these freelancing success tips to heart. Remember, it’s not just about the skills – it’s about mindset, community, authenticity, and purpose. And uh, as Girlie would say, embrace the discomfort that comes with growth because that’s where the magic happens.
Ready to transform your freelancing journey? Start by identifying your “why” and implementing these proven strategies that helped Girlie achieve six-figure success in just 1.5 years.
