Here are ten observations I’d share with myself if I could snag a time machine and meet little baby Sarah for coffee. I hope you find them helpful!
(1) What you think is possible is the only thing that’s limiting you.
The more I know, the more that’s been possible for me.
(2) Writing is everything.
Literally. It’s the language of the contract for design, strategy, etc. We’re all writing. Knowing how to do it really well gives me an advantage in everything I do.
(3) Good work gets you clients, systems get you profits.
A new project, niche, or client every day of the week means I’m wasting 1-2 hours a day to get up to speed. Cast a wide net, but specialize ASAP.
(4) Anyone can work themselves to death for $1 million.
It takes intention to build a business that allows you to live for $1 million.
(5) Women should up their prices by 25%. Like now.
I’ve never seen a man post in a forum that they feel bad to charge a certain rate or fee. I see it from women weekly.
(6) With clients, listen more than you talk.
For the first five years, I thought I had to impress people before I could get the gig. Now I know I need to understand people before I can get the gig.
(7) There’s more money out there than we can even conceive — everyone should get some.
In my industry alone, there’s $5.2 billion on the table every year to pay people like me. There’s plenty of room to start and grow a business.
(8) The only qualification you need is curiosity.
You can find, learn, follow, ask anyone anything today. The only thing that “qualifies” you (outside traditional, regulated fields like medicine, law, finance) is your willingness to learn and be curious.
(9) There’s no such thing as freelance competitors.
Maybe SaaS can have secrets, but I thrive when I tell my friends everything. When I refer projects, and get referrals myself.
(10) I’m gonna do it again in half the time.
When you invest in yourself, you compound your ability to make money. My first $1 mil will have taken me a little over 8 years… I’m going to do it again in 4 now that I know what I know.