What I've learned so far as a freelancer...

Two full months (and a little bit) into running my own PR and Marketing consultancy, and the world feels a little different. My calendar has stopped behaving like a conveyor belt or a place where dreams go to die, and has started becoming more like my art studio: sometimes cluttered, sometimes calm, definitely a creative space and always mine to shape. It’s a joy.

So far I’ve had the privilege of supporting organisations working in business development, sustainability, manufacturing, retail, technology and the arts in. But what have I learned so far? 

Well, each project has arrived with its own personality and puzzle pieces, and I’ve found myself drawing on every corner of my experience and really taking an integrated approach to my work (which I love): crisis comms, media relations, strategic planning, marketing, stakeholder engagement and the quiet, but essential work of building trust and client relationships. 

One particular strength that’s continued to prove invaluable is my ability to read incredibly fast, research effectively and rapidly absorb complex information and turn it into clear, simple comms. I absolutely love learning new things (I’ve been referred to as Johnny 5 and Hermione Granger on many occasions) and I am extremely grateful for this skill.  In this latest career scenario, working across multiple industries, means switching between subject matter, audiences, priorities and challenges at pace and being able to get up to speed quickly. My ability to do this has helped me move multiple clients concurrently forward, without losing momentum. Thanks brain! I’ve learned I can trust myself and my skills. 

There have been a few challenges - kicking imposter syndrome in the crotch requires energy and determination (even when you have little energy left between building a new business, being a mum and generally adulting and doing life), so I’ve learned that’s it’s helpful to have one or two trusted cheerleaders who you know will encourage you but also give you honest feedback, so you trust they aren’t just blowing smoke when they say nice things! I miss my Pa so much. He was always really good at that. 

Chasing people for late payment isn’t the most fun. Please pay sole traders on time, especially when they have given you lots of free hours and there is more work to finish in the project. But I’ve learned that I have to advocate for myself because no one else will do it for you. I’ve also learned that I need to put a late payment penalty clause into my contract. I will take views on this if anyone has one! 

People trying to mine your brain for free is something I’ve long since been alive to but now I have had to develop effective but tactful skills to help manage, hopefully without alienating potential clients. Finding the balance between giving a prospect enough info or detail to give them confidence in you and to see the cut of your gib vs. seeing your ideas and advice suddenly turn into action and outcome without any return for you, is tricky. Particularly when you already know your perspective client. It’s happened to me on several occasions and I’m now much more careful.

Stepping out on my own has been both energising and grounding. I’m learning how to run a business - applying skills from previously running in-house departments to my own venture, how to protect creative headspace (and feeling like I’m achieving that more than I have done for several years). Going back to the whole time management and diary point, I’m also learning how to manage my time generally, and I’ve realised that although I must of course prioritise client work, I also need to try and set aside specific , quality time to do admin and my own marketing rather than trying to do it in snatched moments or on the go. 

On that note, I’ve also learned that my Granny was right when she said the ‘cobblers children are always the worst shod’! Doing your own marketing as a marketer- should be easy right?! Wrong! Well it is for me. After marketing all day for others it’s the last thing I want to do is do more marketing for myself, especially as I’ve been trying to do it in snatched moments. Also, I have said before, it’s uncomfortable tooting your own horn, but toot I must or I will be a very quiet, bored and broke consultant!  So to that end - if you’re looking for support with PR, crisis communications, media training, an event or strategic marketing in 2026, I’d love to connect. 

What else have I learned - that your network are so important. So to everyone who’s offered advice, referrals, encouragement or a cup of coffee (and the stronger stuff) in these first weeks, you’ve helped turn what could have been a daunting leap into something that feels genuinely exciting and wonderful. So thank you! Please keep it coming. Particularly the referrals. 

So, here’s to month three.